Nami Island, also known as Namiseom or Naminara Republic, is a picturesque and enchanting island located near Chuncheon in the province of Gangwon-do in South Korea. Located just an hour away from Seoul, it's a popular destination for tourists and locals.
If you're planning to visit South Korea and spend a day in Nami Island, here's a quick guide.
About Nami Island
Nami Island, surrounded by the Bukhan River, gained international fame as the filming location for the popular Korean drama "Winter Sonata." Characterized by its breathtaking natural beauty and serene atmosphere, it has become a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike.
Visitors are welcomed by a tree-lined pathway, providing a captivating introduction to the island's charm. Beyond its captivating landscapes, Nami Island offers various activities, cultural experiences, and art installations.
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| some of the many art installations on the island |
Formally called Naminara Republic, this island declared its cultural independence from the Republic of Korea and it has its own diplomatic and cultural policies. It operates as a special self-governing province and even has its own flag but this is primarily a theme and marketing concept rather than a declaration of actual independence.
Things to Do in Nami Island
Nami Island offers a range of activities and attractions that cater to various interests. There may be seasonal activities as well. Below are some things to do when visiting this island.
Take a scenic stroll.
Take a leisurely walk along the iconic tree-lined paths. The picturesque landscapes change with the seasons, providing different natural delights throughout the year. One of the best spots is Metasequoia Lane, which is a stunning tree-lined path that provides a captivating view of the metasequoia trees, especially beautiful during the autumn season.
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| several tree-lined paths create a stunning backdrop for photos |
Bike around the island.
You can rent a bike and explore the island on two wheels. Biking allows you to cover more ground and enjoy the scenery at a relaxed pace.
Relive your K-drama fantasies.
If you're a K-drama fan, then you've seen Nami Island probably several times on TV. This island is a popular filming spot and has appeared in various K-drama series like ‘Winter Sonata’, ‘Hi Bye, Mama!’ and ‘When My Love Blooms,’ among many others. There's even a Winter Sonata Statue that fans will truly appreciate.
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| the Winter Sonata statue |
Join a workshop.
Nami Island offers various cultural workshops, such as traditional handcrafts, pottery, and art, that visitors can participate in. It's an opportunity to immerse yourself in Korean culture on a more personal level.
Enjoy Korean cuisine.
There are several food establishments, such as restaurants and coffee shops, on the island. Trying local snacks and dishes can be a delightful part of your visit. When I visited Nami Island, I went to a restaurant called Nammoon and the food was very good. I'll write a separate blog post for this restaurant.
Go shopping.
Nami Island has several shops where you can get hand-crafted items, local snacks, and souvenirs, such as keychains, postcards, and trinkets.
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| a small pond in Nami Island |
How to Get to Nami Island from Seoul
Nami Island is located outside of Seoul and can be easily accessed by public transportation.
From Seoul, you can take a train or bus to Chuncheon, which is the nearest city to Nami Island. The train journey from Seoul to Chuncheon takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, and there are regular departures from Seoul's Cheongnyangni or Yongsan Station. I took the train via ITX which was cheaper and more convenient, especially because I had the Korail pass. By bus, the journey from Seoul to Chuncheon takes around 2 hours.
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| a view of Bukhan River, surrounding the island |
Once you reach Chuncheon, you can take a short taxi ride or a local bus to Gapyeong Wharf, where the ferry to Nami Island departs. Alternatively, there are direct buses from Chuncheon to Gapyeong Station. The taxi ride costs around KRW5,000.
From Gapyeong Wharf or Gapyeong Station, you can take a short ferry ride to Nami Island. A roundtrip ferry ride is included when you pay the entrance fee to the island, which costs KRW16,000. If you have the Discover Seoul Pass, then you get free entry with a roundtrip ferry ride to the island.
If you're a thrill-seeker, you can take the Nami Island Zip Wire, which is what we did! It's a 940-meter-long zipline from Nami Island Wharf to Nami Island from the top of an 80-meter-high tower across the river. The zipline speeds up to 56 km/hr! The zipline ticket costs KRW49,000 per person and it includes entry to the island and a ferry ride on the way back to Gapyeong Wharf.
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| view of Nami Island from the zipline |
Since Nami Island is relatively small and exploring the island won't take up an entire day, many visitors opt to visit it through guided tours which include several other attractions such as Alpaca World, Petite France, and Garden of the Morning Calm. I'd recommend joining a tour if you want a more convenient way to visit Nami Island plus other tourist spots in Gangwon-do.
Whether you're into strolling through the changing trees, checking out the Winter Sonata spot, or just having a good time on a bike, Nami Island has a bit of magic for everyone, making it a must-visit if you're traveling to South Korea.
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