Beyond Seoul: Exploring Nami Island

No visit to South Korea can really be complete without seeing the beauty of Nami Island. And yes, it's photogenic regardless of the season. Though it has become very touristy, thanks to Winter Sonata and social media, Nami Island remains a great place to visit. 

Nami Island during late spring/early summer

As it is only 1.5 hours away, it's ideal for those visiting Seoul. From there, you can take the regional train to Gapyeong Station, walk to the Gapyeong Wharf, and hop on a 5-minute ferry ride.

All of its attractions are not far away from where you'll land, owing to the fact that this half-moon shaped island is only 43 hectares in size. There are two options for going over the stretch of the island. One is by the central lane, following a trail that runs from north to south and starts right by the entrance to Nami Island. And the other option is by the riverside paths, where you can enjoy a pleasant walk along the banks of the Han River. 

If you opt for the central route, you'll see the most popular attractions of the island. First you'll see the tomb of General Nami, after whom the island is named. You will then continue along the Central Korean Pine Tree Lane, pass by the First Kiss Glass Sequoia Bridge to the left and the Pitowon Garden to the right, and reach the Joongangwangjang or Central Plaza. 

The tomb of General Nami

First Kiss Glass Sequoia Bridge

Pitowon Garden

Naminara train tracks

Various wildlife including ostriches live in the island

At the Central Plaza you can always experience a bustling atmosphere. Within the area you'll find many restaurants and food kiosks where you can stop to rest, taste some international and local cuisine, and enjoy the scenery. There are also several exhibition halls, outdoor performance stages, gift shops, and a bike center for activities.

Welcome signage in different languages seen in the Central Plaza

Different restaurants dot the plaza to give various food options to visitors 

Sonata Cafe, obviously inspired by the hit Winter Sonata

Facilities for the creative like the Picture Book Library are found within the plaza

Gallery Nammoon

Art works like these happy sculptures are found along the central route

Fun activities like the Sky-Bike are available within the island

Continue south and you'll reach a crossroad. To the left is the Cornel Tree Lane and to the right is the famous Metasequoia Lane with the Dodasambong and Gongsaemon Gardens. Straight ahead is the Ginkgo Tree Lane that runs until the end of the central route. Here you'll see the Elysian Waterfall.  

The popular photo spot, Metasequoia Lane

Sculptures along the Metasequoia Lane

Sculptures along the Metasequoia Lane

Statue of Bae Yong Joon and Choi Ji Woo of Winter Sonata fame

Dodasambong Garden

If you opt for the riverside route, you can start from the wharf through the Riverside Walking Course. This will take you along the island's quiet west bank with its panoramic views of the Korean countryside. After about 2 minutes you will also see a curving gravel path on the left. Here you have two choices: continue along the Riverside Walking Course or visit the Baekpungmilwon Maple Garden. 

Riverside Walking Course in the west side of Nami Island

For the latter option, follow the path on the left until you reach the pleasant Maple Lane and see the garden. After admiring the views and taking great pictures, retrace your steps back to the Riverside Walking Course. From there you can carry on to visit the Treego Village and Forest of the Elves. You next pass the Chinese Platycarya Lane before arriving at the intersection where the Metasequoia Lane ends. 

Baekpungmilwon Maple Garden

Treego Village

Stay to your right and walk along the Bungalow Row Riverside Path. Here you'll see the different bungalows and cottages of Hotel Jeonggwanru, the only accommodation facility in the island. Then after about 5 minutes of continued strolling, you will reach the southern shore of Nami Island.  

The Bungalow Row Riverside Path

One of the cottages of Hotel Jeonggwanru

Turn left to go to the east side of Nami Island with trails that are quieter but are well-worn and easy to follow. This will lead you to the Hut Bridge built to cross a small marshy area. Shortly after taking the sturdy wooden bridge, you will see the Samcheock Paddy Field and Goldie the Hardworking Cow. 

Hut Bridge in the east side of Nami Island

Samcheok Paddy Field with Goldie the Cow

The next trail is the Reed Woods Lane. Here you will see the Naminara Republic Weather Station and the intersection of Cornel Tree Lane. If you are short of time you can turn left here to go to the Central Plaza. However, if you have extra time and don't mind a little walk again, you can go straight ahead not leaving the riverside until you have circled the entire island. At the other end you will find the Tulip Tree Lane, the White Birch Lane, and the Islanding Point or the Zip-Wire Arrival Point of Nami Island.

Couples biking along Reed Woods Lane 

Taking the two walking routes to explore Nami Island can get pretty tiring but they do reward you with picturesque and magnificent views of the landscape, riverscape, and townscape of the island.

If walking isn't something you would like to do, you can rent a bicycle or electric tri-way at the bike center in the island's Central Plaza. You can also join the Story Tour Bus from the island's Tourism Bureau.

Additional Information
To enter the island, all visitors must buy a Nami Island Visa. The visa fee include the entrance fee and ferry fares. The fees are as follows:

Type	Price (KRW)	Price (PHP)
Adult	13,000	624
Senior (70 years old and above)	10,000	480
Student (13-17 years old)	10,000	480
Children (3-12 years old)	7,000	336
Visitors after 6:00PM (Dec-Mar)	7,000	336
Visitors after 7:00PM (Apr-Nov)	7,000	336

Check if there are ongoing promotions before your trip. During our visit, we enjoyed a discounted visa fee of KRW10,000 per person.

The Immigration counters of Nami Island where visitors get their entry visas

Entry Visa to Naminara with KRW3,000 discount

Schedule of the ferry are as follows:

Time	Frequency
7:30AM – 9:30AM	Every 30 minutes
9:00AM – 6:00PM	Every 10-20 minutes
6:00PM – 9:40PM	Every 30 minutes

Ferry boat to Nami Island

Alternatively, you can enter the island via the exciting Zip-Wire. It costs KRW44,000 or PHP2,112. 

Entrance to the Skyline Zip Wire, an alternative way to enter Nami Island

The rate of the bike and electric tri-way rentals are as follows:

Type	Price per hour (KRW)	Price per hour (PHP)
Bicycle (Single)	4,000	192
Bicycle (Couple)	8,000	384
Bicycle (Family)	15,000	720
Electric Tri-Way (Single)	24,000	1,152
Electric Tri-Way (Baby)	36,000	1,728
Skybike (per person)	3,000	144

The rental charges overtime fees per 15 minutes.

The Bike Center rental fees schedule

Other available activities in the island including the rates are as follows:

Type	Price per person (KRW)	Price per person (PHP)
Sky-Bike	3,000	144
UNICEF Charity Train	3,000	144
Story Tour Bus	7,000	336
Forest Adventure Treego	20,000	960
Motorboat (5 persons)	40,000	1,920

For more information about Nami Island, please visit the official website here.

Nami Island is located in Gapyeong County and can easily be reached from Seoul. Read How to Get to Nami Island, Petite France, and the Garden of Morning Calm to know how to commute to Gapyeong. 

Read our other Seoul-related posts:
Beyond Seoul: Being Inspired at Petite France
Beyond Seoul: Visiting the Garden of Morning Calm
Experiencing Palatial Grandeur Inside Gyeongbokgung Palace
Yangban For A Day: Suiting Up A Hanbok
Seeing from Above the N Seoul Tower
Seoul: A Travel Guide for First Timers
Seoul: A Budget Travel Guide for Juans
Waking Up to Good Things at Yellow Brick Hostel Seoul
How to Apply for a South Korea Tourist Visa for Filipinos
How to Claim Shopping Tax Refund in South Korea

Have you been to Nami Island? Or do you plan on including it in your visit to Seoul? Please leave your comments or questions below.