Team Out of Town
The Ultimate Travel Guide to Nami Island, South Korea
Nami Island, or as it is also known, Namiseom Island, is a crescent-shaped isle near the capital of South Korea, Seoul. This destination was unknown until it was featured in the popular Korean soap drama “Winter Sonata.” In this Nami Island Travel Guide Blog, we listed some tips on how you can make your own DIY Day trip to Nami Island. We also included Nami Island Itinerary, Things to do and see, how to get there, and more.
Nami Island Travel Guide
Nami is one of the most beautiful and romantic islands in South Korea. It is a magical place, full of culture and fun things to do. The Island was once self-declared an independent cultural destination and even changed its name to the Naminara Republic. The Island is quite distinct, and it displays different, stunning scenic experiences in each season, making it one of the few places you can visit any time of the year without worrying about missing out on anything.
The Island has historical significance as it is the final resting place of the once-feared General Nami, who ruled during the Joseon Dynasty.
Nami Island seats just 63 kilometers from Seoul. It is just an hour from the city’s suburbs and half an hour from Chuncheon. The Island usually receives many visitors due to its proximity to Seoul – primarily for romantic reasons.
This magical Island covers an area of 553,560 square yards, with aesthetic chestnut and poplar trees lining up. The Island is not short of tourism facilities. There are several pools and various water sports, such as water skiing, motorboats, and a theme park featuring a merry-go-round and a roller skating rink. Plenty of accommodations with bungalows and resort villas dotted around the Island.
Nami Island is part of Chuncheon territory, but the easiest way to access it is from a pier in the county of Gapyeong.
The Island is located in the middle of the Han River, and despite being close to enough water, it was partially barren until it was purchased by the retired governor of the Bank of Korea, Minn Byeong-do in 1965. The new owner planted trees and converted them into a beautiful tourist attraction.
Best time to visit Nami Island
Nami Island is one of just a few destinations worldwide that does not have the “best time’ to visit. It is spectacular throughout the four seasons, and the best advice I can give you is that try to see the Island during the four seasons –winter, spring, autumn, and summer.
During winter
The Island is covered with snow, and the whitish trees create a magical feeling. It is worth noting that the romantic drama “Winter Sonata” was filmed during winter.
During Spring
The trees and flowers bloom on the Island during spring, including the stunning cherry blossoms.
During Autumn
You will get to enjoy the great fall foliage on Nami Island.
During Summer
The Island is usually lush green, perfect for strolling along with the pine trees and redwoods.
How to get to Nami Island
The Island is located in the region of Chuncheon and is close to the city of Seoul so that one can make a day trip.
How long does it take from Seoul to Nami Island?
Namiseom Island is 63 km from Seoul in the direction of Chuncheon and is famous for its beautiful tree-lined roads. The Island is 30 minutes away from Chuncheon and an hour away from the suburbs of Seoul. Since it is not far from Seoul, many couples and families visit.
You can take public transportation to Nami Island, which takes about 2 hours or more, depending on the demand.
By Train
Gyeongchun Line
- Sangbong – Gapyeong Station (about 50 minutes)
- Chuncheon – Gapyeong Station (about 28 minutes)
ITX-Cheongchun Line
- Yongsan – Gapyeong Station (about 60 minutes)
- Cheongnyangni – Gapyeong Station (about 42 minutes)
- Chuncheon – Gapyeong Station (about 20 minutes)
By Car
Use Waze and search for Nami Island Ticket Office / Nami Island Gapyeong Wharf.
Parking Fee
If you bring your own car, the Parking fee will cost you W4,000 for up to 12 hours (W1,000 per hour additional charge after the first 12 hours)
Taking public transportation will rob you of the chance to visit places such as the Garden of Morning Calm, Petite France, and Gangchon Rail Park on your way to the Island.
Shuttle Bus to Nami Island
Another option is booking a shuttle from a local or online tour operator. These two options can save you time and money, and you will be more comfortable than taking public transportation.
Insa-dong/Namdaemun-Myeong-dong to Nami Island (Daily Trips)
- Seoul Insa-dong (9:30am) Terminal located near the West Gate of Tapgol Park
- Seoul Namdaemun (9:30am) Terminal located at Sungnyemun Square Bus Stop in front of Namdaemun Market
- Seoul Myeong-dong (9:45am) Terminal located at the back alley of Shinsegae Department Store (Main)
- Nami Island (4:00pm) Parking Lot in front of the ticket office
Shuttle Service Fee
- Adult W15,000 (round trip) W7,500 (one way)
- Child W13,000 (round trip) W6,500 (one way) *Child 2-12 years old
Shuttle bus reservations can be made via the internet (www.naminara.com / bus@naminara.com ) by phone (+82 2-753-1246~7) or in person by visiting our Seoul Embassy located in Insadong. They have staff who speak English and will be happy to assist you from 09:00 to 18:00.
* Please note that the departure time can change from 09:30 to 08:30 during certain months. (May/June/July/August/October)
Entrance / Visa Fee
| Regular | 13,000 |
| Seniors(70+ yrs) / Students (Middle~High School Age) | 10,000 |
| Children (36 months~Elementary School Age) / Visitors after 6pm (Dec~Mar) / Visitors after 7pm (Apr~Nov) | 7,000 |
| Under 36 months | Free |
| The entrance fee and round-trip ferry fares are included in the Visa fee. | |
- Free Entrance: Tour guide / Child aged 36 months and under Guide for all schools (kindergarten, elementary, middle, high) and social welfare groups (1 free entrance for the first 20 people, 1 additional free admission per additional 10)
- A free entry visa is given to those who purchase 20 or more regular entry visas. (Number of free entry visas: 10% of the total number)
- It is open throughout the year.
After paying the Entrance/Visa fee, you can fall in line at the wharf for your ferry ride to the Island. The ferry runs every 30 minutes between 7:30 – 9:00 and 18:00 – 21:40. More frequent service (every 10 or 20 minutes) is provided from 9:00 to 18:00. The last ferry is at 21:40 from Gapyeong to Nami and at 21:45 from Nami to Gapyeong.
Getting around Nami Island
Nami Island can be easily explored on foot because it is small and all the best sceneries are close to one another. Exploring the Island on foot will allow you to take in almost everything it offers.
Visitors to Nami Island may rent bicycles from the Bike Center in the Island center.
Personal bicycles, electric motors, battery-powered wheelchairs, and vehicles may not be brought onto Nami Island. However, children’s bikes with training wheels are permitted.
Bicycles for rent: Bicycle(Single, Couple, Family), Electric Tri-way(Single, Baby), Sky-bike
For more information: +82-31-582-0144 at Bike Center
Where to eat on the Island
With many visitors daily, the Island has done enough to ensure every visitor is taken care of gastronomically. There are many places where you can eat on the Island.
Here are some of the food options:
- Nammoon (Korean)
- Dongmoon (Asian fusion, Halal-certified) Dongmoon restaurant serves some delicious Asian fusion dishes and is also the only halal-certified restaurant on the entire Island.
- Gomok (Nibble & Sip)
- Seomhyanggi (Grill & Stew)
- PIZZA & PASTA (European).
Reservations may be required for a group as there are limited seats. You can also enjoy coffee and beverages at Snow Café, Swing Café, May Café, Bookcafé, or Sonata Café.
- Nammoon +82-31-580-8055
- Dongmoon +82-31-580-8099/8081
- Gomok +82-31-580-8053
- Seomhyanggi +82-31-580-8054
- DDANJI PUB (PIZZA & PASTA) +82-31-580-8056
- Nami Island Bookcafé +82-31-580-8098
- Coffee Shop Islana +82-31-580-8100
- Snow Café +82-31-581-5701
- Sonata Café +82-31-580-8131
- May Café +82-31-580-8017
- Swing Café +82-31-580-8020
What to do and see
There are numerous things to see and visit in and or around Nami Island, including:
Gapyeong Rail Bike Park
This is where is enjoy a rail bike as it takes you through the stunning backdrops of the beautiful Gapyeong. This is a perfect outdoor activity to partake in when visiting Nami Island. You will get to see the gorgeous view of the river as you ride across a 30-meter bridge and into the romantic tree tunnel.
Visit the garden of the morning calm.
The Morning Calm garden is full of striking flower scenery and stunning landscapes. The garden is open to the public every day because each season has a different thing to offer from the last. This park is every photographer’s heaven.
Cheongpyeong Lake
This artificial lake is a must-visit for anyone on Nami Island. It was constructed as part of a dam in the Bukhangang River.
Wi-Fi and Internet access
As far as the Wi-Fi and internet connectivity is concerned in Nami Island, there is no recorded public space that offers free Wi-Fi. However, the Island, closer to the capital, has a beautiful 4G cellular connectivity. You can use your phone data to hotspot a Wi-Fi to connect to other devices if needed. Alternatively, you can rent a portable 4G temporary Wi-Fi hotspot from an internet service provider in Seoul if you need wireless internet connectivity.
Nami Island Travel and Tour Packages
Nami Island Day Trip and Gapyeong Ziplining Experience from Seoul
Take a breather from the pressures of Seoul’s urban jungle by visiting the famous, half-moon-shaped Island of Nami, where you can take in the magnificent natural wonders it houses. Before going there, you’ll first see the Gapyeong Ziplining area, where you’ll go on a thrilling zipline ride from one zone to another while getting breathtaking views of the great Blade’s Edge Mountain and the lush landscapes below. After an adrenaline-pumping ziplining experience, you’ll explore Nami Island.
Nami Island: Travel Tips
- Nami Island excursions are enough to be experienced in one day.
- There is no “better time” to visit Nami Island. You will enjoy any season you visit.
- The Island is independent, meaning you must purchase a Nami Island passport or, to avoid confusion, a ticket before you take a ferry to the Island.
- The best way to experience the Island and other nearby spots is by getting a tour package.
Nami Island
Address: 1 Namisum-gil, Namsan-myeon, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Province: Gangwon-do
Phone: +82 31-580-8114
Searching for the best hotels and affordable flights? Check out our complete list of affordable hotels and resorts via Agoda, or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.
FAQ
Is Nami Island worth visiting?
Yes! Apart from its proximity to Seoul, the place is also family-friendly, and there are a lot of activities around the Island.
Why is Nami Island so famous?
Nami Island became more popular among KDrama fans after it was used as a shooting location in the K-drama Winter Sonata aired in 2001. Since then, It was frequented by Kdrama aficionados from all over the world.
How long is the ferry ride to Nami Island?
The one-way ride takes about 5 minutes.
Want more stories like this? Please follow #TeamOutofTown, on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest for more travel ideas.
Also read: Top 15 Best Things to do in Seoul.
Do you have a Pinterest account? Please pin this post 🙂
