If you’re planning a trip to Korea and looking for a peaceful, scenic escape just outside of Seoul, Nami Island (Namiseom) should definitely be on your list. When I visited the island with my friends, I completely fell in love with its picturesque tree-lined paths, charming cafés, and the romantic atmosphere made famous by the K-drama Winter Sonata. 🌸🍁❄️
In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how to get to Nami Island—from transportation options to insider tips—based on my own experience. Whether you're traveling solo, with a partner, or with family, this guide will help you make the most of your day trip.
🌸About Nami Island
Nami Island, or Namiseom (남이섬), is one of the most popular day-trip destinations from Seoul, known for its beautiful tree-lined paths, seasonal scenery, and romantic atmosphere—especially famous from the Korean drama Winter Sonata. Located in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, it’s not far from the capital and is easily accessible via several routes.
📍Where is Nami Island?
This crescent-shaped island is located in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, about 63 km (around 1.5–2 hours) from Seoul. It's actually a self-declared "republic" with its own quirky entry visa (don’t worry—this just means you pay an entrance fee).
The island is known for its beautiful walking trails lined with Metasequoia trees, seasonal flowers, cultural exhibits, and open spaces perfect for a relaxing picnic.
🚆Option 1: ITX Train from Seoul (Most Scenic & Popular DIY Route)
Step 1: Catch the ITX-Cheongchun Train to Gapyeong Station
We took the ITX-Cheongchun train from Cheongnyangni Station (you can also board at Yongsan Station), and overall, it was a smooth ride—fast, clean, and a scenic way to experience Korea’s countryside.
However, if you’re coming from another part of Seoul, keep in mind that there’s no ITX train going directly to Nami Island. You’ll likely need to take a Metro train to transfer at Cheongnyangni Station first.
This part took us longer than expected—almost 2 hours total—because we had to walk quite a distance within the station to reach the right platform. We also got a little lost and ended up at the wrong platform at first, so give yourself extra time if it’s your first time navigating the station.
- 🕒 Travel Time: Around 55 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes (not including the transfer). For us, it took nearly 2 hours including transfers and a short detour 😅
- 💰 Fare: Approximately ₩6,000 (~$4–5 USD)
- 📲 Booking Tip: You can book tickets in advance on letsKorail.com or through the KORAIL app. On weekends, seats sell out fast! Also check Klook, as they sometimes offer cheaper fares or discounts.
✨ Travel Tip: Make sure to
double-check the platform and train number before boarding. My friend entered
the wrong train—but thankfully got off just in time!
Try to grab a window seat for some beautiful countryside views along the
way.
Step 2: Get to Nami Island Ferry Terminal
Once you arrive at Gapyeong Station, you have two main options to get to the ferry terminal:
- 🚕
Taxi:
Since the Gapyeong City Tour Bus wasn’t operating yet when we arrived, we opted for a taxi—and honestly, it was the right call. We were a group of three and paid only ₩3,000 total, which was super affordable (just ₩1,000 each!). We also didn’t want to waste time waiting, as we wanted to beat the crowds and make the most of our morning.
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👉 Don’t worry about being overcharged—taxi drivers here are very honest and even provide a printed receipt. The ride only took about 7–10 minutes, and we got dropped off right in front of the ferry terminal.
- 🚌
Gapyeong City Tour Bus:
If you arrive later in the morning or want to visit other nearby attractions like Petite France or the Garden of Morning Calm, this hop-on-hop-off bus is a great option. It costs ₩8,000 for a day pass.
Step 3: Take the Ferry (or Zipline!) to Nami Island
Once you arrive at the Nami Island Wharf, you have two exciting ways to get onto the island:
- ⛴️
Take the ferry
This is the most common option and super easy. Ferries run every 10–20 minutes and the ride itself takes just 5 minutes across the river. Before boarding, you’ll pass through "Nami Island Immigration", which is more of a fun tourist gimmick than actual immigration—but it does make the experience feel unique and memorable!
👉 Ferry fare is already included in your admission ticket, so no need to pay extra. The ride is smooth and offers a nice view of the island as you approach.
- 🧗♀️ Try the Zipline
Feeling adventurous? You can literally zipline into Nami Island! For ₩49,000, you get: - Zipline entry to the island
- Island admission
- Return ferry ride
I didn’t try it myself (I’ll admit—it looked a bit scary! 😅), but it looked super fun for thrill-seekers. You’ll glide across the river with an amazing bird’s-eye view of the island!
✨ Tip: If you’re visiting during peak hours or weekends, the zipline can save you some waiting time, too—plus, it’s a memory you won’t forget!
🚌Option 2: Direct Shuttle Bus from Seoul (Most Convenient)
If you want to skip the transfers and go straight there, this option is for you.
Several services offer round-trip shuttle buses from central Seoul, including:
- 🔹 Insadong (Tapgol Park)
- 🔹 Namdaemun (Sungnyemun Gate)
- 🔹 Hongdae
- 🕘 Departure: Around 9:00 AM
- 🔁 Return: Around 4:00–4:30 PM
- 💰 Fare: ₩15,000–20,000 (round trip)
- 🌐 Book via Trazy, Klook, or KKday
✨ Great option for families or those who prefer a more relaxed day trip.
🚗Option 3: Drive or Hire a Car (For Flexibility)
If you’re traveling with a group or want to take your time exploring Chuncheon, you can drive or hire a private car.
- 🕒 Drive time: 1.5–2 hours from Seoul
- 🅿️ Parking: Available near the ferry terminal (₩4,000–₩5,000)
You’ll still need to take the ferry or zipline to enter the island.
💸Entrance Fees for Nami Island
Here’s a quick breakdown of the entrance + ferry costs:
| Ticket Type | Price | Includes | ||
| General (Adults) | ₩16,000 | Ferry + Island Entry | ||
| Children (3–12 yrs) | ₩10,000 | Ferry + Entry | ||
| Foreigners (w/ passport) | ₩13,000 | Discounted Entry | ||
| Zipline Package | ₩49,000 | Zipline In + Ferry Out + Entry |
🗓️Best Time to Visit Nami Island
Honestly, Nami Island is beautiful year-round—but here’s what to expect by season:
- 🌸 Spring (April–May): Cherry blossoms and fresh greenery
- 🌿 Summer (June–August): Lush and shady, ideal for biking
- 🍁 Autumn (October–November): Jaw-dropping fall foliage
- ❄️ Winter (December–February): Quiet, romantic snowy landscapes
I visited during autumn and it was absolutely magical—the entire island was glowing with golden and red leaves. 🍂
🚴♀️Things to Do:
Once you’re there, don’t miss these:
- 🌳 Walk or bike along the iconic Metasequoia path
- ☕ Grab coffee at a cozy riverside café
- 🎨 Visit galleries and art installations
- 🦢 Feed the ducks by the lakeside
- 🍗 Try Korean street snacks like hotteok, tteokgalbi, or corn dogs
✨ You can rent bikes or tandem bikes on the island for about ₩8,000 per hour.
🧳What to Pack?
- A power bank (lots of photo ops 📸)
- Light snacks and water
- Cash or card (cafés and shops accept both)
- Comfortable walking shoes
✨ Helpful Tips
- Go early to avoid the crowds, especially on weekends.
- Go straight to the main attractions, specially the lined-trees as it tends to get to crowded. You will not be able to take picture without photo bombers
- Rent a bike on the island to explore comfortably.
- Bring your passport if you're a foreigner to get a discounted ticket.
- Consider combining your trip with nearby attractions like:
- Petite France
- Garden of Morning Calm
- Gangchon Rail Bike
If you’ve been or are planning to go, I’d love to hear about your experience. Drop your questions or travel tips in the comments below!
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