Seoul to Gangwon: Train Adventure | Travel Guide

🌍 Foreign Residents in Korea Series

Step-by-step guides for foreigners living in Korea — from address registration and visa to banking, taxes, and digital certificates.


📍 Region: Seoul → Gangwon   🚆 Best Route: ITX / KTX   🕒 Best Time: Morning departures   🎟 Entry: Free (train fare only)
☁️ Weather: Clear skies with mountain breezes    👥 Crowds: Light on weekdays, steady on weekends.

Leaving Seoul by train is one of the simplest ways to slip into a calmer world. As the city fades behind you, the scenery shifts into rolling mountains, quiet rivers, and sleepy valleys—Gangwon-do’s signature charm.

Locals love these routes for the soft views from the window, the crisp mountain air waiting at every stop, and the peaceful rhythm that makes the whole trip feel like a scenic retreat.

🌸 Highlights

  • Nami Island Stop (Gapyeong) — A beloved stop for calm tree-lined walks and riverside charm.
  • Gangchon Rail Park — Easy add-on for couples wanting fun, scenic rail-bike rides.
  • Chuncheon Mulle-gil — Ideal for friends and couples who enjoy quiet lakeside kayaking.

📷 Photo Spots

  • Gapyeong riverside — Best at early morning when mist floats above the water.
  • Gangchon Rail Bridge — Take a wide-angle shot for mountain layers behind the tracks.

⏰ Best Time

Morning departures for crisp air, clear visibility, and enough time to enjoy multiple scenic stops.

🗺️ How to Get There

From Route Duration Notes
Seoul → Gapyeong ITX–Cheongchun from Yongsan/Cheongnyangni ~55 min Perfect for Nami Island and nearby scenic stops.
Seoul → Chuncheon ITX–Cheongchun direct ~1 hr 10 min Great base for lakeside cafés and outdoor activities.

🎟️ Tickets

Item Price Hours Link
ITX–Cheongchun ₩5,000–₩8,000 Varies KORAIL

🍽️ Eats & Cafes

  • Chuncheon Lake Cafés — Glass windows, calm water views, and cozy brunch plates.
  • Gapyeong Riverside Restaurants — Fresh trout dishes, outdoor seating, and peaceful river breezes.

🏙️ Local Vibe

The Gangwon train journey feels soothing—mountains unfolding through the windows, clusters of small villages passing by, and a quiet rhythm that makes you want to lean back and enjoy the ride. It’s the kind of trip where time feels slower in the best way.

🧳 Travel Tips

  • Reserve ITX tickets early during holidays and fall weekends.
  • Bring a light jacket—Gangwon areas are cooler than Seoul.
  • Use KakaoMap for shuttle timings from Gapyeong Station.
  • Pack light; many scenic spots involve short walks.

Share your Gangwon adventure with #TravelKorea — we’d love to see your scenic ride moments.

Explore the Series

More step-by-step guides for foreigners in Korea. Browse them on the hub, or jump directly below.

🌏 View Full Series Hub

Comments