There are a lot of options to go to Nami Island, Petite France and Garden of the Morning Calm. From Seoul, you can rent a car or avail of the tourist bus which are two of the most convenient ways to get there but can also be costly. You can also commute via ITX or metro subway. I usually use the metro subway which only cost ₩4,500 round trip from Myeongdong (where I usually stay) to Gapyeong Station. From Gapyeong Station, you can either hire a taxi to take you there or avail of the Gapyeong City Tour bus for ₩6,000).
It will be helpful if you will also download the subway application on your mobile phone so you have a detailed guide of the fare, timetable, and options of which route to take (fast or simple). I took the faster route which has 1 hour and 46 minutes travel time. The simple route has the least transfers and will take 2 hours and 4 minutes.
Here is the step-by-step guide on how to commute from Myeongdong to Gapyeong to get to Nami Island and Petite France. If you have the subway app, you can just change the place of origin and follow the guide.
1) From Myeongdong station, I took line 4 train heading to Chungmuro station to get to Dongdaemun History and Culture Park station.
2) From Dongdaemun History and Culture Park station, I changed to line 2 and took the train heading to Sindang station to get to Wangsimni station.
3) From Wangsimni station, I changed to Jungang line and took the train heading to Cheongnyangni to get to Mangu station.
4) From Mangu station, I changed to Kyeongchun line and took the train heading to Galmae station to get to Gapyeong station.
5) From Gapyeong station, I took the Gapyeong City Tour Bus which is a very efficient and practical option if you want to visit the major tourist attractions around the city for only ₩6000. Gapyeong Tourist Bus Route includes Ehwawon Camping Site, Gapyeong Rail Bike, Nami Island, Petite France and Garden of the Morning Calm. The loading and offloading area of the tour bus is just in front of the Tourist Information Office which you will easily see upon exiting Gapyeong Station.
If you arrived really early in the morning and the bus is not yet available, you can just take a taxi to go to Nami Island. If you are travelling as a group, this can cut down the transportation cost and even save you time since the earliest shuttle service starts at 9 a.m.
Here is the Gapyeong shuttle bus route and time table during my travel. For updated information, you may visit http://www.gptour.go.kr.
Nami Island
The bus stop for Nami Island is before the parking lot. You will have to cross the street and walk your way through the parking lot until you reach the entrance to the ferry dock of Nami Island. Look for the Nami Zip Wire and it will lead you there.
If you arrived late afternoon like I did but still wanted to tour around, I suggest you go to Petite France first then Nami Island. That way, even if you will not be able to make it until the last shuttle bus schedule, at least you can take a taxi from Nami Island which would cost only around ₩3,000-₩3,500 because it is very near the subway station, while taxi from Nami Island to Petite France is about ₩17,000 to ₩18,000.
Here is a more detailed guide on how to go to Nami Island from their website: https://namisum.com.
Petite France
The bus stop for Petite France is on the same side as its entrance. You will just have to cross the street to get to the bus stop going back to Nami Island and Gapyeong Station.
Here is a more detailed guide on how to go to Petite France from their website: http://www.pfcamp.com
Garden of the Morning Calm
The last stop of the shuttle bus is the Garden of the Morning Calm. I was not able to go to Garden of the Morning Calm because I do not have enough time since I arrived late in the afternoon and the travel time by shuttle bus from Gapyeong Station is 45 minutes one way. However, the above steps using the subway as well as shuttle bus or taxi would still be the same if you will go there.
Here is a more detailed guide on how to go to the Garden of the Morning Calm from their website: http://morningcalm.co.kr.
I hope the detailed instructions have been helpful, please feel free to comment and share your experience too! I traveled solo during my first trip to Korea and went to Nami Island and Petite France on my own, I just researched and asked questions. When in doubt, take time to review your map or ask the The Tourist Information Office for assistance.
Hi! Do you have to go back to gapyeong station everytime you go to different places? Like after nami island, do i need to get back at gapyeong then wait there for the shuttle bus bound for petite or is there a shuttle bus waiting right outside nami, la petite and garden?
Thanks so much!
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No need to go back to Gapyeong Station. From Nami Island, you will have to walk to the bus stop to go to Petite France and Garden of the Morning Calm.
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Hi! I just want to ask if we need to book in advance the ticket for subway? we are going to gapyeong station from uljiro 3-ga station. I downloaded the subway app but i cant understand it. Huhu. Badly need your help. Thanks!😊
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Hi Raqs! No need to purchase the ticket for the subway. If you will be using T-Money, just make sure you load it with enough money for your travel. There are a lot of loading stations in the subway and you can also reload this in the convenience stores. I recommend you download the subway app by Kakao. You will just have to enter there what subway you are coming from and your subway destination. It will give you the option and instruction which station you will have to change lines. You can do it! That’s part of the thrill of travelling! Fighting! :-)
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Hi Lei, do we need to reserve a seat in advance? Like, is there a limit of tourists per ride/day? Does it get fully booked quick? Reason for the ask is because we might expect we can easily pay for the ride, but then when we get there, it might be sold out already and need to go back the next day. Thank you.
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Hi Elen! No need to reserve for a seat for the tourist bus. However, it is a first come, first serve basis so it is better to be there early so you can plan your tour and manage your time well. :)
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Hi! I am glad I came across your post. We have a trip coming in a few days and haven’t made up our minds on whether to get package tours or to just DIY. I hope you can answer my query… do you think upon arrival at Gapyeong, we start of with The Garden of Morning Calm, then Petit then Nami? What would you suggest the amount of time we spend per location? :) What would be your best suggestion for a group of 4 ?
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Hi Mia! If you will be arriving just in time for the first tourist bus, it might be better to start with the Garden of the Morning Calm, then Petite France then last is Nami Island. That way, even if you miss the last bus from Nami to Gapyeong station, you can still take a cab which will only cost around W3000. Petite France is really small, I was able to see everything in 30 minutes. Spend more time in Nami and Garden of the Morning Calm because they are both really pretty during the autumn season. However, the Garden of the Morning Calm looks gorgeous at night during the winter months because of the lights, so you might as well consider that. However, you might miss the last bus and the cab ride going back to Gapyeong Station will be much pricier.
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hi, any idea how much it will cost to take a taxi from Nami Island to Garden of Calm? We are making Garden the last stop coz of the lighting festival in Dec.
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Hi Sel! Taxi from Nami Island to Petite France is approximately ₩17,000 to ₩18,000 or maybe higher now. I’ve posted a picture of the taxi rates in this article, you can have that as a reference.
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Hi, May i know the Kyeongchun line is ITX or subway ???
If is ITX, do i need to bough the ticket in advance ??
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Hi Grace, I only use T-Money every time I go to Nami Island by subway. I have used this route 3 times already until November 2016 and it has always been the same. Enjoy your trip!
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Hi, Is the Php 3400 cheap for Nami Island + Petite France + Garden? GOing there this friday, thanks!!
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Hi MC! I apologize for the late reply…I hope you were able to enjoy your trip…well for me, P3400 is quite expensive for Nami Island + Petite France if you will include the subway ride, Gapyeong tourist bus and entrance fees. My estimate if you will plan a DIY tour would be less than P2000.
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hello can i know which subway app do you use? :)
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Hi Luis! I’ve always used the subway app by Kakao :)
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hello again. does the 8000 won ferry ride to nami island include the actual admission to the island? or is it only for the ferry ride? thanks!
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Hi again Luis! The 8000 won ticket to Nami Island includes the admission fee and the round trip ferry ride.
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Hi Lei, may I know where can i buy the shuttle bus tickets? Is it inside the tourist information counter outside gapyeong station?
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Hi Surya! You are correct, you can buy the shuttle bus ticket inside the tourist information counter outside Gapyeong Station :-)
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Hi, wanna ask, the bus tour for 6000won is like a 1 day pass?
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Hi Mun Shin! Yes, you are correct. The shuttle bus ticket of 6000 won is good for 1 day.
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Hi there, thanks for your post, it is really helpful. Just a little wonder, did you get the same route on your way back as on your way to get there? Or, did you take train from Cheongpyeong station on your way back from petite france, as it is closer rather than from Gapyeong station? Thank you
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Hi Ella, I used the same route going back to Seoul (Gapyeong Station).
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Hi. I just want to ask, is it possible to go to petite france first and then nami island using the shuttle bus? Since everyone will go to nami island first, I want to go to petite france first to avoid the crowd. Hope you can answer me asap. Hihi. Thank you!
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Yes, it is possible. That’s what I did :-)
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Hi. I just want to ask, is it possible to go to petite france first and then to Nami using the gapyeong shuttle bus? Since everyone will go to nami first, I want to go to petite france first to avoid the crowd. Hope you can answer me. Thank you!
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Yes it is possible. You can choose to stay in the bus even if it reaches the Nami Island bus stop and wait until it reaches Petite France. That’s what I did. :)
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Thank you for this post. This really helps! Will be going there together with my friends on end of April this year. I’m also a DIY person and prefer to explore a place on my own in a most cheaper way at my own preferred time. I downloaded the app you have suggested, and it’s really amazing. Will be also using T money card for subways. Can I also use it for the tour bus in Gapyeong?
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Hi Szheryl! Thanks for the feedback! I have not tried using T-Money in purchasing the ticket for the Gapyeong Tourist Bus. You may try to ask the Tourist Information Center if it is possible. I purchased mine using Korean won. Have fun on your trip! :)
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Thanks, Lei!
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Hi, saw the subway route you’ve took. Would like to ask would it better/faster for me if i were to go by seoul stn -> ichon -> mangu -> Gapyeong? As my hotel’s near seoul stn. Or following the route you’ve taken would be good enough? :)
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Hi, since I was staying in Myeongdong, that was my starting point. However, since you are near Seoul Station, you can also start there so it will be easier for you. You may also download the subway app so it will be easier for you to navigate the subway routes. Take care on your trip! :)
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Thank you for the prompt reply!
Do you know if i buy the tour bus ticket from the bus driver is it the same as buying the tix at the tourist info counter at gapyeong stn? :)
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Hi again! Yes I think it is just the same. However, speaking from experience, I got mine from the tourist information center outside gapyeong station.
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Hi, Lei. Thank you for sharing this! Your post is really informative. Would also like to ask, is gapyeong station to wharf walking distance? For in case that we would be taking a cab, how long is the travel time? Thanks in advance. :)
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Hi Pepey, I would suggest you take a cab. Travel time will be about 5 minutes. I’ve posted the taxi fare on the blog for your reference. Enjoy your trip! :)
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Hi Pepey, walking time from Gapyeong station to Nami Island is about 20 minutes (1.9 km) according to their website: https://namisum.com/en/location/
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Hi, any idea how much is the cost to just take a cab to travel to gapyoeng stn?
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Hi Joanne! I’ve posted a picture of taxi fare on the blog post for your reference. Usually around 3000+ KRW.
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Hello. Regarding the Gapyeong City Tour Bus, would you know if we could still hop on and just pay KRW 6,000 from Nami Island to be able to go to Petite France and Garden of Morning Calm? Can we do that? Thank you.
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Hi! Yes you can do that. Enjoy your trip! :)
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hi lei, were planning to go this April;
Nami Island, Garden of the Morning Calm, Petite France and Gapyeong Rail Park
– Myeongdong Station to Yongsan Station ITX
– Yongsan Station to Gapyeong Station (but the only available morning schedule Depart 6:55am – Arrival 7:54am)
Direct 2003 ITX-Cheongchun Yongsan Gapyeong 06:55 07:54
is it okay for us to arrive that early? does any of the park open that early?
what should we visit first? (Nami Island, Garden of the Morning Calm, Petite France and Gapyeong Rail Park)
how many hours will it takes to visit all? (so we can book in advance ITX Gapyeong Station to Yongsan Station)
Thank you in advance.
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Hello Glennr! Nami Island is open as early as 7:30 a.m., I suggest you go there first so it is less crowded. Just take a cab going there from Gapyeong station since the shuttle bus is usually available 9 am onwards. Your itinerary is feasible, however, you will have to manage your time well and start really early since you will be visiting 4 places in one day. I suggest you spend more time in Nami Island and Garden of the Morning Calm, lesser time in Petite France. I have not tried the rail park yet but my friend enjoyed it a lot. Enjoy your trip! :)
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Hi Lei,
Thank you for quick reply!
Were going this last week of April, what clothes should we bring? is it cold or hot? is it okay to wear shorts?
How much should we load T money card?
Do they currency exchange Philippine Peso or should we buy US Dollar?
Thank you very much!
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Hi again!
I suggest you check accuweather so you can assess the temperature and weather during your travel dates and decide on what to wear. Springtime is usually sunny during daytime and colder at night.
To get a more accurate subway fare, I suggest you download the subway app by Kakao. This will serve as your guide in navigating the subway in Korea. Reloading can be done in subway stations or even at convenience stores like 711 and GS25.
Whenever I go out of the country, I usually have US Dollars.
Enjoy your trip! :-)
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Hey thanks for posting! Really helpful because we are tryin out a DIY trip next month :D bookmarked ur page haha. thanks.
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Thank you so much! :)
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Hi Lei, how much u had spent on total trip inc admission for Nami, Petite France, Rail Park & Garden of the Morning Calm from Myeondong?
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Hi Eve! Here is the breakdown of my expenses excluding the Garden of the Morning Calm and Rail Park because I have not been there yet: Entrance Fees to Nami Island (KRW8000) and Petite France KRW10000, Gapyeong Tourist Bus KRW 6000, Subway from Myeongdong to Gapyeong Station roundtrip KRW 4500.
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Hi Lei,
Would it be okay if our itinerary will be like this?
From sinchon station > cheongpyeong station > garden of the morning calm > petit france > nami island > rail bike?
Also, can i buy ticket for gapyeong tourist bus from cheongpyeong station?
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Hi Ella! I think if you will be able manage your time well and leave Seoul really early, you will be able to visit all of these places. I am not sure if there are available tickets in CheongPyeong Station because my usual route during the 3 times I’ve visited these places had always been Gapyeong Station. The bus stop for the Gapyeong tourist bus is in front of the Tourist Information Center where I purchased the bus ticket.
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Hi Lei thanks for your post it is such a big help.
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Thank you Erin! :)
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Hi. I will be going to Korea this November and will be DIY my itinerary. I am planning to visit these three attractions in one day. It will be Nami Island to Petite France to Garden of morning calm. I am wondering about the route on the way back. Is it possible to stop at Cheongpyeong Station from Garden of morning calm and take the metro on the way back to Seoul from there? Or Do I still need to go back to Gapyeong?
Will be waiting for your reply. Thanks.
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Hi Ruffa! Cheongpyeong Station is included in the tour course of Gapyeong tourist bus so you may take that route to go back to Seoul from Garden of the Morning Calm. However, I have not tried that yet. Please share your experience to us. Have a great trip! :)
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Hi Lei.
If I want go to Garden of the Morning Calm from Nami Island, that i just need ride the bus from nami island? thats shuttle bus have a specific name or color for ride it ?
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Hi Rin! To go to Garden of the Morning Calm from Nami Island, you can just go back to the bus stop of Nami Island where you were dropped off and wait for the Gapyeong Tourist bus. The last stop will be the Garden of the Morning Calm. If confused, you can just ask the driver before you ride the bus.
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Hi Lei! This post is super helpful. Forgive me for being paranoid and please do correct me if I’m wrong. If I’d be coming from Seoul Station and would just like to visit the Garden of the Morning Calm at night during December, I would just have to ride the train to Gapyeong Station, get on the Gapyeong Tourist bus all the way to the garden? Would there be tourist buses going back to the train station from the garden as well? Thank you!
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Hi Claire! You are correct. However, just be mindful of the time the last bus from Garden of the Morning Calm will depart to go to Gapyeong Station. Sometimes the line for the Gapyeong tourist bus can be long and will not be able to accommodate everyone so you have to line up early. Taxi will be a more expensive option if you will not be able to make it to the last bus. Safe travels! :)
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