"Looking to escape the city and find beautiful places to unwind, take dreamy photos, and sip slow coffee? This itinerary is for you."
Gapyeong isn’t just about water sports — it’s also a paradise for aesthetic seekers. Whether you’re a photographer, a cafe lover, or just someone who enjoys nature and design, this route offers a perfectly balanced trip full of Instagrammable moments and peaceful vibes. Here's how to enjoy it like a local, but prettier.
📸 Day Trip Course (For the One-Day Shutterbugs)
🕘 9:00 AM – Depart from Seoul
Board the ITX-Cheongchun train from Yongsan or Cheongnyangni Station.
Get off at Cheongpyeong Station, just under 90 minutes from Seoul.
📝 Tip: Weekday mornings = fewer crowds and better photo ops.
🌿 10:30 AM – The Garden of Morning Calm
Take a 20–30 minute taxi ride to The Garden of Morning Calm — one of Korea’s most beloved gardens.
This place is a seasonal wonderland:
🌸 Spring flowers
🌻 Summer hydrangeas
🍁 Fall foliage
🎄 Winter light shows
Explore over 20 themed gardens like the Sky Path, Sunken Garden, and Korean Garden.
Every turn offers a frame-worthy view.
☕ Bonus: Small cafés inside the garden make for a perfect photo-and-pause moment.
🍽 1:30 PM – Lunch at a Nearby Aesthetic Restaurant
After a slow stroll and 100+ photos, walk or taxi to a nearby restaurant.
💫 Try Korean set meals with modern plating or light fusion brunches with local ingredients.
Most cafés here have mountain views or traditional hanok-style interiors.
☕ 3:00 PM – Bukhangang Riverside Cafe Tour
Take a taxi to the Bukhangang riverside area near Gapyeong Station.
Visit a large café like:
- Ikovox Coffee
- Urban Place Gapyeong
- Starbucks Bukhangang R.
These cafés are known for:
🪟 Floor-to-ceiling windows
🏞 Stunning river and mountain views
📸 Minimalist interiors perfect for content creators
💡 Photo tip: 3–5PM = soft light, fewer shadows. Stay for sunset if you can.
🚉 5:30 PM – Return to Seoul
Head back to Cheongpyeong Station and take the ITX-Cheongchun train home.
Expect to be back in Seoul by 7:00 PM.
🏡 1 Night 2 Days Course (For the Dreamy Weekend Stay)
🕘 [Day 1]
Follow the same morning course: Seoul → Cheongpyeong → Garden of Morning Calm → Lunch.
Then, at 3:00 PM, continue to:
🇫🇷 Petite France & Italian Village
Get ready for a European escape without a plane ticket.
📷 Petite France: A pastel-colored village inspired by The Little Prince.
🎭 Italian Village: Pinocchio, Da Vinci vibes, cobblestone paths, and live performances.
Every step is a photo zone.
🏠 6:00 PM – Check-in at a Bukhangang-View Pension
Book a place like The Stay or Clubfish, known for:
- Large windows and designer interiors
- River or mountain views
- Quiet, cozy atmosphere
You’ll want to take as many pictures inside as you do outside.
🍷 7:30 PM – Dinner
Choose between:
🥩 BBQ at your pension
🍽 A fine-dining spot near the Bukhangang river with candlelight and view
Perfect way to close your aesthetic day.
🥐 [Day 2]
Sleep in, then enjoy a homemade breakfast or late brunch.
☕ Your pension’s balcony, living room, or even kitchen could double as a photoshoot set.
📍 11:00 AM – Another Riverside Cafe
Pick a new café you didn’t visit on Day 1. Some suggestions are:
- Namihana
- Bukhangang Atelier
- Hidden cafés near Route 75
Take it slow. Try a new dessert. Photograph your coffee. Repeat.
🍽 1:30 PM – Lunch Nearby
Most riverside cafés are surrounded by elegant restaurants or fusion eateries. Enjoy a relaxed meal before your final stop.
🌲 3:00 PM – Jade Garden Arboretum (Optional)
If you still have energy, visit Jade Garden, known as “a small Europe in the forest.”
It’s a bit closer to Chuncheon, but still worth the detour.
🌿 Wide lawns, flower tunnels, ivy walls = ultimate fairy tale vibes.
📍 Plan 1–2 hours here before returning.
🚆 5:00 PM – Back to Seoul
Take the ITX from Cheongpyeong or Chuncheon Station, depending on where you end your trip.
📌 Local Tips
- 🎫 Book ITX train tickets online 3+ days ahead
- 🧳 Bring extra camera batteries & memory cards
- 📱 Use Kakao T for taxis
- 🌤 Avoid rainy days for best lighting
- 📸 Best time to shoot: 9–11AM, 3–6PM
📥 Want a downloadable PDF with map links, stay options, and café guides?
👉 Click here to access it