Are you planning a trip to Korea? If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Seoul and immerse yourself in beautiful, wide-open nature, there is no better place than ‘Nami Island’ (also known as Namisum) in Gapyeong.
If you’re wondering how to get there or what to do once you arrive, don’t worry! I’ve put together the ultimate day trip itinerary for you—covering transportation, must-visit photo spots, and the best local food. Ready? Let’s go!
1. Not Just a Park: Welcome to the ‘Naminara Republic’!
Nami Island isn’t just your average park with a lot of trees. Surprisingly, the entire island operates under the fun, imaginary concept of a micro-nation called the ‘Naminara Republic’.
Because of this unique concept, when you buy your entrance ticket at the ticket office, it’s actually called a ‘Visa’. (Don’t panic! You absolutely do NOT need your real passport or an official government visa. It’s just a cute little detail to make you feel like you’re traveling to a whole new world!) Originally a barren wasteland, decades of planting and caring for trees have transformed it into a stunning forest getaway that’s beautiful all year round.
On top of that, it’s an absolute mecca for K-Content fans! It’s most famous as the filming location for the legendary drama Winter Sonata, which sparked the Korean Wave across Asia. But that’s not all—you can also walk the beautiful cherry blossom lane seen in Netflix’s hit drama Hi Bye, Mama! (starring Kim Tae-hee), and visit spots where global hit variety shows like Running Man and We Got Married were filmed. Walking around the island truly feels like stepping right into a scene from your favorite Korean TV show.
2. How to Get to Nami Island from Seoul
Nami Island is located in ‘Gapyeong’, which is only about a 1 to 1.5-hour journey from Seoul. Public transportation is incredibly well-connected, so you don’t even need a rental car to get there!
🚇 Train & Subway
- ITX-Cheongchun Train: The fastest and most comfortable way to get there without worrying about traffic! If you catch it from Yongsan or Cheongnyangni Station, you’ll arrive at Gapyeong Station in just 40–50 minutes. It has assigned seating, but weekend tickets sell out super fast, so make sure to book in advance on the Korail website.
- Gyeongchun Line (Subway): Cheap and easy—just tap your transportation card (T-money)! It takes a little longer than the ITX, but you don’t need to book in advance.
- From Gapyeong Station to the Island: Once you get off at Gapyeong Station, a quick 5-minute taxi ride (around 5,000 KRW) will take you straight to the ferry terminal. If the weather is nice, a 20-30 minute stroll is also a lovely option.
🚌 Direct Shuttle Bus (Hassle-Free!)
If navigating the subway and transferring sounds too complicated, hop on a direct shuttle bus departing from central Seoul (Myeongdong, Hongdae, Dongdaemun, etc.). Just take a nap, and you’ll wake up right in front of Nami Island! This is highly popular among foreign travelers.
Click the image below to head directly to the booking page.
- Eating and drinking inside the vehicle is strictly prohibited
- As this is a public transportation service, seating is on a first come first serve basis
- This vehicle is stroller-friendly
- The bus schedule is subject to the weather or local conditions.
- Please indicate if you are bringing wheelchairs or baby strollers on the next page.
- As the shuttle bus departs on time, we recommend you to arrive at the pick up location 10 minutes before the departure time.
(Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a booking through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.)
🚗 Rental Car & Taxi
If you’re traveling with a family or have a lot of luggage, renting a car is a great choice. There are large, well-maintained parking lots right in front of the ferry terminal. However, taking a taxi all the way from Seoul is going to be quite expensive.
3. Two Ways to Enter the Island (Ferry vs. Zip-wire)
Once you arrive at the terminal, it’s time to enter the island! After purchasing your ‘Visa’ (ticket) at the ticket office, you have two exciting options to cross the river.
⛴️ The Ferry (Classic & Romantic)
This is the most popular way to get in, and the round-trip ferry ride is already included in your ticket price. Ferries run frequently every 10–20 minutes, so there’s hardly any waiting. Enjoy the cool breeze and the scenic views of the Bukhangang River—you’ll be on the island in just 5 minutes!
Click the image below to head directly to the booking page.
- Take a trip to Nami Island, one of the best tourist destinations near Seoul!
- Imagine the famous Korean drama taken filmed in Nami Island, ‘Winter Sonata’.
- Enjoy the amazing and gorgeous whiteness of Nami Island in the Spring.
- Try the various of activities in the beautiful nature landscape and release all of your stresses.
🪂 Skyline Zip-wire (For Thrill-Seekers!)
If a normal boat ride sounds too boring, why not fly into the island? Gliding across the Bukhangang River from an 80-meter-high tower is an exhilarating, unforgettable experience! (You zip-wire in, and take the ferry back out.)
4. Must-Visit Photo Zones & Local Food Map
Nami Island has a completely different vibe in spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The island is surprisingly large, so I highly recommend grabbing a paper map at the entrance before you start your stroll.
📸 Do It for the Gram! (Seasonal Photo Spots)
1. Spring & Summer:
Enjoy the fluttering cherry blossoms along the Cherry Tree Lane or heal your soul walking through the lush, dense green forests. (This is exactly where they filmed Hi Bye, Mama!)
2. Autumn (Highly Recommended!):
This is arguably when Nami Island is at its absolute best. The soaring Metasequoia Lane and the vividly yellow Ginkgo Tree Lane are blindingly beautiful. Do not miss this!
3. Winter:
When covered in soft snow, the island turns into a winter wonderland. Don’t forget to take a romantic photo in front of the Winter Sonata main characters’ statue!
🍽️ You Can’t Leave Gapyeong Without Eating Dakgalbi!
- Spicy & Sweet Chuncheon Dakgalbi (Stir-fried Chicken):
Whether you eat right outside the terminal or inside the island, you’ll find amazing Dakgalbi restaurants everywhere. If you or your friends can’t handle spicy food, definitely order the ‘Cheese Dakgalbi’. The gooey cheese perfectly balances the heat—it’s dangerously addictive!
- Sweet Snowman Hotteok:
While walking around the island, a sweet aroma will definitely catch your attention. Grabbing a cute, snowman-shaped Hotteok (Korean sweet pancake) to munch on while exploring is one of the simple joys of visiting Nami Island.
5. Bike Rides, Animal Friends, & Group Events
Walking is great, but there are so many other fun ways to enjoy Nami Island!
Biking & Animal Spotting:
If the weather permits, definitely rent a single or tandem (couple’s) bike! Riding around with the cool river breeze is simply the best. You’ll also encounter free-roaming rabbits, squirrels, and even huge ostriches—a guaranteed hit for both kids and adults.
MICE Center (Perfect for Workshops & Events):
Did you know Nami Island has fantastic MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) facilities? With quiet forest banquet halls and seminar rooms, it’s a wonderfully unique retreat for international seminars or corporate workshops.
To Wrap Up… When you’re exhausted from the busy city streets, why not take a day to breathe in the fresh air and relax at Nami Island? Put on your most comfortable walking shoes, fully charge your camera battery, and come visit the Naminara Republic!
💬 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Is there luggage storage available?
- A: Yes! If you’re coming straight from the airport or planning to move to another city, you don’t need to drag your heavy bags around. There are coin lockers available both at the Gapyeong Ferry Terminal and inside the island.
- A: Yes! If you’re coming straight from the airport or planning to move to another city, you don’t need to drag your heavy bags around. There are coin lockers available both at the Gapyeong Ferry Terminal and inside the island.
- Q: Are there Halal or vegetarian food options?
- A: Absolutely! Nami Island is known for being incredibly Muslim-friendly. There is a Halal-certified Asian family restaurant called ‘Dongmoon’ on the island, as well as a dedicated prayer room for visitors.
- A: Absolutely! Nami Island is known for being incredibly Muslim-friendly. There is a Halal-certified Asian family restaurant called ‘Dongmoon’ on the island, as well as a dedicated prayer room for visitors.
- Q: How much time should I spend on the island?
- A: I highly recommend carving out at least 3 to 4 hours. The island is bigger than you might think! This gives you plenty of time to stroll through the tree lanes, take tons of photos, eat some Dakgalbi, and maybe even rent a bike.
- A: I highly recommend carving out at least 3 to 4 hours. The island is bigger than you might think! This gives you plenty of time to stroll through the tree lanes, take tons of photos, eat some Dakgalbi, and maybe even rent a bike.
- Q: Is the island wheelchair and stroller friendly?
- A: Yes, very! The paths are mostly flat dirt or paved roads, making it super easy to navigate. You can also rent strollers and wheelchairs at the Customer Service Center right after you get off the ferry.