Garden of Morning Calm Travel Guide

Another popular tourist destination in the Gapyeong area is the Garden of Morning Calm…. Huh? A garden? what’s special? is it worth it? I probably skip this place. If that is what in your mind right now, you are not alone. During the planning stage of our itinerary, we really consider skipping this place and a lot more time to other tourist destinations. But now, I’m really thankful that we add this place to our itinerary.

The view of this place is definitely 101% worth it. I really feel the relaxing vibe of the place especially when we climb up to the Alpine rock garden section (the great thing about this place is only a few people are going here) that give us the full view of the garden. When we are in this area, I imagine having a cup of coffee while sitting on the bench and enjoying the relaxing scenery. Aaaaahhh this is what you called LIFE!!!!

The Garden of Morning Calm is the oldest private garden in Korea. It was conceptualized by Professor Han Sang-Kyung when he was still in America serving as an exchange professor. The name Garden of the Morning Calm is from an Indian poet who called Korea as “the land of the Morning Calm”.

This 3-hectare garden serves as a home for about 5,000 kinds of plants, including varieties of native to Baekdusan Mountain, known as a spiritual mountain to the Korean people. Garden of Morning calm has 26 themed gardens within the entire compound which make it a perfect place not only for families and nature lovers but also for photographers. There are a lot of natural spots you can choose from for your photo/selfies here.

How to go to Garden of the Morning Calm

By Train:

It is a 2 hrs travel from Myeongdong Station to Gapyeong Station.

• Myeongdong to Dongdaemun History Culture Park
• Dongdaemun History Culture Park to Gunja
• Gunja to Sangbong
• Sangbong to Gapyeong

From Gapyeong Station, you have an option to take a cab or ride the Gapyeong bus.

Gapyeong Bus

• For 6,000 KRW you can have an unlimited ride on the Gapyeong Bus.
• Bus Route – Gapyeong Station – Jaraseon Island- Gapyeong Railbike – Nami Island (warf) – Interactive art museum – Petite France – Cheongpyeong Bus station a- Cheongpyeong station- Garden of Morning Calm
• Make sure to know the bus schedule. The bus has an interval, from 30 – 45 mins. if you miss one, it could ruin your Itinerary

By Bus tour:

It is the easiest and most convenient way. You don’t need to worry anymore about the availability of public transportation, you just need to go to the meeting place around Seoul and have a relaxing trip going to Nami Island, Petit France, and Garden of the Morning Calm. Plus they have a friendly travel guide that gives you more information about the place and Korea.  You can purchase your discounted tour here  Gapyeong Day Tour

Entrance Cost:

Adult – 9,500 KRW

Youth – 7,000 KRW

middle school – high school Kids – 6,000 KRW

36months – elementary school

For a complete itinerary, check out our detailed South Korea Itinerary here: Ultimate South Korea Itinerary

Reminder:

Smoking and drinking are prohibited inside the garden.

Collecting plants, insects, and stones is prohibited and punishable by law.