✧ Series Note – South Korea Trip 2023 ✧
First time in South Korea. Solo. Unscripted. Raw. Real.
A short, cold trip filled with long walks, warm meals, and unforgettable moments.
📅 Dec 1–5, 2023

☕ A New Morning, A New Mission

Determined to conquer my failed itinerary from the day before, I rose early, grabbed my usual guesthouse coffee, and set off from Hoehyeon Station on Line 4. My heart was set on visiting Nami Island, Petite France, and the Garden of the Morning Calm—bucket-list spots tucked into Gyeonggi-do’s scenic embrace.

This time, I’d done my homework. Routes mapped, transfers noted, schedules memorized. I was ready.

🚉 The Long Ride to Freedom

Armed with route research and refreshed confidence, I boarded the subway to Ichon Station (Oido-bound), transferred to the Gyeongui-Jungang Line (Jipyeong-bound), and then finally onto the Gyeongchun Line (Chuncheon-bound) at Sangbong Station. A few transfers and a long but manageable ride later—I made it.

Gapyeong Station. At last.

🚌 The Gapyeong Tourist Shuttle Bus: A Traveler’s Lifesaver

After a quick stop at the Gapyeong Tourist Information Center for a short orientation, I hopped on the Gapyeong Tourist Shuttle Bus, paying the KRW 8,000 fare directly to the driver.

This hop-on, hop-off bus covers nearly all the major tourist spots in the area—Gapyeong Rail Bike, Jarasum, Nami Island, Petite France, the Italian Village, and The Garden of Morning Calm, among others. Easy, efficient, and tourist-friendly.

With my dated ticket in hand, I was officially on my way to ticking off the must-sees.

🍂 Nami Island: From Drama Scene to Dream Scene

The ferry to Nami Island—KRW 16,000, round trip—was a breezy five-minute ride, made all the more charming by its “passport-style” entry ticket. This island has been on my list ever since Winter Sonata first made hearts flutter around the world in 2002.

I was early, so the crowds hadn’t arrived yet. Bliss.

I strolled through quiet trails like Maple Lane, Metasequoia Lane, and Weeping Willow Lane, and paused at General Nami’s tomb—a nod to the island’s historic namesake. Wildlife like rabbits and peacocks roamed freely, adding to the island’s whimsy.

Before leaving, I grabbed a hot cup of odeng (fish cake)—a delicious way to warm up—and caught the return ferry, ready for stop #2.

🎭 Petite France & Italian Village: K-Dramas and European Dreams

I wasn’t expecting much from Petite France, but it turned out to be a charming surprise.

After another smooth ride on the shuttle bus, I paid the KRW 19,000 combo admission and climbed the steep path to the entrance. The area is best known as a K-Drama filming hotspot (Secret Garden, My Love from the Star, Running Man).

Petite France looked like something out of a fairy tale—with pastel-painted buildings, cobbled paths, and tributes to The Little Prince. Next door, the Italian Village offered a cozy European vibe with its rustic architecture and tiny cafés.

I caught a whimsical puppet show posed by the mini Eiffel Tower and snapped a few photos that—no joke—looked like I was somewhere in Provence.

📸 Garden of the Morning Calm: Where Time Slows Down

With the shuttle ticking onward, I arrived at the Garden of the Morning Calm. For KRW 11,000, I stepped into a world of flower beds and serenity.

I wandered through Sunken Garden, J’s Cottage, Happy Tunnel, and the Moonlight Garden, each space feeling like its own little world. No hectic tours, no chaos—just quiet beauty.

Hungry, I treated myself to a steaming bowl of doenjang jjigae (KRW 9,000)—earthy and comforting, like the day itself.

Though the Lighting Festival was scheduled to start at 6 PM, I opted to skip it and catch the shuttle to Cheongpyeong Station. To my surprise, the same kind bus driver from earlier that morning was behind the wheel again. What are the chances?

🚉 The train journey back was smooth:
Cheongpyeong → Cheongnyangni → Sangbong → Wangsimni → Dongdaemun History & Culture Park. 🚉

🏙 Dongdaemun Finale: Lights, Lines, and a Late-Night Walk

As one last adventure before heading back to my guesthouse, I swung by the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)—a stunning architectural landmark by Zaha Hadid. The futuristic curves, sleek exhibition halls, and night lights made for the perfect end to a full day.

A short stroll. A few quiet photos. Then back to the guesthouse, soul full and feet finally ready to rest.

✍️Reflection: Gratitude on the Road

While I was riding alone on the bus to Cheongpyeong Station from the Garden of the Morning Calm, I was beyond thankful that this dream day trip was finally realized. Yesterday’s messy and failed plan never stopped me from exploring this place. I met so many wonderful people along the road with their warm smiles and welcoming gestures.

Moments like this remind me why I travel—not just for scenery, but for those tiny slivers of kindness and grace that show up when you least expect them. This journey wasn’t perfect, but it was honest, and that made it all the more unforgettable.

*** I wrapped up 2023 with an adventure to the land of K-Pop—a journey that felt like a dream yet came with its own moments of truth. A few unexpected mishaps added some spice to the trip, but in the end, I was beyond grateful to finally tick South Korea off my travel bucket list; a place that once sparked a dream becomes the one that reminds you how far you’ve come.***