Nami Island — Attraction in Chuncheon-si

Nami Island is a beautiful, crescent-shaped island located about 63 kilometers (39 miles) from Seoul in the Bukhangang River. Known for its stunning natural landscapes, particularly its tree-lined pathways, the island offers a peaceful escape with picturesque views throughout the year. Nami Island is especially popular in autumn when the leaves turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, and in winter, when snow blankets the scenery. The island is also famous for being a filming location for the popular Korean drama Winter Sonata.

How to Get There

By Train: From Seoul, take the ITX-Cheongchun Line from Yongsan or Cheongnyangni Station to Gapyeong Station. From Gapyeong Station, take a short taxi ride or the Gapyeong City Tour Bus to the Nami Island ferry terminal. By Bus: Several direct buses go from central Seoul (Insa-dong or Namdaemun) to the Nami Island ferry terminal. By Ferry: At the terminal, visitors take a 5-minute ferry ride across to the island. Alternatively, thrill-seekers can use the zipline to reach the island.

Entrance Fees

• General Admission: Approximately 16,000 KRW for adults (includes round-trip ferry). • Discounted Admission: Available for children, seniors, and groups.

Travel Time from Seoul

It takes about 1-1.5 hours by train or bus, depending on traffic and the choice of transport.

Things to See and Do

• Tree-Lined Paths: Walk down beautiful paths lined with ginkgo, pine, and redwood trees. • Metasequoia Road: One of the most photographed spots, with tall trees creating a natural canopy. • Gardens and Sculptures: Enjoy the themed gardens, art installations, and sculptures spread across the island. • Wildlife: Nami Island is home to friendly animals like squirrels, peacocks, and rabbits that roam freely.

Activities

• Biking: Rent bicycles or family bikes to tour the island at a relaxed pace. • Water Sports: Try water sports like paddleboarding and water skiing. • Ziplining: Reach Nami Island by ziplining for a unique experience. • Seasonal Festivals: Throughout the year, the island hosts cultural events and seasonal festivals celebrating Korean traditions.

Restaurants and Dining

• Nammoon Korean Restaurant: Serves traditional Korean dishes. • Seomhyanggi: Known for Korean BBQ and local dishes. • Book Café: A cozy café where you can relax with coffee and a view of the river. • Swing Café: Offers Western-style meals, snacks, and desserts.

Accommodation

Though there are no hotels directly on Nami Island, nearby options include: • Hotel Jeonggwanru: Located on Nami Island itself for a unique stay experience. • Gapyeong Area: There are various accommodations in Gapyeong, including resorts, guesthouses, and pensions for convenient access.

Nami Island offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for a day trip or a relaxing...

Although it feels commercial, especially at the entrance/ferry drop off of the island, I like this place for various reasons below.

We went there in the fall, unfortunately, the 'fall' didn't happen yet. The tree were still green and the weather was hot and humid.

Visitors need to take a boat, actually it felt more like a moving bridge since the distance is very short. Blink and you'll arrive. Everything felt busy and crowded, however, when we started to roam the island, we could easily get away from the crowd.

There are trails, seating areas, small shops and park corner we could patronize. Since it was the first place we went, we didn't many food and drinks, only those we needed, thinking it must have been more expensive, but we were wrong! The prices were actually cheaper, like the marshmellow ice cream at 5000 won compared to 8000 in Myeongdong.

I believe the island is famous as the setting of popular Korean drama 'Winter Sonata,' I've never watched it, and pretty sure newer generations wouldn't know about it, because I remember hearing about the drama twenty over years ago? Anyway, it doesn't have to be that, if you love nature close to the city, you'd love this. It's pet friendly as well, it must be fun bringing your pets here. There were also many chestnuts falling from the tree. I am talking a lot! If we roasted it, it could feed the whole ferry!

There is some kind of immigration counter, not sure why it's called that way since it's still part of Korea. One can go to the island via ziplining as well, but I suspect it's costly. I didn't have the time to venture there.

There are plenty of beautiful and unique landscape in the island, quiet corners, interesting sculptures, even building made from compacted cans. I think you can stay overnight as well which sounds like a nice idea. There are plenty of toilets and chairs, many species of squirrels, wild flowers and plants.

I think it must be very nice in the...

A Charming Escape at Nami Island

Nami Island is a picturesque gem that offers a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Located just outside Seoul, it’s an ideal destination for nature lovers and those seeking a serene retreat.

The island is renowned for its stunning landscapes, with beautiful tree-lined avenues, lush gardens, and scenic waterfronts. The iconic Metasequoia Lane is particularly enchanting, especially during the autumn months when the leaves turn vibrant shades of red and gold. It’s a perfect spot for leisurely walks and memorable photographs.

Nami Island also features a variety of attractions and activities. The cultural exhibits and art installations add an interesting dimension to the visit, and the outdoor activities, such as bike rentals and paddle boating, provide additional ways to enjoy the island’s natural beauty.

The food options on the island are decent, with several cafes and restaurants offering a range of Korean and international dishes. The quality is good, and it’s nice to have a variety of choices without having to leave the island.

The ferry ride to the island is a pleasant experience in itself, providing lovely views of the surrounding landscape. The island is well-maintained, and the staff are friendly and helpful, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable visit.

One thing to note is that Nami Island can get quite busy, particularly on weekends and holidays, so visiting early in the day can help you avoid the crowds and fully enjoy the serene environment.

Overall, Nami Island is a wonderful destination for a day trip or a relaxing getaway. Its natural beauty, charming attractions, and peaceful ambiance make it a highly recommended spot for anyone visiting...