Gapyeong is best known for attractions like Nami Island and the Garden of Morning Calm, but the local food is just as memorable. From smoky charcoal-grilled dakgalbi to pine nut specialties unique to the region, here are three foods worth trying during your visit.
What to Eat in Gapyeong
If you’re planning a day trip outside Seoul, Gapyeong is one of the most popular choices. You can easily get there by taking the Gyeongchun Line or the ITX-Cheongchun train, and once you arrive, there’s no shortage of attractions. From the Garden of Morning Calm and Petite France to the scenic Gapyeong Rail Bike, this small county has become a must-visit spot. No wonder global travel platforms like Klook often feature one-day Gapyeong packages.
But beyond sightseeing, one of the best ways to experience a destination is through its local food. So, what to eat in Gapyeong if you’re visiting for the first time? As a long-time resident of Gyeonggi-do, I want to share my tried-and-tested recommendations for three dishes that capture the true taste of Gapyeong.
Charcoal-Grilled Dakgalbi: Gapyeong’s Signature Dish
Gapyeong is especially famous for dakgalbi (spicy grilled chicken). The dish is made by marinating chicken in gochujang (Korean red chili paste) and then cooking it, almost like a non-fried version of Korean-style fried chicken. It’s a dish loved across generations—my five-year-old daughter adores it so much that our family makes a trip to a local restaurant at least once a month.
Although dakgalbi originated in Chuncheon, its proximity means Gapyeong has developed its own strong reputation. Traditionally, there are two versions: one cooked on a flat iron pan, and another grilled over charcoal. In Gapyeong (and Chuncheon), the charcoal-grilled style is considered the “original.” When the marinated chicken hits the hot coals, the smoky aroma fills the air, and the flavor lingers on your palate with each bite.
Some restaurants also offer the iron pan version, where chicken is stir-fried with vegetables like cabbage, rice cakes, and sweet potatoes. This creates a more varied flavor profile, and the highlight is often the fried rice cooked in the leftover sauce—crispy, savory, and irresistible. Personally, I tend to prefer the pan-fried style, but if it’s your first time in Gapyeong, I recommend trying the charcoal-grilled version. While pan-fried dakgalbi is easy to find in Seoul and other cities, the smoky, authentic charcoal style is something you’ll rarely encounter outside Gapyeong and Chuncheon.
The good news? The quality here is consistently high. No matter which restaurant you choose, you’re almost guaranteed a satisfying meal. If you happen to visit the Garden of Morning Calm, I recommend Somonan Dakgalbi, a restaurant that serves both versions in a clean, spacious setting. That said, a simple rule applies—if you see a restaurant bustling with people, it’s usually a safe bet for delicious dakgalbi.
Quick Tip for Travelers: Traditional dakgalbi is naturally spicy. If you are traveling with kids or cannot tolerate spicy food, ask the restaurant for “Ganjang (Soy Sauce) Dakgalbi.” Also, while the meat-heavy dish isn’t strictly vegetarian, the iron-pan version allows you to enjoy plenty of sweet potatoes, rice cakes, and cabbage—just be sure to check with the staff regarding the sauce ingredients!
Pine Nut Makgeolli: A Drink Unique to Gapyeong
While Chuncheon claims the original dakgalbi, Gapyeong is the undisputed home of pine nuts. These small, buttery seeds are cherished worldwide as a premium ingredient. You’ll see them in everything from Italian basil pesto to gourmet Western cuisine.
In Gapyeong, pine nuts are everywhere—but instead of recommending something you might struggle to take home due to customs restrictions, I suggest trying pine nut makgeolli. This unique local drink infuses traditional Korean rice wine with the rich fragrance of pine nuts. The result is smooth, slightly sweet, and carries a nutty finish that feels both refreshing and indulgent.
Locals even say that pine nut makgeolli causes less of a hangover compared to regular versions (though, of course, your mileage may vary!). The best part? You don’t need to hunt for it. Almost every restaurant in Gapyeong serves this drink, making it an easy and memorable choice.
While you can occasionally find Gapyeong Pine Nut Makgeolli in large supermarkets in Seoul, nothing compares to drinking it fresh at a local restaurant right alongside sizzling dakgalbi. If you’ve only ever tried standard brands like Jangsu Makgeolli, you’ll be amazed by its rich, nutty depth. Just be careful: its smoothness makes it dangerously easy to overdrink without realizing it!
Gapyeong Matnam Sandwich: A Rest-Stop Favorite
The final must-try treat is something you’ll only find at a rest stop: the Gapyeong Matnam Sandwich. This sweet snack isn’t sold in town but exclusively at the Gapyeong Service Area along the highway toward Chuncheon. If you’re traveling by express bus toward Sokcho or other parts of Gangwon-do, there’s a high chance your bus will stop here—make sure to step into the Paris Baguette shop and grab a box.
The Matnam Sandwich was created as a collaboration between Gapyeong County and Paris Baguette. It features crispy biscuit layers filled with pine nut cream and jam, delivering a flavor that’s nutty, sweet, and indulgent. When it first launched, the snack was so popular that reservations were required just to buy it. People would go out of their way to stop at the service area for a box. These days, it is much easier to buy in stock, but if you want to be 100% sure, you can pre-order it via the Paris Baguette mobile app (search for “Paris Baguette” in the app store) before your trip. I always make a point of picking up a box every time I pass through.
A box contains 10 sandwiches and costs 21,000 KRW (about 2,100 KRW per piece). While the price has crept up over the years, making it a bit of a premium treat, it remains a highly sought-after snack. But for foreign travelers, it’s a fun and distinctly local souvenir—you’ll likely remember the taste long after your trip. If you’re headed toward Chuncheon or Sokcho, this is a quirky little treat worth trying.
Quick Guide to Gapyeong’s Must-Try Foods
To help you plan your foodie itinerary, here is a quick summary of the top local delicacies you must try during your trip to Gapyeong:
| Dish / Treat | Key Characteristics | Best Experienced As / Where |
| Gapyeong Dakgalbi | Spicy, marinated chicken grilled over coals or stir-fried in a pan. | Choose the Charcoal-grilled style for an authentic, smoky local flavor. |
| Pine Nut Makgeolli | Smooth traditional rice wine infused with rich, nutty Gapyeong pine nuts. | Order a fresh bottle at any local restaurant alongside your dakgalbi meal. |
| Matnam Sandwich | Crispy, sweet biscuits filled with a rich pine nut cream and sweet jam. | Exclusive souvenir sold only at the Gapyeong Service Area (Highway Rest Stop). |
More Than Just a Day Trip Destination
In addition to the three foods I’ve introduced—dakgalbi, pine nut makgeolli, and the Matnam Sandwich—Gapyeong also offers specialties like pine nut noodles and pine nut tofu. These dishes can be harder to find, as fewer restaurants serve them, and the quality varies depending on the chef’s skill. If you spot a busy spot filled with locals, though, chances are high you’ve found a winner.
So, if you’re planning a Seoul day trip, don’t just rush through the famous attractions. Take time to savor the flavors of Gapyeong. The smoky richness of charcoal dakgalbi, the smooth nuttiness of pine nut makgeolli, and the sweet crunch of the Matnam Sandwich will turn an ordinary day trip into a truly memorable experience.
Related Gapyeong Travel Guides
- Gapyeong Rail Bike: Best Seasons, Tickets, and Travel Tips
After enjoying a hearty dakgalbi meal, the Gapyeong Rail Bike is a great way to slow things down and enjoy nature. This guide explains when to go, how tickets work, and why it’s one of Gapyeong’s most popular activities. - The Garden of Morning Calm from Seoul: How to Get There Easily
If you’re planning a relaxed afternoon after lunch, The Garden of Morning Calm is a perfect choice. This article covers the easiest routes from Seoul and practical tips for visiting at different times of the year. - How to Get to Nami Island from Seoul – Fastest Routes and Costs
Nami Island is often paired with a Gapyeong food trip. This guide breaks down the fastest and least confusing ways to reach the island, including ITX trains, buses, and taxi options. - Nami Island Ticket Guide with Updated Zipline Fees
Already thinking about Nami Island? This article explains ferry tickets, zipline prices, and what to expect on arrival, helping you plan your schedule without last-minute surprises.