Day Trip to Nami Island

No matter what time of the year it is, Nami Island is a popular tourist attraction. Today, we sorted out everything about the renowned tourist spot from what to do, see, eat, and even how to get there! If you and your friends have plans to visit the spot in the future, stay tuned and keep reading.

Introducing Gapyeong's "Nami Island"

In addition to being known for being mentioned in the Korean drama, "Winter Sonata", Nami Island is notable for having a different atmosphere throughout the year. You can enjoy cherry blossoms in the spring, play games under the sun in the summer, and enjoy the vibrant red leaves in the autumn. Also, there is an abundance of vibrant ginkgo trees in the winter, which is one of the must-see sceneries of the Korean winter. Because the venue is large, you can rent a bicycle to get around. Visitors also like to visit nearby attractions, such as the Petite France Village and the Garden of Morning Calm. At the end of this post, we have special discount plans for exclusive members, so stay tuned!

Information

Address: 강원 춘천시 남산면 남이섬길 1
Gangwon-Province, Chuncheon, Namsan-myeon, Nami Island Street 1

Hours: Sunday to Thursday 08:00 - 21:00, Friday and Saturday 08:00 - 21:30

Estimated time for visit: Around 4 to 8 hours

Admission ticket price

*Round trip ferry fare and additional tax are included in the price of the admission ticket*

*Groups of more than 20 people get a 10% discount on the total amount*

*Kindergarten, elementary school, middle school, welfare facility groups (1 free ticket for more than 20 people, 1 free ticket for every 10 people)*

Get the Nami Island Admission Pass(round-trip ferry included) in the link below!

Nami Island Admission Pass

Introducing Gapyeong's "Nami Island"

In order to avoid the crowd, we visited at around 8:15 in the morning on a weekday. The first thing we did was buy tickets.

Upon arrival, we noticed that there were fewer foreign tourists, most likely due to the pandemic. As we made our way to the ticket booth, we saw that there was no one at the ticket office.

You can buy tickets at the kiosk, which provides both Korean and English instructions. The kiosk is easy to use, with simple steps: Choose the subsidiary tickets, the number of people, and then pay the fare!

*Side note: the kiosk only accepts cards. If you want to use cash, you may need to ask a park official.*

If you use the kiosk to buy the admission ticket, there will be a QR code on it. Just scan the QR code on the reader by the entrance before entering the park!

After entering, you wait to get on the ferry that will take you to the island. Below is the timetable of operation times for the ferry:

The interior of the ferry was larger than expected, and there were several seats available.

You can come to the front of the ferry, to enjoy the scenery for the five to six minutes of the ferry ride.

At first, the park seemed larger than we had imagined and although we visited early on in the day, there already were a lot of visitors on the island. Once you get there, we recommend you go straight to the service center to pick up a map.

You can pick up a map at the front of the customer service center (there were only Korean and English versions at the time) and use it to guide yourself around the island so you don't have to be afraid of getting lost!

*There are multiple languages available for download so if needed, refer to the official website.

Places We Like at Nami Island

Since Nami Island is so big, with a total area of 460,000 square meters, you might not be able to visit all its attractions during your visit. In order to save some time, we'll introduce some of the must-see spots.

1. Central Red Pine Road

The Central Red Pine Road can be seen as the highlight of Nami Island. The ambiance is completely different during the night, with yellow lights placed along the road, creating a romantic atmosphere.

2. NAMI ISLAND Typography Installation

If you want to see the name of the park in big, bold, obvious letters, visit this spot near the entrance.

Instagram：namiisland_naminara

This part of the park is wide and vast, perfect for spreading a picnic blanket and taking photos.

3. Metasequoia Road

If you watched the popular Korean drama "Winter Sonata", you might recognize this road. In the spring and summer, the leaves are a luscious green. In the autumn, there are bright maple leaves and in the winter, as it snows heavily in the area, the island is covered in a clean white blanket.

Perfect for romanticizing your life and picturing yourself as a protagonist in a K-drama.

4. Songpa Ginkgo Road

Because we visited in the spring and ginkgo trees show their bright yellow colors in autumn, we didn't get the chance to witness their full potential.

However, one of our editors visited the site in the autumn and said the pictures do not do the place justice, so make sure to give it a visit!

5. Baekpungmilwon Maple Garden

Like all the other must-see spots on the island, this place is big as well and covered in maple trees. Although we visited in the spring, we could still catch a few glimpses of beautiful, red maple leaves. If you go at sunset, it will be even more breathtaking!

It is a great spot to take insta-worthy pictures.

6. Ostrich Village

Throughout your visit, you may see squirrels and rabbits everywhere when walking around Nami Island. They also have ostriches, which was unexpected, but a pleasant surprise.

However, it is necessary to be careful at all times when around these animals, and be wary not to walk too close or make loud noises when around them. Visitors are asked not to use flash photography, as it may scare the animals. Additionally, since they are fed and taken care of by the officials, it is best not to feed them.

7. Nami Island Dodamsambong Peaks

Danyang is famous for the Dodamsambong Peaks and there is a miniature version of it on Nami Island. It can be accessed by bridge, so check it out!

8. Winter Sonata Landmarks

Nami Island gained more recognition after its appearance in "Winter Sonata". There are photo spots throughout the park that are dedicated to the popular K-drama.

Because Nami Island is expansive, the map may seem complicated. If you cannot work out the map, follow these direction signs to find your way around the island. They are written in both Korean and English.

Things to Do at Nami Island

1. Rent a bike/electric scooter

Since there are bike rentals all across Korea, you might find it unnecessary to rent one on Nami Island as well. But since the park is so big, you will find it more convenient to rent a bike and cruise around instead of walking. In addition to single bikes, they also have tandem bikes and the fares are as follows:

* The last rental time will differ depending on the day, so check out the website for exact times. *

Rent an electric scooter

Unlike the bicycle, renting an electric scooter is less physical labor and more fun.

* The last rental time will differ depending on the day, so check out the website for exact times. *

2. Sky Trail Bike

If you think ordinary bikes are too simple, try renting a sky bicycle! You can cruise around Nami Island on a sky rail and feel the breeze from a high altitude.

The following is a one-time fare：

3. Ride the train

The train has two stations. You can get on the train at Nami Wharf Station or Central Station. The train departs for Nami Wharf Station at 10:00 and during the 8-minute ride, you can enjoy Nami Island from the comfort of your seat. You can ask the service center or call 031-581-0143 for more information.

4. Ride the Story Tour Bus

Nami Island Official website

A story tour bus can seat 20 people. The cost is 7,000 KRW per person over 36 months. The driver will guide you around the island while explaining everything about the park. Perfect for visitors looking to be more informed.

4. Adventure Center

If you are a person that likes a challenge and enjoys adrenaline, there are various activities such as ziplines, wooden tunnels, swings, and other entertaining activities perfect for families.

5. One trip around Nami Island

Take a water boat ride around the perimeter of the island. The boat can seat up to five people. For more information, call 010-4324-3525.

What to Eat at Nami Island

There are many food and beverage options on Nami Island, so you do not have to worry about going hungry! There are Korean, Western, and snack options available.

1. Sonata Café

Hours: 09:00 - 18:00

A must-try in Nami Island is Hotteok! Everyone will be walking around with one in their hands, so you will be tempted to try one yourself. The snack with a sweet filling and crispy outer skin is the perfect treat. A single hotteok is 1,500 KRW, and 3,500 KRW for one topped with ice cream.

2. Chicken Skewer

Hours: N/A

This stall specializes in various street snacks and among them, we recommend the chicken skewers which are 3,500 KRW per stick, and the butter-grilled corn which is also 3,500 KRW.

3. Pizza & Pasta

Hours: N/A

If you decide to have dinner on the island, a good dinner option can be found at Pizza & Pasta. The average price for main dishes starts at 18,000 KRW, and the price for beer starts at 7,000 KRW.

4. SEOM HYANG GI

Hours: 10:30 - 19:30

If you don't feel like eating Western food, try out Seom Hyang Gi where they have an abundance of choices, including the famous Chuncheon Stir-fried Spicy Chicken for 28,000 KRW(for 2 people).

5. South Gate

Hours: 09:40 - 19:30

This stall specializes in seafood scallion pancakes for 16,000 KRW and makgeolli(Korean rice wine) for 5,000 KRW. Those who haven't tried this iconic Korean pairing should try it out.

6. NAMI SAUSAGE

Hours: N/A

You can find grilled sausages for 4,000 KRW and enjoy them as a light snack if you are not feeling too hungry.

7. Swing Café

Hours: Monday to Thursday 09:00 - 18:00, Friday to Sunday 09:00 - 19:00

Even though there are many options to choose from, our editor chose to go to Swing Cafe, which has both indoor seating and an outdoor patio. They got peach tea(6,500 KRW) and a matcha latte(6,000 KRW), both of which tasted good. It is the perfect place to sit and take a rest after a long day of traveling.

Other Amenities at Nami Island

1. Rent a stroller

If you bring a young child with you, you can rent a stroller for 3,000 KRW, if your child is younger than 24 months.

2. Free wheelchair rental

3. Breastfeeding room

Visitors who need the above services can go to the customer service center for more information.

4. Toilet

There are several toilets around the island, so you will always have one near you.

5. Convenience Store

Hours: N/A

As soon as you enter Nami Island, there is a convenience store on your left. If there are no cafe or restaurant options open, you can grab something at the store!

6. Souvenir shop

Hours: N/A

Grab a souvenir before you go to remember this trip forever. A postcard is around 1,000 KRW~3,000 KRW.

7. Lockers

The most important thing when traveling is to be comfortable. If you have too much baggage, leave them in the lockers so you can enjoy your visit with light shoulders. Prices vary depending on the size of the lockers, a small one being 1,000 KRW (500 KRWX2, cash only) and a large one being 1,500 KRW (500 KRWX3, cash only).

8. Hotel

Did you know you can stay at the island overnight? There are two ways to make a reservation, one is to call (031-580-8000), and the other is to make an appointment online with Naver.

There are three types of hotels you can stay in: the Main Building, Annex Building, and the Pet Companion Building.

Prices are based on 2 people：

*The prices may vary depending on different days, please refer to the official website for details*

You can find the shuttle bus stop when you get off the boat and head to the right.

After your trip to Nami Island, you can enter and exit the island as you wish through the same entrance.

Things to Do Near Nami Island

1. Zip Wire

If you want to take your trip to the next level, you can zipline into the island(you will need to ride the boat when you exit the island)

Address: 경기 가평군 가평읍 북한강변로 1024
Gyeonggi-Province, Gapyeong, Gapyeong-eup, BukhanGangbyeon-ro 1024

Hours: Summer 09:00 - 18:00, Winter 09:00 - 19:00(subject to change due to weather)

Fare: 49,900 KRW (per person)

Time: Every 30 minutes (up to 4 people can zipline at the same time)

Included in the Price: Zipline (one way)＋Nami Island admission ticket＋Nami Island exit boat ticket (one way)

Duration: 1 minute 30 seconds, about 940 m, maximum speed 30～40km/h

Limitations: Weight must be 40kg ～ 120kg（weight restrictions may change due to weather, please refer to on-site changes), Height must be 140cm～200cm

Reservations: On-site/online reservations

Things to Keep in Mind

People who have consumed alcohol, pregnant women, and those who have undergone physical surgery within the last 3 months are prohibited from the ride.

If you are under the age of 19, you must have a guardian's signature and consent before you can ride the zipline.

If the ride is delayed or canceled due to the weather (rain, snow, strong winds, lightning, malfunctions, etc.), 100% of the fees will be refunded.

The price does not include personal insurance.

You cannot bring luggage with you when you take the ride and it is recommended not to wear a hat, as it may fly off due to the high speed.

2. Gapyeong Top Land

If you watch Korean variety shows, you may have noticed that they often bungee jump. If you want to test out your bravery, give it a try!

Address: 경기도 가평군 가평읍 북한강변로 1044-15
Gyeonggi Province, Gapyeong, Gapyeong-eup, BukhanGangbyeon-ro 1044-15

Hours: 09:00 - 18:00（Lunch Time 11:00 - 12:00）

Price: On-site 40,000 KRW (per person), online reservation 30,000 KRW (per person) on weekdays/34,000 KRW (per person) for weekends and public holidays (tickets not included)

Limitations: Weight 35kg ～ 100kg

Reservations: on-site/online reservation (click here）

Call Gapyeong Top Land at 001-4881-5510 when you get to Gapyeong Station/Gapyeong Bud Terminal, and they will pick you up with a car.

Things to Keep in Mind

Same-day reservations are accepted before 9:00 every day, but only website applications are accepted (click here)

If the weather is bad, operation of the attraction may be suspended.

There is no age limit, but because of safety precautions, the weight of the participant must be within 35 kg to 100 kg.

People who have consumed alcohol or have health conditions are prohibited from participating.

Refunds are only given when cancellation happens 3 days before the reservation. Refunds may take 1-3 working days (click here)

3. Water activities

In addition to the Bungee Jump, there are also water sports in Gapyeong Top Land, which is enjoyed by men and women of all ages.

Address: 경기도 가평군 가평읍 북한강변로 1044-15 (same address as Gapyeong Top Land)
Gyeonggi Province, Gapyeong, Gapyeong-eup, BukhanGangbyeon-ro 1044-15

Hours: 09:00 - 18:00

Price: There are various water sports available. The picture above was a limited offer for April and May 2022. Currently, one water sport is 15,000 KRW～. For more information, check out the website.

Reservations: On-site/online reservation (click here)

Call Gapyeong Top Land at 001-4881-5510 when you get to Gapyeong Station/Gapyeong Bud Terminal, and they will pick you up with a car.

4. Paint Ball

If you think bungee jumping and water sports are too extreme, why don't you play a game of paintball!

Address: 경기도 가평군 가평읍 북한강변로 1044-15
Gyeonggi Province, Gapyeong, Gapyeong-eup, BukhanGangbyeon-ro 1044-15

Hours: 09:00 - 18:00

Price: 4,000 KRW (12 rounds)

What to Eat Near Nami Island

1. Cafe/Mart/Customer Service

Hours: N/A

Before entering Nami Island, there is a large supermarket and cafe. You can pick something up so you don't have to think about food and drinks during your visit!

2. Starbucks

Hours: 08:00 - 21:00

If you arrive earlier than your boat time, you can stop by the Starbucks nearby for a cup of coffee.

3. Spicy Chicken Stir Fry Street

When you think of Chuncheon, Spicy Chicken Stir fry comes to mind. There are dozens of restaurants specializing in Spicy Chicken Stir fry near Nami Island. It is a must-try when visiting the area, so make sure you drop by!

Name: Mr. Dak Galbi（미스터닭갈비）

Address: 경기 가평군 가평읍 북한강변로 1044-14
Gyeonggi Province, Gapyeong, Gapyeong-eup, BukhanGangbyeon-ro 1044-14

Hours: 09:00 - 21:00

Among the many restaurant options, our editor decided to go to Mr. Dak Galbi, which was featured on the television show "Welcome, first time to Korea?".

The interior of the restaurant is big enough and it overlooks a lake so you can eat with your mouth and your eyes. You are given a variety of banchan(side dishes) but if you want more, you can always get extra at the Self-bar.

The spicy chicken stir fry comes in two flavors, spicy and soy, and is 14,000 KRW per person. Our editor ordered the original spicy flavor for two people at normal spice(you can choose the level of spice). The waiter will help you cook the chicken in front of you so all you have to do is watch, wait, and eat! The normal spice level is not too spicy, and pairs really well with onion and lettuce wraps. If you cannot handle spice at all, you can always get the soy sauce flavor, perfect for both adults and children.

At the end of the course, ordering fried rice(3,000 KRW) is a must! Additional rice, seaweed, and sesame oil is added to the leftover sauce to make fried rice and it is the perfect way to end your meal. If you want to make it extra decadent, you can add cheese (an extra 3,000 KRW).

How to Get to Nami Island

Nami Island is located at the junction of Gapyeong, Gyeongi Province and Chuncheon, Gangwon Province. Although it is managed by Chuncheon, the boat port is located in Gapyeong. Read more to get the most convenient route to Nami Island.

Option 1:

Take the ITX from Cheongnyangni Station to Gapyeong Station(5,700 KRW), or take the ITX from Yongsan Station(6,900 KRW).

Option 2:

If you want to get there faster, you can take the Jincheon line directly to Gapyeong Station. It will take you directly to Gapyeong Station. If you also depart from Cheongnyangni(2,150 KRW), you can take the bus(approx. 1 hour 6~20 minutes; you may need to transfer). *Please check the timetable.

Departing from Yongsan Station (2,350 KRW) has no direct line, so you have to take the Jungang Line to Sangbong Station, and transfer to the Gyeongchun Line to Gapyeong Station. It will take approximately an hour and 28~52 minutes.

Although it is slower than ITX, there is an advantage that you don't need to get on another transportation method, as long as you have your Tmoney card, you are set.

The two ways above will get you to Gapyeong Station, but you will need to take a taxi to Nami Island. Go to the taxi stand and ask the driver to take you directly to Nami Island (Nam-i-Seom). It will take you 5 minutes to get there, and cost around 5,000 KRW.

If you don't want to take a taxi, you can take the A course loop bus that takes you to the many attractions in the area.

Time: every 2 hours
First bus: 09:25 / Last bus: 17:25

Bus route: Gapyeong Terminal - Gapyeong Station - Jarasum - Gapyeong Rail Park - Nami Island - Geumdae-ri Hall - Interactive Art Museum - Bokjang-risamgeori - Petite France - Homyeong-ri - Cheongpyeong Terminal - Cheongpyeong Station - Imchogyo Ap - Garden of Morning Calm

Fare: Adult 8,000 KRW / Youth, children, disabled, military, elderly 6,000 KRW, free for children under 3 years old

How to use: Pay for a seat from the driver when you get on the bus (if there are no seats, you will have to wait for the next bus), and you will receive a pass that you can use throughout the day to get on and off the bus.

Things to Keep in Mind

Look for the pink sign and wait for the bus there. Currently, due to the pandemic, there are only 2 buses operating per day.

Go to the Gapyeong Province official website for more information.

Option 3:

If you think it is too troublesome to change trains all day, take a direct shuttle bus to Nami Island. You can get picked up at Hongik Univ. Station, Myeongdong Station, or Dongdaemun History and Culture Park Station, and easily get to Nami Island.

Hours: Every Saturday and Sunday, Korean Public Holidays

Fare: Adults/Children 25,000 KRW, Infants under 36 months are free, though no additional seats will be provided

Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes from Dongdaemun History and Culture Park Station

Click here for more information.

Departing Nami Island to Seoul

Option 1:

If you get a ticket at Gapyeong Station, straight to the ferry port and you will see the A Course loop bus stop. As long as you return to the bus stop in time, you can go back by bus. At Gapyeong Station, take the ITX back to Seoul

Time: Every 2 hours
First bus: 09:15 / Last bus: 18:05

Option 2:

Before going to the bus station, there is a taxi stand. You can take the taxi to Gapyeong Station, which will take 5 minutes and cost about 3,800 KRW~4,500 KRW. Take the ITX back to Seoul.

Nami Island Q & A

Q1. What is the fastest way to go to Nami Island?

A1. There are many ways to get to Nami Island, but we recommend taking ITX from Yongsan Station / Cheongnyangni Station to Gapyeong Station and then taking a taxi to get there. It takes 5 minutes to get there and costs within 5,000 KRW. However, if you want to go to the nearby tourist attractions in addition to Nami Island, we recommend taking the A Course loop bus, which can take you to many attractions all within one ticket. Due to the pandemic, there are not many operating buses on route. In addition, anyone interested can join the one-day tour we provide. There is an introduction at the end!

Q2. Are noodle restaurants/cafes/snacks expensive on Nami Island?

A2. We personally don’t think it’s too expensive. It’s about the same as the food in the city. You don't need to worry too much.

Q3. Is it possible to travel to Nami Island for one day?

A3. If you only need to check in, eat, and ride a bicycle, you can basically finish it in 4-5 hours, but if you want to take your time and enjoy everything Nami Island has to offer, it usually takes a full day!

Q4. When is the most beautiful season at Nami Island?

A4. Nami Island has, in fact, 4 distinct seasons throughout the year. It would be a pity to choose just one. However, if you had to choose, we recommend going in the winter when it is covered in snow! Everyone can instantly become the male and female protagonists of "Winter Sonata"!

Although Nami Island is only one island, it is actually quite large. If each spot were to be visited thoroughly, it would take a lot of time. So plan your trip to Nami Island with the help of our introduction above!

Tours to Check out:

Nami Island + Petite France Village + Italian Village (click here)
Nami Island + Garden of Morning Calm (click here)
Nami Island + Petite France Village + Garden of Morning Calm + Italian Village (click here)
Nami Island + Garden of Morning Calm + Rail Bike (click here)
Nami Island + Petite France Village + Rail Bike + Italian Village (click here)
Hyvaa Finland Ranch + Nami Island + Gangchon Rail Bike (click here)
Nami Island + Seorak Mountain (click here)
Nami Island + Eobi Valley + Garden of Morning Calm (click here)
Nami Island + Alpaca World + Gangchon Rail Bike (click here)

Other services

Nami Island Official Shuttle Bus (click here)

In addition, there are many attractions in Gapyeong and Chuncheonjung, such as Petite France Village, Edelweiss Swiss Theme Park, Italian Village, Lego Land, Garden of Morning Calm, etc. Anyone who is interested can go to see our blog posts about them.

We hope that you can enjoy Nami Island when you are in Korea! What store are you most looking forward to visiting? Let us know in the comments below! If you have any questions, leave a comment below or send us an email at help@creatrip.com! You can also follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook to stay updated on all things Korea!