The park was designed with the philosophy of 'Sok-myeon,' or the 'face of Korea,' intended to represent the country's natural beauty through floral arrangements.
The name originates from India's moniker for Korea during the Joseon Dynasty, 'The Land of the Morning Calm.'
It maintains a dedicated 'Wildflower Garden' specifically highlighting rare species native to the Korean peninsula.
The winter light festival features millions of LED lights covering the entire landscape, transforming the garden into a nighttime attraction.
The grounds contain a traditional Korean-style tea house and a performance arena for seasonal cultural events.
The Garden of Morning Calm is a 300,000-square-meter arboretum located in the mountainous region of Gapyeong. It features over 5,000 plant species organized into 20 distinct themed sections, including the Sunken Garden and the Conifer Garden. Established by Professor Han Sang-kyung in 1996, the park integrates traditional Korean aesthetic principles with floral displays. The layout emphasizes the harmony between the natural valley environment and curated landscaping. Significant portions of the garden are situated on sloped terrain, requiring extensive walking on paths designed to showcase diverse botanical collections. It serves as a frequent filming location for Korean dramas and television programs due to its stylized outdoor arrangements. Seasonal festivals are a primary operational focus, ranging from spring tulip displays to winter illumination events.
The Sunken Garden, which offers a panoramic elevated view of the most intricate floral patterns in the park.
Wear comfortable, supportive walking shoes, as the park covers significant hilly terrain with many inclines.
Visit during the early morning on weekdays to avoid large tour groups arriving from Seoul.
Check the park's official website for the current blooming schedule, as sections rotate flowers frequently.
Avoid arriving during the middle of the day on weekends, as traffic congestion on the roads leading to the park can significantly delay entry.
Open year-round with no weekly closing days, though specific garden sections may be inaccessible during extreme weather or heavy snowfall.
Avoid picking flowers or walking off designated gravel and stone paths. Stay quiet in the meditation-focused sections.
