Exploring Gapyeong-gun: From Seoul’s Bustle to Korea’s Hidden Gem
After experiencing the energy of Seoul, the Peace Starts With Me team continued east toward the beautiful Gapyeong-gun area—a beloved weekend escape for city dwellers looking for tranquility, fun, and a touch of nature.
From cafes and restaurants to water sports and scenic cruises, Gapyeong offers a peaceful yet vibrant atmosphere that perfectly reflects the spirit of Peace Starts With Me—unity, serenity, and joy.
🌊 The HJ Cruise Experience
The team boarded the HJ Cruise, a brand-new three-story electric boat, known as one of the largest of its kind in Korea. The journey began at HJ Marina, where guests can either walk down from the parking lot or take an elevator to the dock.
This wasn’t just a ride—it was a celebration. The HJ Cruise experience featured breathtaking views, laughter, and a deep sense of gratitude. Demian shared that he had previously celebrated his daughter’s 18th birthday on this very boat, dancing under the stars with a live band. A moment that, though unplanned, felt divinely orchestrated.
☕ Aqua Garden Café: Where Nature Meets Art
Next, the journey led to the Aqua Garden Café, a thoughtfully designed space filled with light, music, and over 70 varieties of fish. More than a café, it’s a sensory experience created by artists who wanted to fuse nature, beauty, and peace.
Guests purchase a ticket upon entry, which ensures support for the vibrant aquatic life on display. Inside, ambient lighting and custom-designed rooms (like the “volcano room” and the “glass room”) create zones of reflection and joy.
In true Peace Starts With Me fashion, even the unscripted moments—like a small food spill in the café kitchen—reminded us that life is better when we laugh together.
This day in Gapyeong reminded all of us that peace begins with presence—and sometimes, the best moments are the ones we never plan for.