Celebrate Korea Winter’s Lighting Festival at Garden of Morning Calm

Garden of Morning Calm is forever changing, according to the seasons. Beautiful flowers overflow from this arboretum measuring 330,000m² during spring, summer and autumn. The arboretum consists of about 20 gardens, including Korean-style gardens. Look forward to wild flower exhibitions in spring, Hydrangea and Rose of Sharon festivals in summer, as well as, Wild Chrysanthemum exhibition and Maple festival in autumn. From December through March, when the flowers are not in bloom, the garden holds a Lighting Festival that illuminates the entire site with bright and colourful lights.

The Sunken Garden is my favourite area! Check out how beautiful the lights are illuminated here! You can expect the Hometown Garden, Bonsai Garden, Road to Heaven, Moonlight Garden and many more. Okay, enough words, just look at my pictures!

There are also a number of photo zones at Garden of Morning Calm, ranging from the Tunnel of Love, to the Tunnel of Happiness to posing with “Animals” in the Forest. Couples will love the romantic atmosphere when strolling along the light-filled path and crossing the cloud bridge.

Can’t bear to leave the Garden of Morning Calm? Grab a souvenir with you from the Flower Shop or Herb Shop. There is also a Korean restaurant and the Good Morning Coffee Café if you need to fill your tummies.

Directions from Seoul
Taking the ITX is the fastest method, and we booked a hotel that’s 2 minutes away from Cheongnyangni Station. There’s a direct ITX train which brings you to Gapyeong Station. Upon your arrival at Gapyeong Station, approach the helpful and friendly station staff, who will direct you to the shuttle bus queue. It’s not hard to miss the queue as there will be others who are visiting Garden of Morning Calm as well. It costs 6,000krw per person to board the shuttle bus and you can alight at any stop along the shuttle bus route, board the bus again to your next destination, before ending your journey back at Gapyeong Station after a full day of exploration. So, do remember to keep your shuttle bus ticket properly!

The Gapyeong tour site bus operation schedule is listed at the bus stop. Just check the timing for the buses and alight at the final stop.

Garden of Morning Calm Details
Address: 432 Sumogwon-ro, Sang-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do
Opening Hours: Sun-Fri 11am to 9pm. Sat 11am to 11pm. Do note that opening hours change according to seasons.
Contact: 1544-6703
Website: www.morningcalm.co.kr
Entrance Fee:
Adult 8,000krw (weekdays); 9,000krw (weekends and PHs)
Youth 6,000krw (weekdays); 6,500krw (weekends and PHs)
Children 5,000krw (weekdays); 5,500krw (weekends and PHs)

It took about 3 hours for us to explore Garden of Morning Calm with all the phototaking opportunities. This was our final stop after exploring Nami Island and Petite France. Yes, you can squeeze all three destinations on the same day if you plan well.