The Soul of Seoul | Adventures In Korea

10 Things To Do In Gapyeong, Korea – The Soul of Seoul

Gapyeong, an area just east of Seoul, Korea in Gyeonggi-do, is a popular daytrip spot for many Seoulites looking to get out of the city and into nature for at least a day. On top of being home to numerous hills, forests, and rivers, there are also some interesting museums, quirky cafes, and musical hot spots that visitors can enjoy. If you’re looking for a quick getaway, a last minute wander, or just a cool area to explore in Korea, get Gapyeong on your radar and mark these things to do in Gapyeong on your map before you go. The best things to do in Gapyeong, Korea are whatever things you’ll have the most fun doing. From fun to food and the adventure in between, here are the places to go in Gapyeong, and some might surprise you: (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.) Enjoy contemporary art at Koo House (구하우스 미술관) Koo House (구하우스 미술관) is a private museum that showcases a collection of contemporary art and design works. There are paintings and sculptures from floor to ceiling. And make sure to head to the garden outside and back around because there’s more art and installations to see around the outside of the building too. The concept of the museum is ‘Living with Art’. The galleries are separated into reinterpreted rooms in a house and the art has been curated through a personal view of “how paintings, sculptures, photography and furniture can come together to present a wholly intimate perspective into the works of world’s preeminent artist’s and designer’s work.” They have a great collection. Walk Along the Colorful Facades In Petite France (쁘띠프랑스) Petite France (쁘띠프랑스) is a common addition on many tours out to the Gapyeong area. Very Instagrammable thanks to the colorful buildings in pink and yellow hues that are decorated with images in painted form and statue form of Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s book Little Prince, it’s a whimsical place to see. A lot of the buildings are also home to some pretty substantial collections of antiques. The Maison de Marie, for example, houses fine porcelain dolls made by Meissen, the first European porcelain maker. It’s a quirky village surrounded by Korean nature that manages to transport you outside of the continent. Feed sheep at the Gapyeong Sheep Farm (가평양떼목장) Gapyeong is home to a number of farms from goat farms to sheep farms and visiting them is great fun. The Gapyeong Sheep Farm (가평양떼목장) is especially nice with a beautiful cafe at the top of the hill with glass walls so that you can have coffee and a snack and still be surrounded by nature. The combination of rustic farm with architecturally beautiful cafe makes this sheep farm a fun treat in Gapyeong. Visit the cafe, and then head down the hill to pick up your hay. The sheep are not just charming but incredibly friendly, allowing you to get up close, pet them, and even feed them right from your hand. Take a Walk In Yumyeongsan Resort Forest (유명산자연휴양림) Yumyeongsan Resort Forest is the oldest recreational forest in Korea. You could opt to hike up to the peak of Yumyeongsan Mountain, or take a more leisurely walk in the recreational forest. Recreational forests in Korea have been set up to be convenient for everyone, even visitors with kids in strollers. Seeking to provide respite for the weary and a break into nature, this kind of forest is a great place to just sit and relax or join one of the many healing programs on offer. Eat your fill of chicken stew at Donggigan (동기간) Donggigan (동기간) has become one of my go-to places to eat in Gapyeong when we’re driving through because it’s so good, so filling, so cozy, and the atmosphere can’t be beat. Take a seat in one of the little huts that seat individual groups to be surrounded by warmth and nature as you sup. It’s so enticing. Not only are the meals here delicious, but they are hearty. The most popular menu items are the spicy young boiled chicken stew (토종닭볶음탕), and young boiled chicken stew (토종닭백숙). We always go for the boiled chicken stew that isn’t spicy. It has a deep umami taste that isn’t spicy but perfectly cozy.  Listen to music on Jarasum Island (자라섬) Famous for hosting a number of music festivals throughout the warmer months, Jarasum island is also home to campgrounds and facilities as well as flowers and pine trees. The festivals held here often have that hippy vibe, so get ready to sit back and enjoy the show. Soak in nature in Garden of the Morning Calm (아침고요수목원) One of the most popular places for people to visit in Gapyeong certainly must make the list. The Garden of the Morning Calm (아침고요수목원) is considered one of the most beautiful curated gardens in Korea and it’s stunning year round (yes, even in the winter). Inspired by Korea’s nickname “The Land of the Morning Calm”, this garden showcases some of the country’s most beautiful natural flora and fauna that are in harmony with the mountainous surroundings. It’s so picturesque, it has even be showcased in numerous Korean dramas and movies. Peddle along the Gapyeong Rail Park (가평레일파크) If it’s not the hottest part of the summer, look into having some fun at the Gapyeong Rail Park (가평레일파크). All around Korea, you can find tourist friendly spots where derelict train tracks have been turned into a fun and mildly aerobic activity. Don’t worry if you’re not super in shape, the rail bikes are semi-automated, so it’s not as strenuous as it could be. Choose from the two-seater or the four-seater and head off on the tracks showcased in famous movies like “The Letter” (1997). Find the unique Yellow Bridge Museum (노랑다리미술관) As you approach the Yellow Bridge Museum (노랑다리미술관), you can’t miss the vibrant yellow bridge that beckons from a distance, setting the tone for what lies ahead. Well, to be honest, you can’t begin to guess what you’ll see inside this unique museum in South Korea. Step into this Alice in Wonderland-like world where up is down and down is up and everywhere you look is a unique display of mundane things turned into art. This remarkable structure is a testament to the vision of Mr. Son Il-gwang, a first-generation fashion designer and the artistic genius behind the Yellow Bridge Art Gallery & Cafe. Be transported to the Alps in Edelweiss Swiss Theme Park (에델바이스 테마파크) Gapyeong seems to be a popular place to find European-themed villages. Edelweiss Swiss Theme Park (에델바이스 테마파크) is meant to reproduce the vibes of Switzerland with Swiss-style architecture in the mountainous region that surrounds it. They even have a cheese fondue experience. We haven’t yet visited this one, but it’s on our list of things to see in Gapyeong the next time we’re driving through. Are you ready for an adventure into Gapyeong, Korea? Whether you’re looking for a nature getaway, a European-style escape, or an aerobic activity, there’s something to do in Gapyeong. Did you like this post? Pin IT!