Heading East: My Day in Gapyeong

April 9, 2025
Posted in News
April 9, 2025 Robert Alexander
You know what? Seoul is incredible—no doubt about it. But on the weekends, if you ask anyone in the city where they’d rather be, they’ll point you toward Gapyeong. And now I get why.

Today, we headed east for a change of pace. The area’s full of lakeside cafés, restaurants, water sports, and that chill Airbnb-style vibe. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to stay a little longer.

🚤 First Stop: HJ Marina
This was a first. First time on this boat. First time with this captain. Total virgin tour. And I loved it. We docked at HJ Marina, and from there, it was smooth sailing—literally.

You can park up top, walk or take the elevator down, grab a ticket, and hop aboard the brand-new HJ Cruise. It’s fully electric, three stories tall, and the biggest of its kind in Korea. I’ve got great memories here—when my daughter turned 18, we took the same boat. There was a live band that night, and without planning a thing, we ended up dancing under the stars. One of those moments you just know was heaven-sent.

☕ Then, Aqua Garden Café
I wandered off for a quiet walk and ended up at Aqua Garden Café—and it was stunning.

From the moment I walked in, I felt it. The sound of water, soft lighting, and beautiful fish tanks lit like artwork. Turns out, they’ve got over 70 types of fish inside, each one funded by visitors like me just grabbing a coffee or a bite to eat. They’ve even got themed rooms—volcano, glass, private zones for small groups or reflection.

One funny moment? I caught the staff tossing out a dish they spilled. The worker just laughed and said, “Yes, mistake.” We laughed together. It’s those little real moments that bring it all together.

Today was one of those days where everything aligned—nature, art, laughter, and purpose.

It reminded me that peace isn’t just a message. It’s in the places we go, the people we meet, and the unexpected joy we find when we slow down. Gapyeong, I’ll be back.

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