Last updated on December 21st, 2024
This Nami Island itinerary helps you maximize your time on the island. Visit all the must-see spots and nearby attractions in this detailed travel guide blog!
When visiting South Korea, be sure to include Nami Island (남이섬) on your bucket list. This picturesque destination is filled with natural beauty and offers plenty to see and do. The ambiance is exceptional, making it a wonderful spot, especially for nature lovers. Nami Island is also famous for being the filming location of scenes from the popular K-drama “Winter Sonata.”
As a traveler, I highly recommend visiting this small, half-moon-shaped island. Nami Island (Namiseom) is renowned for its stunning landscapes and cultural attractions, providing a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of Seoul. There is so much to experience on this charming island. During your visit, you can also explore nearby attractions such as the Garden of Morning Calm (아침고요수목원) and the colorful European-style buildings of Petite France (쁘띠프랑스). The mesmerizing scenery ensures that any photo taken at any spot will look fantastic.
In this Nami Island Travel Guide blog, we will share our travel itinerary and how we explored Nami Island. However, if you prefer a hassle-free experience, consider joining a guided tour. It truly is a worthy place to visit!
How To Get To Nami Island
Nami Island is situated about 60 km from Seoul in Gangwon Province in the northeastern part of South Korea. Since it is an island, travelers must first reach the ferry terminal and then take a ferry ride to get there. There are various transportation options available for each section of the journey from Seoul to Nami Island (Gapyeong).
How to Get to Nami Island From Seoul:
- From Seoul to Nami Island (Gapyeong Station): Train and Direct Bus
- Gapyeong Station to Nami Island Ferry Terminal
- Enter Nami Island: Ferry and Zipline
You can easily plan your Nami Island itinerary and visit the beautiful island on your own. Most locals prefer to drive or take private transportation for convenience. For travelers on a self-guided tour, the most affordable and convenient way to reach Nami Island is to take a train to Gapyeong Station and then transfer to the Gapyeong City Tour Bus.
For a hassle-free experience, you can also opt for a guided Nami Island tour that includes popular attractions on the island.
- Tour Option: Nami Island, Petitie France, Gangchon Rail Bike Day Tour Options
- Tour Option: Nami Island, Garden of Morning Calm Package Options
Below is a detailed explanation of each section.
From Seoul to Gapyeong Station: Train and Direct Bus
By Metro or ITX Express to Nami Island:
Traveling to Nami Island from Seoul by train is a budget-friendly choice. To reach the island, travelers must go to Gapyeong Station, the nearest station. The journey takes about 1 to 2 hours by public transport from Seoul.
- Subway/Metro: Most people take Subway Line 7 to Sangbong Station, then transfer to the Gyeongchun Line heading to Gapyeong Station. However, if you are staying in Hapjeong, Mangwon, or Itaewon, you can also take Subway Line 6 to Sinnae Station and then transfer to the Gyeongchun Line to reach Gapyeong Station. Taking the subway to Nami Island takes more time, but it’s cheaper.
- Inter-City Train (ITX) Express: Also departing from Yongsan Station (용산역), take the ITX to Gapyeong Station (가평역). The fare starts at ₩6,600 and takes approximately 60 minutes.
Please keep in mind that if you purchase your ITX tickets at the station, you may not have a reserved seat and could end up standing. It is recommended to book ITX train tickets online through the Korail website up to one month before your departure date. Be sure to exchange your online booking confirmation for physical tickets at the ITX ticket counter.
By Direct Bus from Seoul to Nami Island:
Nami Island provides a convenient direct bus service from Seoul, operating once daily. The bus departs from three locations in Seoul: Tapgol Park, Namdaemun, and Myeongdong. It returns from Nami Island’s dock at 4:00 PM. Please note that tickets for the direct bus must be booked online in advance.
Book your shuttle bus to Nami Island from Seoul through Klook
Gapyeong Station to Nami Island Ferry Terminal
Upon arriving at Gapyeong Station, you will need to find a way to reach the Nami Island ferry terminal, which is still a bit far away. You have a few options: walk, take the Gapyeong City Tour Bus, or get a taxi.
By Taxi: If you choose to take a taxi, the fare to the ferry terminal is approximately 3,800 won, depending traffic conditions. It is the fastest and most convenient option.
By Foot: Walking from Gapyeong Station to the terminal will take about half an hour (~2km).
By Gapyeong City Tour Bus: This bus pass provides unlimited hop-on and hop-off access, making it convenient to explore Nami Island and nearby attractions. If you plan to visit other sites such as Petite France or The Garden of Morning Calm, it is recommended to purchase the bus pass. You can find the bus right outside Gapyeong Station. The cost of the hop-on and hop-off bus pass is 8,000 won. Buses operate daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Refer below for more bus information and getting around in Gapyeong area – Nami Island and neaby attraction.
Enter Nami Island: Ferry and Zipline
Travelers have the option to reach Nami Island by either taking a ferry or riding a zipline. Tickets for both options can be purchased at the ferry terminal, which is located where you disembark from the bus. At the terminal, there is a tourist information counter where visitors can find the timetable and other travel information. The process of obtaining tickets at the counter or kiosk is quite simple.
For those seeking a more adventurous experience, the zipline is a popular choice, especially among locals. However, it tends to get fully booked during peak times. Please note that the zipline is one-way, so you will need to take the ferry back from the island.
The ferry is a straightforward and frequent option. A round-trip ferry ticket, which includes entrance to Nami Island, costs ₩16,000. Ferries run approximately every half hour and take about five minutes to reach the island, but they can become very crowded during peak season.
Nami Island Ticket: ₩16,000 (Adult) / ₩13,000 (13-18 years old) / ₩10,000 (3-13 years old) / free (Child under 3 years old).
Nami Island Travel Tips: To skip the lines, consider pre-booking your Nami Island Ferry Ticket through Klook. You can simply present the QR code at the ferry gate when you arrive!
Getting Aroung in Gapyeong Station – Nami Island
The Gapyeong City Tour Bus operates on a circular route, stopping at all major transit stations and tourist attractions in the area. There are two routes available: Route A and Route B. Be sure to check which route is more efficient for your needs before boarding.
Note that Route B is temporary suspended until further notice.
You can purchase a day ticket on board from the driver, either with cash or using a T-money card. This ticket allows you to hop on and off the bus as many times as you like along its circular route.
Day Ticket: ₩8000 (Adult) / ₩6000 (Child) / free (Child under 3 years old).
Gapyeong City Tour Bus Route A: [Gapyeong Terminal – Gapyeong Rail Bike – Jarasum – Gapyeong Station – Nami Island (Gapyeong Wharf) – Geumdae-ri – Bokjang-ri 3 way intersection – Petite France – Homyeong-ri – Cheongpyeong Terminal – Cheongpyeong Station – Imcho School – The Garden of Morning Calm – Biyreongi]
Highlighted in red is the popular stops for Gapyeong City Tour Bus.
Bus Schedule: Gapyeong City Tour Bus Schedule
How long should you spend on Nami Island
Although Nami Island is small, there are many activities and attractions to explore. Travelers can easily spend a full day visiting libraries, restaurants, museums, and amusement rides, or enjoying cycling and K-drama filming locations.
We recommended plan at least half day for the Nami Island and the attractions nearby. There are also plenty of photo opportunities. It’s a good idea to allocate enough time to fully experience this beautiful island during your visit.
Things To Do in Nami Island
Nami Island is a beautiful natural destination known for its stunning tree-lined paths, scenic river walks, art exhibits, and a variety of gardens. The island is easily walkable and a visit typically doesn’t take an entire day. It’s a great idea to combine your trip to Nami Island with other nearby attractions, such as the Garden of Morning Calm, Petite France, Alpaca World, or the Gangchon Rail Bike.
Here’s a suggested itinerary for your visit to Nami Island:
- Nami Island with Beautiful Tree-lined Paths
- Petite France
- Rail Park: Gapyeong Rail Park or Gangchon Rail Park
- Garden of Morning Calm
Nami Island with Beautiful Tree-lined Paths
Once you arrive at Nami Island, you can explore the area at your own pace. The entrance fee to Nami Island is included in the price of the ferry ticket, so there’s no need to purchase a separate entrance ticket.
Nami Island
How to get there: Take the Gapyeong City Tour Bus to Nami Island (Gapyeong Wharf). From there, take ferry or zipline to the island.
Nami Island boasts unique scenery in every season, and its diverse natural landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for stunning photographs.
As you wander around, you’ll discover plenty of peaceful spots to relax and enjoy the view, including tranquil streams, beautiful gardens, sculpture, and scenic viewpoints overlooking the Han River.
One of the main highlights of Nami Island is its picturesque tree-lined paths, which are ideal for leisurely strolls or bike rides. If you’re a fan of K-dramas, this location might look familiar to you.
Here, you can find statues of Bae Yong-joon and Choi Ji-woo, so be sure to visit these iconic spots. You can take a walk down the famous tree-lined path where romantic scenes from the show were filmed and snap a few photos with the statues of the stars.
Take a long walk through Central Korean Pine Tree Lane, Ginkgo Tree Lane, and Metasequoia Lane. It’s picture-perfect, especially if you can find a time when there are fewer people around—though that might be challenging.
Another must-see on Nami Island is the beautiful lake scenery. I highly recommend not spending all your time taking photos in the central area and among the trees.
Be sure to explore the stunning beauty of the lake; it is truly breathtaking. While Ginkgo Tree Lane is famous and can get quite crowded, a quick visit is enough. Instead, invest your time in the more serene and picturesque spots.
Petite France
Next on our itinerary for the Nami Island day trip is Petite France.
Petite France is a French cultural themed park inspired by the beloved fairy tale character, the Little Prince. The area is adorned with European-style buildings, vibrant houses, century-old dolls and puppets, as well as various antiques and furniture.
The enchanting decorations truly make you feel as though you’ve stepped into a fairy tale. It’s an ideal location for taking photographs. Additionally, the park is a popular filming site for Korean dramas and variety shows.
Despite being one of the more touristy attractions, Petite France is definitely worth a visit, as the colorful façades provide a stunning backdrop for photos.
Petite France
Entrance fee: ₩12,000 per person
Opening hours: 9:00 to 18:00 (Last entry at 17:00)
How to get there: Take the Gapyeong City Tour Bus from Nami Island Station to Petite France.
Gapyeong Rail Park / Gangchon Rail Park
Lastly, heading to Rail Park for the bicycle riding experience along the old railway offers beautiful views of the Bukhan River throughout the journey.
There are two rail parks: Gapyeong Rail Park (가평 레일파크) and Gangchon Rail Park (강촌 레일파크). These spots were developed using the tracks of the Gyeongchun Line, which ceased operations in 2010 after over 70 years of service.
The Korean government transformed the old railway into the Gangchon and Gyeonggang Rail Bike Paths. These scenic routes have become popular tourist attractions and filming locations for the variety show “Running Man.”
Fun Rail Riding at Gangchon Rail Park
For your day trip to Nami Island itinerary, you can choose to visit just one of the rail parks. We recommend the Gangchon Rail Park. The reason is simple. It’s the most photographed and most popular rail bike for good reason. This is an 8.5-km one way course, that involves a rail bike, train ride, and shuttle bus to get back to your starting point.
The “Book Building” at Gimyujeong Station in Gangchon Rail Park.
The Gangchon Rail Bike departs from Gimyujeong Station and takes approximately 1 hour to complete. The rail starts inside Gangchon Rail Park and winds through majestic landscapes, next to the Bukhan River, before ending at Nanggu Village.
It leaves from and returns to Gimyujeong Station in the Gangchon Rail Park, which is about a 30 minute drive away from Nami Island and very close to the city of Chuncheon.
Currently, Gangchon Rail Park with bikes operates every hour, with options for two-person or four-person configurations. A two-person bike costs 30,000 KRW, while a four-person bike is 40,000 KRW.
It is possible to buy the same day ticket on the spot, but it is regular to sell out. It’s best to reserve your Gangchon Rail Bike tickets before you make the trip to Chuncheon to avoid being disappointed.
Another delightful surprise is the decoration inside the tunnels. The tunnels feature unique music and changing lighting effects, sometimes playing soothing blues and other times lively rock. It’s pretty cool! We didn’t expect much from the ride, but I had an awesome time here. What initially seemed like a dull experience turned into an exciting journey through different atmospheres. The ride takes about 45 minutes.
Travev Tips: Please note that the ride stops at Old Gangchon Station, which is no longer operational. If you plan to take the train back to Seoul, this is not the station where you can catch the ITX. A free shuttle bus will take you back to Gimyujeong Station, where you’ll need to take one stop down to Gangchon for the ITX.
While Gapyeong Rail Park is more convenient and accessible—it’s one of the stops along the Gapyeong City Bus route! You can consider if you prefer to take this option.
More Time for Nami Island: Garden of Morning Calm
Another popular attraction to visit on Nami Island is the Garden of Morning Calm. This garden is the oldest private garden in Korea, founded by Professor Han Sang-kyung with the vision of creating a world-class garden that showcases the beauty of Korea.
Spanning a total area of 330,000 square meters, the Garden of Morning Calm features over 5,000 kinds of plants and 22 distinct themes. This beautiful and artistic garden can be enjoyed in every season, including the Lighting Festival, which takes place from December to March during winter.
We did not include it in our Nami Island itinerary because it was not the best time to see the flowers during our visit. You can consider to include it into your Nami Island itinerary if interested.
Garden of Morning Calm
Entrance fee: ₩11,000/pax
Opening hours: From 8:30 to 19:00 (closing varies during the festive period)
How to get there: Take the Gapyeong City Tour Bus and stop at the Garden of Morning Calm
What To Eat in Nami Island
There isn’t much variety in food options on Nami Island, and the number of restaurants and cafes is limited. Most places primarily offer Dakgalbi, a spicy stir-fried chicken dish. This regional specialty is served on shared barbecue platters, and the meat is wrapped in perilla leaves along with kimchi and pickled radishes. Meals also come with a variety of Korean side dishes that you can help yourself with. Whether enjoyed directly or wrapped in lettuce, it’s delicious.
Most restaurants are located near the ferry terminal. If you are visiting Nami Island on a day trip, we recommend grabbing your lunch there. There are even fewer food options in the Rail Park and Petite France areas.
Final Tips for Visiting Nami Island
Getting around and visiting Nami Island can be challenging. While you can visit any or all three of the mentioned places on your own, opting for a package tour can save you the hassle of figuring out transportation. You can book a Nami Island tour conveniently on Klook.
- Tour Option: Nami Island, Petitie France, Gangchon Rail Bike Day Tour Options
- Tour Option: Nami Island, Garden of Morning Calm Package Options
During my visit, Nami Island was quite busy. If you plan your trip in spring or fall, be prepared for even larger crowds, as Nami Island is a popular destination for cherry blossoms in spring and fall foliage in autumn.
While the island can be crowded, it remains beautiful. There are plenty of activities available, such as biking, performances, and cozy cafes for relaxing. You will likely need at least half a day to explore the area. Since the place is bustling with tourists at every turn, it can be challenging to take photos without people in them.
Overall: A Visit To Nami Island
In conclusion, we hope this Nami Island travel guide blog helps you plan your perfect day trip itinerary from Seoul. The island is beautiful and unique, making it especially enjoyable for those who want to experience the Korean countryside.
While I found it a bit overrated and touristy, Nami Island remains a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a peaceful and scenic escape from the city. Whether you’re interested in nature, and culture, or simply looking for a quiet place to relax, this charming island has something to offer everyone.
