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Jara Island & Gapyeong Town

Bukhangang Bike Path

Jara Island and Gapyeong Town lie along the North Han River in the heart of Gapyeong County (가평군; map). They offer a unique blend of natural beauty and manmade attractions, from the scenic landscapes of Jara Island to the historical and cultural landmarks found in Gapyeong Town. 

Jara Island

Jara Island (자라섬; map), located in the North Han River near Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province, caters to outdoor enthusiasts with activities such as cycling, hiking, and kayaking. Its proximity to the Bukhangang Bike Path makes it convenient for cyclists exploring the area.

Formed in 1943 following the construction of the Cheongpyeong Dam, the island comprises four sections: Seodo (West Island), Jungdo (Middle Island), Namdo (South Island), and Dongdo (East Island). Its name, meaning “Turtle Island,” is inspired by the turtle-like appearance of nearby hills. ​

  • Seodo, the largest area, features the Jara Island Campground, a popular spot for nature enthusiasts. The island also offers a botanical garden, sports facilities, and seasonal outdoor swimming pools. Visitors can rent bicycles and enjoy picnic spots and playgrounds. ​
  • Jungdo hosts well-maintained trails and vibrant flower gardens. It is renowned for the annual Jara Island International Jazz Festival, held every October since 2004, attracting thousands of visitors from Korea and abroad.
  • Namdo offers a quieter experience with wildflower meadows and simple walking paths, ideal for relaxation and photography.​

Jara Island is accessible via a short bridge or by ferries operating from Gapyeong Wharf.

Admission to Jara Island is free, though some facilities and events may charge fees. The island provides ample parking and accessible pathways for visitors with mobility challenges. Camping facilities are available year-round, with reservations recommended for a seamless experience. ​

Gapyeong Town

Gapyeong Town (​​가평읍; map) is the main population center of Gapyeong County, Gyeonggi Province. Nestled along the North Han River, it serves as a gateway to notable attractions such as Jara Island and Nami Island.

Gapyeong Town’s houses a central market area with shops, restaurants, and cafes catering to both locals and tourists. Landmarks like the Gapyeong Hyanggyo (map), a Confucian academy, and Korean War memorials highlight the town’s historical importance.​

Local Specialties

Gapyeong is renowned for its high-quality pine nuts (잣), used in various regional dishes and beverages, such as pine nut makgeolli and desserts. Local restaurants also specialize in traditional Korean cuisine, including dakgalbi (spicy stir-fried chicken; 닭갈비) and makguksu (buckwheat noodles), which are popular among visitors.​

Events and Activities

Gapyeong hosts various festivals and cultural events throughout the year, drawing visitors from across Korea. Highlights include the Jara Island International Jazz Festival, held annually in October on nearby Jara Island, and seasonal flower festivals that showcase the region’s natural beauty.

Accommodation

A wide range of accommodations is available, from budget-friendly guesthouses to boutique hotels. Gapyeong’s central location and comprehensive facilities make it an excellent base for exploring the county’s attractions while enjoying the comforts of a modern town.​

Gapyeong Stream

Originating from the mountainous regions of Hwawang, Myeongji, and Yeonin Mountain (map), Gapyeong Stream (가평천; map) winds 34.8 kilometers through forests and valleys before merging with the North Han River near Gapyeong Town. The stream is well-known for its clear waters, scenic beauty, and the recreational opportunities it provides.

In its upper reaches, the stream features dramatic landscapes, including the Hwagae Gorge, known for its steep cliffs and natural pools, and the Baekdun Valley, where waterfalls and shaded groves make it a popular destination during the summer months. Unique geological formations, such as potholes, were created by the stream’s erosion over millennia.

Gapyeong Stream supports a rich ecosystem. Its clean waters are home to numerous native fish species, including striped shiners and mountain minnows. The area is a haven for birdwatchers. Sightings of herons, kingfishers, and other migratory birds are common.

Gapyeong Stream offers water recreation activities and nature walks. During the summer, visitors flock to its shallow sections for swimming and tubing. The nearby trails provide opportunities for hiking and cycling, connecting to the larger network of paths in Gapyeong.

Gapyeong Stream’s fertile banks have supported agricultural communities for centuries, and its waters were historically used for irrigation. Today, it serves as both a natural landmark and a recreational space that connects modern visitors to the area’s traditions.

Gyeong River Bridge

Gyeong River Bridge (경강교; map), often referred to as Kyunggang Bridge (경강교), hops the North Han River and connects two provinces, Gapyeong County in Gyeonggi Province with Chuncheon City (춘천시; map) in Gangwon State. It carries part of National Route 46, a major roadway connecting some of Korea’s most frequented tourist destinations and local communities. 

Constructed in 1989, the bridge originally had two lanes. However, as tourism flourished in nearby attractions like Nami Island and Jara Island, engineers expanded the bridge to four lanes.

Just south of the bridge in Gapyeong, cyclists on the Bukhangang Bike Path can find the Kyunggang Bridge Certification Center (경강교 인증센터; map), where they can pause and stamp their Bike Passports.