✧ 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 redeem my failed itinerary from the day before, I woke up early, grabbed my usual guesthouse coffee, and set off from Hoehyeon Station on Line 4. My heart was set on visiting three bucket-list spots tucked into the scenic corners of Gyeonggi-do: Nami Island, Petite France, and the Garden of the Morning Calm.
This time, I had done my homework—routes mapped, transfers noted, and schedules memorized. I was ready.
The Long Ride to Freedom 🚉
Armed with careful planning and renewed confidence, I boarded the subway to Ichon Station (Oido-bound), transferred to the Gyeongui–Jungang Line (Jipyeong-bound), and then hopped onto the Gyeongchun Line (Chuncheon-bound) at Sangbong Station.
A few transfers and a long but manageable ride later, I finally arrived.
Gapyeong Station. At last.
For a solo traveler navigating Korea’s transit system for the first time, reaching this station felt like a small victory.
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 shuttle conveniently connects most of the area’s major attractions—Gapyeong Rail Bike, Jarasum Island, Nami Island, Petite France, the Italian Village, and the Garden of the Morning Calm.
Simple. Efficient. Perfect for independent travelers.
With my dated ticket in hand, I was officially on my way to ticking off the must-see spots of Gapyeong.
Nami Island: From Drama Scene to Dream Scene 🍂
The ferry ride to Nami Island—KRW 16,000 round trip—was a breezy five minutes, made even more charming by the island’s playful “passport-style” entry ticket.
This destination had been on my travel list ever since Winter Sonata captured hearts around the world in 2002. Arriving early turned out to be a blessing. The crowds had not yet arrived, and the island felt calm and almost magical.
I wandered through quiet pathways like Maple Lane, Metasequoia Lane, and Weeping Willow Lane, pausing occasionally to admire the scenery and breathe in the crisp winter air. I also stopped by the tomb of General Nami, the historical figure after whom the island is named.
Rabbits and peacocks roamed freely around the grounds, adding an unexpected layer of charm to the landscape.
Before leaving, I warmed up with a cup of odeng (fish cake)—simple, comforting, and perfect for a chilly morning. Soon after, I boarded the return ferry and continued onward to my next stop.
Petite France & Italian Village: K-Drama Meets Europe 🎭
I did not expect much from Petite France, but it turned out to be a delightful surprise. After another smooth shuttle ride, I paid the KRW 19,000 combo admission and slowly climbed the steep path leading to the entrance.
This colorful village is famous as a filming location for several Korean shows, including Secret Garden, My Love from the Star, and even episodes of Running Man. The moment I stepped inside, the place felt like a scene straight out of a fairy tale—pastel-colored buildings, winding cobblestone paths, and whimsical tributes to The Little Prince.
Next door, the Italian Village continued the European atmosphere with rustic architecture, small cafés, and cozy courtyards.
At one point, I watched a playful puppet performance staged near the mini Eiffel Tower. Standing there, camera in hand, I snapped photos that honestly looked like they had been taken somewhere in the French countryside.
For a moment, Gapyeong felt a little like Provence.
Garden of the Morning Calm: Where Time Slows Down 📸
The final stop of the day brought me to the Garden of the Morning Calm, one of Korea’s most beloved botanical gardens. For KRW 11,000, I stepped into a peaceful world of winding paths, carefully curated gardens, and quiet corners designed for reflection.
I wandered slowly through several sections, including the Sunken Garden, J’s Cottage, Happy Tunnel, and Moonlight Garden. Each space felt unique, yet all shared the same calming atmosphere.
No rushing crowds. No noisy tour groups. Just gentle beauty. By this point, hunger had caught up with me, so I ordered a comforting bowl of doenjang jjigae for KRW 9,000—warm, earthy, and satisfying after a long day of exploring.
Although the famous Lighting Festival was scheduled to begin at 6 PM, I decided to skip it and catch the shuttle to Cheongpyeong Station instead. To my surprise, the same kind bus driver from earlier that morning was behind the wheel again.
What were the chances?
Journey Back to Seoul 🚉
The return journey unfolded smoothly: Cheongpyeong → Cheongnyangni → Sangbong → Wangsimni → Dongdaemun History & Culture Park. For someone who had struggled with navigation the day before, the trip back felt wonderfully effortless.
Dongdaemun Finale: Lights and Late-Night Wanderings 🏙
Before heading back to the guesthouse, I made one final stop at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP). Designed by renowned architect Zaha Hadid, the futuristic structure felt like stepping into another world. Its flowing curves, sleek exhibition halls, and glowing nighttime lights created an unforgettable atmosphere.
I took a slow walk around the plaza, snapped a few quiet photos, and let the day settle in. Eventually, I returned to my guesthouse—my soul full and my feet finally ready for rest.
Reflection: Gratitude on the Road ✍️
While riding the bus from the Garden of the Morning Calm to Cheongpyeong Station, I found myself quietly reflecting on the day. Yesterday’s failed itinerary could have easily discouraged me, but it didn’t. Instead, it pushed me to try again.
Along the way, I met kind strangers, received warm smiles, and experienced small gestures of hospitality that made the journey even more meaningful. Moments like these remind me why I travel—not just for the scenery, but for those tiny, unexpected acts of kindness that appear when you least expect them.
This journey wasn’t perfect, but it was honest. And somehow, that made it even 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 simply grateful to finally tick South Korea off my bucket list. Sometimes the places that once inspired our dreams are the same places that remind us how far we’ve come.
