Nami Island is a picturesque island located in Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea. It has become an icon of Korean culture and is the perfect spot for a romantic getaway or day trip from Seoul. From brightly colored fall foliage to magnificent cherry blossom trees, the scenery of Nami Island is breathtaking all year round.
Nami Island is conveniently accessible by ferry from Gapyeong Port, meaning it’s an easy and convenient day trip from Seoul. With numerous activities such as going on nature walks, bike riding or enjoying some retail therapy at its various small shops, there’s something to enjoy for everyone. Taking a leisurely stroll along its meandering pathways will reward you with stunning views of the surrounding nature and landmarks like the Gallery Walk and Youngman’s Hangout. In this guide, I’ll show you how to make the most of your visit to Nami Island.
How to get to Nami Island from Seoul
If you’re planning to do a day trip to Nami Island from Seoul, it’s perfectly doable since the island is located about an hour and a half away from Seoul. Taking a bus from Yongsan Station to Gapyeong Station will take approximately two hours, while driving takes about one and a half hours.
No time to read now?
No worries! Save on Pinterest to read it later.
By Car
Nami Island Ticket Office / Nami Island Gapyeong Wharf
Address: 1024 Bukhangangbyeon-ro, Gapyeong-eup, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
Parking Fees
∙ Additional charge of 1,000 won per hour after the first 12-hours
∙ Basic rate: Small cars 6,000 won / Large cars 10,000 won (Discount of 4,000 won for mobile payments)
By Train
Gyeongchun Line
Sangbong → Gapyeong Station (about 50 min.)
Chuncheon → Gapyeong Station (about 28 min.)
ITX-Cheongchun
Yongsan → Gapyeong Station (about 60 min.)
Cheongnyangni → Gapyeong Station (about 42 min.)
Chuncheon → Gapyeong Station (about 20 min.)
Gapyeong Station to Nami Island : 1.5 km (on foot: 20 min or by taxi: 5 min.)
By shuttle bus
Seoul ↔ Nami Island Shuttle Bus (Every weekend & holidays)
Nami Island entrance fee
The regular entrance fee for adults is 16,000 won ($12 USD), for children (ages 6-18) and seniors (65+), the fee is 13,000 won ($10 USD). Children under 3 years of age can explore Nami Island for free. Return ferry ticket and entrance fee is included in this price.
Nami Island ferry
Once you get to Gapyeong, the most common way to get to Nami Island is to take a ferry from Gapyeong Wharf. The ferry departs every 30 minutes from 08:00-09:00 am and 18:00 and 21:00 pm. It departs every 5-10 minutes between 09:00 am and 18:00 pm.
Nami Island zipline
If you’re in a mood for an adventure then ziplining is a great way to get there. To zipline from the mainland across the Han River to Nami Island, it costs ₩49,000 per person and takes approximately 10 minutes. The experience also includes admission tickets for the island itself, as well as the ferry ride back to the mainland.
Best time to visit Nami Island, Korea
If you’re looking for a peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle of Seoul, Nami Island is the ideal destination. The best times to visit are during the spring and fall months when you can experience the stunning foliage and vibrant colors in full bloom. In summer, it can get quite warm and busy, so plan accordingly if you are looking to avoid crowds.
If you can, visit on a weekday instead of the weekend, to avoid local tourists. We were there on a weekend and it was quite packed, but we didn’t mind it.
Nami Island Autumn
Nami Island in autumn is practically a fairytale. The crisp air and breathtaking scenery create a perfect backdrop for some much-needed relaxation. From the landscaped gardens with vibrant fall foliage to the picturesque lake and forests, it’s impossible not to feel awe when taking in the beauty of Nami Island during autumn.
If you’re looking for fun activities to do while on your visit, there are plenty! Take a leisurely stroll around the lake, or explore the local culture and history by visiting some of the sites such as Jeonggwanru Pavilion or monuments dedicated to General Lee Seung-man. Wherever you go, expect stunning views – from magnificent sunsets to fleeting glimpses of wildlife like birds, rabbits, squirrels, and chipmunks!
If you’re here around Halloween time, you will also see some spooky decorations.
Nami Island Winter
Nami Island in winter is a truly idyllic scene. Its snow-blanketed forests and serene lakeside views create the perfect atmosphere for cozying up with a warm cup of cocoa, or taking some time to appreciate the simple beauty in nature. There’s something almost magical about exploring the island covered in snow that’ll make you feel like you’ve stepped into a winter wonderland.
When on your visit to Nami Island, there’s plenty to explore – from fantastic snow activities for kids such as sledding and snowball fights, to quieter activities such as ice skating (or bear watching if you’re lucky). During sunset, you can expect beautiful shades of orange and pink tinging the snowy scenery, ending off your day perfectly. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for a wide variety of local wildlife too!
Nami Island in spring
Nami Island spring is a sight to behold. Its lush greenery and vibrant flowers fill the air with a delightful aroma, and its bright blue skies are perfect for outdoor activities. From magnificent cherry blossom trees to enchanting pathways surrounded by tulips, you’ll be surrounded by beauty at every turn!
Whether you’re out exploring the local culture or just relaxing in the park, there’s plenty of activities to keep you busy throughout your visit. Go fishing on the lake, take a boat ride around the island, or enjoy some bird watching in the forests – all of which will provide plenty of opportunities to admire nature’s wonders. Don’t forget to snag some delicious snacks from one of the many outdoor food vendors for an extra special treat!
Nami Island summer
Summertime on Namiseom is an absolute delight. The sun-drenched parks and forests beckon to be explored, from paddling along the lake in a canoe to searching for a secluded spot for a picnic. There’s something incredibly peaceful about the atmosphere on the island – it’s like being transported to another world.
Beyond simply exploring the island, there’s plenty of things to do during your visit here! From biking around the lake and going horseback riding, to taking part in various festivals and art exhibitions – you’ll have no shortage of activities to keep you busy. Don’t forget to climb up the observatory tower for some spectacular views of the sunset too!
Best things to do on Nami Island
When you visit Nami Island, there is a whole range of activities that you can enjoy. You can take a stroll through the forest trails and gardens or take a bike ride around the island for some great views. There are also several cafes and restaurants to explore where you can sample delicious Korean food.
Nami Island holds several festivals and events throughout the year. During the summer months, they host the Nami Island Music Festival, which features concerts, workshops, and art exhibitions. They also have a Firework Festival in the fall and a Winter Light Festival from December to February.
1. Ginkgo Tree Lane
A visit to Ginkgo Tree Lane is a must for fall visitors to Nami Island. Admire the bright yellow ginkgo leaves as you stroll down this tranquil path – it’s sure to be an unforgettable sight! So if you’re looking to take in the beauty of nature, make sure to add this spot to your itinerary.
2. The Central Korean Pine Tree Lane
Take a stroll down the Central Korean Pine Tree Lane, a picturesque path lined with thick trees leading to the center of Nami Island. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful atmosphere as you make your way to the heart of this beautiful island.
3. Cycle around the island
Cycling on Nami Island is a great way to explore the island’s attractions. From the Ginkgo Tree Lane to the Central Korean Pine Lane, you can admire the scenery and appreciate the beauty of nature as you ride around.
4. Tulip tree lane
5. Gongsaengwon Garden
There are also lots of beautiful paths, old buildings and photo spots for you to capture the most beautiful images from your trip to this magical island.
I hope you enjoyed this guide to Nami Island in autumn and that you got inspired to take a day trip out of Seoul!
Save this post for later:
