What to do in Gapyeong (near Nami Island)

Near Nami Island in Gapyeong there are some great additional attractions and activities to visit, so ensure you check them out before planning your visit and decide which ones you are interested in. 

The most popular attractions near Nami Island include the following, with more details about one each provided further down in this article.

  • The Gapyeong Rail Bike is a fun experience to pedal on a two or 4 seater kart along a disused rail track – a very fun activity!  A similar activity is also available at the nearby Gangchon Rail Bike.
  • Petite France is a French themed village where you can explore the culture of France and learn more about puppets, as well as seeing a live puppet show.
  • The Garden of Morning Calm is an amazing garden to visit in all four seasons.  From seeing cherry blossoms in spring, summer greenery, amazing autumn foliage colours and the evening light illuminations in winter it is a worthwhile addition to your Nami Island itinerary.
More having fun on the Gapyeong Rail Cars!
More having fun on the Gapyeong Rail Cars!

See the below Gapyeong map to get a better idea of where each place mentioned is located relative to each other.

How to Visit Nami Island and Gapyeong Attractions from Seoul

Near Nami Island in Gapyeong there are a lot of other great experiences and things to do, so make sure you plan out your visit to make the most of them!  You can either book a day tour or use the local Gapyeong City tour bus from Gapyeong Station to get around and visit. Check out our detailed article about how to visit Nami Island and surrounds from Seoul for more information about DIY options.

Nami Island Tour Summary

Below are our recommended Nami Island Tour options. Read our detailed Nami Island Tours article to learn more about what is included in each tour option, and also further information about each attraction you can visit. Then decide which tour will suit you best, and ensure you book early to get your preferred tour option.

Gapyeong and Gangchon Rail Bikes

The experience of a Korean rail bike is unique in the world – you get to ride along a unused section of rail track by pedalling.  All seats in each rail bike have pedals so everyone can help, and you can choose either a 2 or 4 seat rail bike. 

I was relieved to discover that for uphill sections there is an electric booster system – once you have worked out how to start it you can then relax and stop pedalling up the hill – otherwise it would have been very hard work!

Having Fun on the Gapyeong Rail Car near Nami Island
Having Fun on the Gapyeong Rail Car near Nami Island

I think the Gapyeong Rail Bike is a great option for families to have fun together, and would definitely recommend you include it in your visit to the Gapyeong area.  Allow approximately 2 hours for this experience, and ensure you book your timeslot ahead as it can get quickly booked out. If you have booked a day tour they may book your tickets for you.

Click here to check out our detailed article about planning your visit to the Gapyeong and Gangchon Rail Bikes

Crossing the bridge on the Gapyeong Rail Cars
Crossing the bridge on the Gapyeong Rail Cars

Gapyeong Zipline

There is an additional Gapyeong Zipline located in Kalbongsan Natural Recreational Forest.  The complex has zipline suitable from beginners to experienced and has 8 separate routes with a length of over 2.4km, all set within the beautiful forest.  You can choose from either the beginner or full course package.  Allow approximately 1-2 hours for your visit.

The Zipline Gapyeong is located 7km west from Gapyeong Station, and can be accessed by either car or taxi.

Click here to book your Gapyeong Zipline Tickets through Klook

The Garden of Morning Calm

The Garden of Morning Calm is an absolutely beautiful garden to visit, nestled in the valley amongst the mountains.  In each season there is something different to see – cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage colours.  During winter they put on an amazing illumination show which is well worth seeing.

The gardens are extensive with 27 different themed garden areas to explore.  Allow at least 2-3 hours to meander through the gardens and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

The driving distance from Nami Island to the Garden of Morning Calm is 25km / 15 mi / 36 minutes, or you can catch the Gapyeong City Tour Bus via other attractions.  You can also travel from Seoul to Cheongpyeong Station by ITX train and then catch a bus or taxi to The Garden of Morning Calm, a distance of 13km / 8 mi or 18 minutes.

Click here to check out our detailed article about planning your visit to The Garden of Morning Calm

Views of The Sunken Garden in The Garden of Morning Calm
Views of The Sunken Garden in The Garden of Morning Calm

Petite France Seoul

Petite France in Korea is a fun French themed location to visit in Gapyeong.  You can easily spend a few hours exploring the village, which is filled with fun museums and art, go on a short nature walk through the forest and also watch a puppet show.

Entrance to Petite France near Seoul
Entrance to Petite France near Seoul

Click here to check out our detailed article to help you plan your visit to Petite France Korea

From Nami Island to Petite France is a short journey south of 17km / 10.5 mi or a 25 minute drive or you can catch the Gapyeong City Tour Bus. 

The Central Square at Petite France
The Central Square at Petite France

We hope that you have a great time visiting Nami Island and the surrounding area. We really enjoyed our visit and are sure you will too.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to make your trip planning easy, hassle-free and organized. Click here to download your FREE printable checklist, to help you to plan your trip step by step and tick off items as you finalise your preparations.

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You are also welcome to join our South Korea Travel Planning Facebook Group – it is a great resource to enable you to ask questions about your upcoming trip to South Korea!

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