Nami Island, also known as Namiseom, is one of the easiest nature escapes to add to a trip from Seoul.
The island is known for its tree-lined paths, riverside scenery, seasonal colors and filming locations from the Korean drama Winter Sonata. It works well as either a relaxed half-day visit or the main destination of a day trip to Gapyeong.
This guide explains the admission fee, ferry service, transportation from Seoul, seasonal highlights and practical things to know before visiting.
π Location: Chuncheon, Gangwon State
π° Regular admission: KRW 19,000
⛴️ Ferry: Regular round-trip ferry included
π Standard operating hours: 8:00 AM–9:00 PM
π Nearest railway station: Gapyeong Station
π Station to ferry terminal: About 5 minutes by taxi
⏱️ Recommended visit: 3–5 hours
π Known for: Tree lanes, seasonal scenery and K-drama locations
π Where Is Nami Island?
Nami Island is officially located in Chuncheon, Gangwon State. Most visitors, however, reach it through the ferry terminal in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province.
This explains why travel directions usually lead to Gapyeong Station even though the island's official address is in Chuncheon.
1 Namiseom-gil, Namsan-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon State, South Korea
• Open throughout the year
• Regular admission includes the round-trip ferry
• Famous for Metasequoia Lane and Ginkgo Tree Lane
• Popular during spring blossoms and autumn foliage
• Known as a filming location for Winter Sonata
• Suitable for a half-day or full-day trip from Seoul
π« Nami Island Admission Fee
Regular admission costs KRW 19,000. The price includes the regular round-trip ferry between Gapyeong Wharf and Nami Island, so visitors do not need to buy a separate standard ferry ticket.
π€ Regular: KRW 19,000
π Discount: KRW 16,000
πΆ Special discount: KRW 13,000
⛴️ Regular round-trip ferry included
Discount categories have specific age and eligibility requirements. Check the official website before visiting if you plan to purchase a discounted ticket.
⛴️ Nami Island Ferry Schedule
The ferry is the usual way to reach Nami Island. The crossing takes only about five minutes, although boarding may take longer during busy weekends and peak foliage season.
The standard service operates within the following hours:
8:00 AM–9:00 AM: About every 30 minutes
9:00 AM–6:00 PM: About every 10–20 minutes
Evening service: Continues until the standard closing time of 9:00 PM
Operating hours and departure intervals can change because of weather, water conditions or seasonal demand. Check the official notice before making a tightly timed itinerary.
Daytime ferries are frequent, but the ticketing and boarding areas can become crowded on autumn weekends. Arriving earlier makes it easier to explore the island before the largest groups arrive.
π How to Get to Nami Island from Seoul
Option 1: ITX-Cheongchun
The ITX-Cheongchun is one of the quickest public transportation options. Trains for Gapyeong depart from Yongsan and Cheongnyangni stations.
The journey from Yongsan usually takes about one hour. Reserved seats can sell out on weekends and during the autumn foliage season, so advance booking is useful.
Option 2: Gyeongchun Line
The regular Gyeongchun Line also stops at Gapyeong Station. It generally takes longer than the ITX, but it can be convenient for travelers starting near Sangbong or other stations along the line.
From Gapyeong Station to the Ferry Terminal
The ferry terminal is roughly 1.5 kilometers from Gapyeong Station. A taxi takes about five minutes, while walking usually takes around 20–30 minutes depending on pace.
Local bus availability and waiting times can vary. A taxi is often the simplest choice when traveling with luggage, children or several people.
Shuttle and Tour Buses
Reservable shuttle and tour services may operate from areas such as Hongdae, Myeongdong and Dongdaemun. Departure points, schedules and included services vary by operator, so confirm the details on the booking page before paying.
π² Things to Do on Nami Island
1. Walk Through Metasequoia Lane
Metasequoia Lane is one of the island's most recognizable places. Tall trees form a long, symmetrical path that changes character with every season.
The lane is usually most peaceful early in the day. Later in the morning, it becomes one of the busiest photography spots on the island.
2. See Ginkgo Tree Lane
Ginkgo Tree Lane is especially striking in autumn, when the leaves turn yellow and cover the path in gold. The timing of peak foliage changes each year, so weather matters more than a fixed calendar date.
Weekday mornings are usually better for photography than weekend afternoons. If a famous lane is crowded, walk a little farther along the riverside and return later.
3. Find the Winter Sonata Locations
Nami Island became internationally famous partly because of the Korean drama Winter Sonata. Drama-related statues and photo spots remain around the island.
The filming connection is part of the island's history, but the forests, gardens and riverside trails make the visit worthwhile even if you have never watched the series.
4. Explore the Quieter Riverside Paths
The busiest locations are concentrated around the entrance and famous tree lanes. A short walk toward the outer riverside paths reveals a quieter side of the island with open river views and places to rest.
5. Rent a Bicycle or Use an Island Ride
Nami Island is compact enough to explore on foot, but bicycles, a small train and other leisure activities may also be available. These services have separate fees and can change by season or weather.
For a first visit, walking is usually the best way to experience the tree lanes and discover smaller paths that are easy to miss from a vehicle.
πΈ Best Time to Visit Nami Island
Spring
Spring brings blossoms, mild temperatures and fresh green leaves. It is a comfortable season for walking, although weekends can become busy when the flowers are at their best.
Summer
Summer is lush and green, but the weather can be hot and humid. The island's tree shade makes walking more comfortable than at many open-air attractions, but carrying water is still important.
Autumn
Autumn is the most popular season for many visitors. Yellow ginkgo leaves and red or orange foliage transform the main paths, especially from mid to late autumn depending on the weather.
Winter
Winter creates a quieter and more atmospheric landscape. Snow is not guaranteed, but freshly covered paths are particularly popular with photographers and fans of Winter Sonata.
πΈ Spring: Blossoms and mild walking weather
π³ Summer: Green forests and deep shade
π Autumn: Ginkgo leaves and colorful foliage
❄️ Winter: Quiet paths and possible snow scenery
⏱️ How Much Time Do You Need?
Allow three to five hours to walk the main tree lanes, explore the riverside and stop for photographs without rushing.
Lunch, bicycle rentals, exhibitions or other activities can turn the visit into most of a day. Travelers coming from Seoul should also account for the train journey, transfer to the ferry terminal and possible boarding queues.
⚠️ What to Know Before Visiting
• Gapyeong Station is not beside the ferry terminal
• Leave enough time for the return ferry and station transfer
• Activity hours may differ from the island's general operating hours
• Weekends and peak foliage periods can be crowded
• Check the latest ferry notice during severe weather
• Wear comfortable shoes because walking is the best way to explore
❓ Nami Island FAQ
How much is Nami Island admission?
Regular admission is KRW 19,000. The regular round-trip ferry between Gapyeong Wharf and Nami Island is included.
How do I get to Nami Island from Seoul?
Take an ITX-Cheongchun train or the Gyeongchun Line to Gapyeong Station. From the station, continue by taxi, local bus or on foot to the ferry terminal.
What is the best season to visit?
Spring is pleasant for blossoms and walking, while autumn is the most popular time for colorful foliage. Summer offers dense green forests, and winter is quieter with a chance of snow.
Can I visit Nami Island as a half-day trip?
Yes. A half-day trip is possible if you start early and focus on the main paths. A full day is more comfortable if you want lunch, activities or a slow walk around the riverside.
πΏ Final Tips
Do not spend the entire visit moving from one famous photo spot to another. The quieter riverside paths and small wooded areas between the main attractions often provide the most relaxing moments.
For a first trip from Seoul, it is better to make Nami Island the main destination of the day instead of squeezing it between several unrelated attractions. That leaves enough time for transportation delays, ferry queues and an unhurried walk.
✔ Located in Chuncheon, Gangwon State
✔ Reached through the ferry terminal near Gapyeong
✔ Regular admission: KRW 19,000
✔ Regular round-trip ferry included
✔ Standard operating hours: 8:00 AM–9:00 PM
✔ Main railway access: Gapyeong Station
✔ Recommended island visit: 3–5 hours
✔ Open throughout the year
π Official Information
VISITKOREA – Nami Island Visitor Information
Admission fees, ferry schedules and activity hours may change. Check the official information shortly before your visit.
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