Located in Gangwon Province, South Korea, Nami Island is a beautiful little place that is definitely full of fun opportunities. The island is in the shape of a half-moon in Chuncheon and was technically built instead of occurring naturally. The island was formed as part of inundation by the rising water of the Han River. When the nearby Cheongpyeong Dam was built, the island was formed as a result. The name of the island comes from a legend of a local general who was falsely accused of treason and although his grave is not necessarily located here, there is a marker for it. If you’re in the area, here is a guide to Nami Island, Seoul.
Things to do / Highlights
Walk through nature
The biggest highlight of Nami Island is the beautiful natural surroundings that can be found here. No matter what time of the year it is, the island is stunningly beautiful so make sure to bring a camera on your visit. Metasequoia Lane has tall trees growing along the pathways and was even featured in movies and TV shows while Gingko Tree Lane is a golden oasis of yellow foliage. Located on the southeastern side of the island, Ginkgo Tree Land is the most photographed area on the island.
Enjoy a stay
If you’re someone who truly loves Nami Island, then why not stay for a while? Jeonggwanru is the local hotel with gorgeous guest rooms independently designed by local artists with handcrafted furniture and paintings. The hotel features rooms for two or four people in a traditional Korean-style (heated) floor bed.
Make some handicrafts
Fairy Tale Village is a perfect place for people traveling with the kids but is still pretty fun for adults who want to have a little child-like fun as well. The Nami Island Handicraft Studio was founded in 2001 when the activities were pretty basic but over time the scale and type of activities have grown drastically to include glassware, woodcrafts, paper crafts, and ceramics.
Take a scenic train ride
The UNICEF Charity Train that runs through the island is a short but great way to see it. Take a ride through the woods and get lost in the beauty of the nature that surrounds it. You can rest assured knowing a percentage of your ticket fee will go to the Korean UNICEF Foundation. Of course, this activity is also kid-friendly so if you’re coming with family, this will be a hit with the little ones.
Have a Korean drama photo op
Head to Gongsaengwon Garden to take pictures with the Winter Sonata Statue featuring lead characters from the hit Korean drama. Whether or not you’re a fan of the culture, the spot makes for a pretty scenic (and romantic) photo op!
What to eat
Gomok
Nestled in the woods is this lovely restaurant that is open to everyone – including their pets! It serves quick treats like cakes and pastries as well as drinks like tea and coffee and of course, something for your little furry companion.
DDanjo Pub
You don’t have to go to Italy to enjoy a traditional Napoli-style pizza. Although “pub” is in the name, the restaurant is really more of a pizza-and-pasta kind of restaurant. Enjoy wood oven-fired pizzas topped with some delicious cheeses and fresh ingredients.
Asian Family Restaurant Dongmoon
For more of a sit-down style restaurant, this place is a great option for everyone but especially for Muslim visitors as all their food is served halal. It is a great option for couples and/or families seeking traditional Asian food.
Nammoon Korean Restaurant
If there is one place you should eat while on Nami Island, then Nammoon is the place to go. The restaurant is the island’s premier restaurant serving nothing but Korean specialties prepared by hand from ingredients sourced from local producers. Not only that but the restaurant is very affordable with dishes ranging from 11,000 KRW (9 USD) to 26,000 (22 USD).
Things to buy
Parasols
Whether you want to keep the rain off your head in the spring and fall months or you’re looking for some shade as you stroll through the park in the summertime, head to the gift shop and buy a parasol. What makes them so interesting is that they often feature prints and scenes from around Nami Island.
Snow globes
If you ever get to visit Nami Island during the season, then you’ll be visiting a beautiful winter wonderland. There are a ton of cool and quirky winter-related things to buy but we recommend the cute little snowglobes. Showing off winter scenes of spots around the island, it makes a great little memento.
Handicrafts
You can always head to the craft center and make something yourself, which is ideally the best way to grab a souvenir, but if you’re not the handy type and you want something to remember your time at Nami Island, try buying a handcrafted souvenir. Woodwork and ceramic plates or cups make great gifts as well
Travelers tips
Plan ahead
Depending on how you want to spend your day here, you should be planning ahead. Things like bike rentals are a possibility but do make sure to reserve a bike in advance or get there early. Moreover, always make sure to check the weather beforehand.
Dress appropriately
Nami Island gets much colder during the winter season so be sure to wear appropriate outerwear. During autumn and spring, you would still need outerwear to keep you warm.
Special needs
Wheelchairs may be rented at the Customer Service Center free of charge. Several nursing rooms are also available and strollers can be rented for a small fee which will go to UNICEF.
How to get there
Bus
A shuttle bus operates from Insa-dong / Namdaemun to Myeong-dong. Reservations need to be made in advance and cost 18,000 KRW (16 USD) round-trip.
Subway
The ITX-Cheongchun / Gyeongchun Line heads to Gapyeong Station which is nearby.
By Car
For those arriving with a car, parking is available at 1024, Bukhangangbyeon-ro, Gapyeong-eup, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do, Korea. Parking costs 4,000 KRW (3 USD) for 12 hours.
Ferry
Once at Gapyeong Wharf, board the ferry heading to Nami Island. Make sure to check the boarding times which are available at the official website.
By zip wire
Finally, if you’re up for the challenge, you can always drop into Nami Island by zip wire. A ticket for the zip wire attraction includes admission and costs around 44,000 KRW (38 USD). Get ready to take flight!
How to book tickets
Tickets can be bought from third-party sellers which will sometimes be even better than buying in person once you’re there as prices may be cheaper. Prices at the gate are 13,000 KRW (11 USD) for regular price or 10,000 (9 USD) for seniors and middle to high-school-aged children.
Book Nami Island Round Trip Transfer and Admission Ticket from Seoul
Duration: 1 Day(s) Duration
Nami Island information
Nami Island
Address: 1 Namisum-gil, Namsan-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Website: Nami Island
Board of Tourism Visit Korea
Opening hours: 7:30am - 9:45pm (daily)
Price: 9 - 11 USD
Nami Island, Alpaca Pasture & The Garden of Morning Calm Tour
History
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