Just northeast of Seoul, the neighbouring areas of Gapyeong (가평) and Chuncheon (춘천) make up Korea's favourite lake-and-mountain day trip — close enough to do in a day, pretty enough to stay overnight. This is green hills, river valleys and big calm lakes, dotted with some of the most famous K-drama and photo spots in the country. And it's wonderfully easy: a single train line from Seoul links the whole route, so you can hop between the highlights without a car.
Here's how to put a day (or two) together.
The famous one. Nami Island is a half-moon-shaped river island covered in long, straight avenues of trees — the metasequoia and ginkgo lanes you've seen in a thousand photos — made world-famous by the classic drama Winter Sonata. You reach it by a short ferry (or a zip-line, if you're brave), and once there it's all tree-lined paths, cafés, and art installations. Gorgeous in every season, and pure nostalgia for Hallyu fans.
From Gapyeong, a shuttle bus runs to the Nami ferry pier. Go early to beat the tour crowds.
One of Korea's oldest and loveliest private gardens, set in the hills with themed sections, ponds and seasonal flowers. It's beautiful by day all year — but it's most famous in winter, when the whole garden is wrapped in millions of fairy lights for the Lighting Festival, an absolutely magical after-dark experience. Often combined with Nami Island on the same day.
The winter Lighting Festival usually runs from late autumn into early spring. Reachable by shuttle from Gapyeong.
A whimsical hillside cluster of colourful French-style cottages overlooking the lake, themed around The Little Prince — and a beloved K-drama filming location, most famously for My Love from the Star. It's photogenic and a little kitschy in the best way, with puppet shows and pretty viewpoints. Right next door is an Italian-themed village, so you can do "Europe in an afternoon."
On the shuttle-bus loop around Gapyeong's sights. Fun for drama fans and families.
One of the most fun things to do in the area: pedal a four-person rail bike along a scenic stretch of disused railway, gliding past the river, through tunnels lit with lights, and across old bridges. It's easy, relaxed, and genuinely joyful — a favourite for couples, friends and families. A brilliant way to soak up the river scenery without breaking a sweat.
Near Gimyujeong Station on the Gyeongchun line. Booking ahead is wise on weekends.
Chuncheon is the lake city at the end of the line, and it's synonymous with one dish: dakgalbi, spicy stir-fried chicken with cabbage, sweet potato and rice cake, cooked on a big hot plate at your table — and finished by frying rice in the leftover sauce. Pair it with makguksu, cold buckwheat noodles, the local specialty. Head to Chuncheon's famous "Dakgalbi Street" and order generously; it's the perfect end to a day out here.
Dakgalbi is made for sharing — go with friends. Chuncheon is the last major stop on the line.
How to get there & get around
This is the easiest trip in this whole series. The ITX-Cheongchun and Gyeongchun line trains run from Seoul (from Yongsan/Cheongnyangni and the subway network) straight out to Gapyeong (about an hour) and on to Chuncheon (around 80 minutes) — no car needed. From Gapyeong Station, a handy city tour shuttle bus loops between Nami Island, the Garden of Morning Calm and Petite France, so you can string the highlights together easily.
If you're combining this with more of Korea by rail, a rail pass can simplify the train legs:
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A classic loop: morning train to Gapyeong → shuttle to Nami Island → Garden of Morning Calm or Petite France → rail bike if you have time → train on to Chuncheon for dakgalbi dinner → home. Pick three of the five and don't rush; it's a relaxed kind of place.
The bottom line
Gapyeong and Chuncheon are the perfect first trip out of Seoul: famous K-drama scenery, an easy train ride, a fun rail bike, and a legendary dinner — all without needing to drive. Whether you're a Hallyu fan chasing Nami Island or just want a green day by the lake, it delivers.
Planning more? See my guide to Korea's best small cities, the 7-day Korea itinerary, and grab a T-money card for the trains.