If you’re dreaming of peaceful tree-lined roads, lakeside scenery, and romantic landscapes, Nami Island should be at the top of your South Korea itinerary. This crescent-shaped island is one of the country’s most famous travel destinations, loved for its natural beauty, artistic atmosphere, and calm escape from busy city life.

Originally formed after the construction of the Cheongpyeong Dam, the island has transformed into a cultural and eco-tourism hub filled with gardens, walking trails, and scenic cycling paths. Whether you visit in snowy winter or golden autumn, every season offers a completely different visual experience.

Book a guided tour to Nami Island for the easiest way to explore this scenic destination from Seoul. Most tours include round-trip transport, entry tickets, and visits to nearby attractions, making them perfect for travelers who want a hassle-free day trip with everything arranged in advance.

Where Is Nami Island & Why Is It Famous?

Nami Island is located about 63 km from Seoul, near the city of Chuncheon. It’s famous for:

• Iconic tree avenues

• Romantic scenery

• Art installations

• Peaceful nature trails

• Being a filming location of the drama Winter Sonata

Because cars are restricted, the entire island feels calm, safe, and pedestrian-friendly.

How to Reach Nami Island

You must first reach Gapyeong, the nearest town, then take a ferry or zipline to the island.

Transport Options Comparison

Best Choice: Train + ferry gives flexibility and saves money.

Top Things to Do on Nami Island 

Here’s a deeper look at the best experiences you shouldn’t miss while visiting Nami Island. These aren’t just attractions — they’re the moments that make the trip memorable.

1. Walk the Famous Tree-Lined Avenues

The island’s most iconic experience is strolling through its cinematic tree roads. These long, symmetrical pathways feel like natural tunnels and change dramatically with the seasons:

• Spring: soft green leaves + flower blooms

• Summer: dense shade canopy

• Autumn: golden and red foliage

• Winter: snow-covered branches

📸 Photography Tip: Visit early morning when sunlight filters through the trees — you’ll get soft lighting and fewer crowds.

2. Cycle Around the Entire Island

Cycling is the best way to explore the island efficiently while enjoying its scenery. The circular cycling trail runs along the perimeter and takes about 60–90 minutes at a relaxed pace.

Why biking is worth it:

• You see hidden riverside paths tourists miss

• It saves time compared to walking

• There are scenic rest stops

👉 Insider Tip: Rent bikes near the entrance — they run out during peak hours.

3. Explore Art Installations & Cultural Spaces

Nami Island isn’t just nature — it’s also an outdoor art gallery. Scattered across the island you’ll find:

• Sculptures hidden in forests

• Creative murals

• Literary statues

• Cultural exhibition halls

These artistic touches give the island a peaceful, intellectual vibe and make it feel more like a living park than a tourist attraction.

4. Enter via Zipline (Adventure Option)

Instead of taking the ferry, thrill-seekers can enter the island by zipline. You glide over the river from a tall tower and land directly inside the island.

Why visitors love it:

• Unique entry experience

• Amazing aerial views

• Saves time during busy ferry hours

Best for: adventure travelers, couples, and content creators.

5. Picnic by the Riverside

Quiet grassy areas and lakeside benches make Nami Island perfect for relaxing. Many travelers bring snacks and simply enjoy the atmosphere.

Best picnic spots:

• Riverbanks

• Pine forests

• Open lawns

The peaceful silence is part of the charm — you’ll hear birds, leaves rustling, and water flowing instead of city noise.

6. Visit Famous Filming Locations

The island gained global fame after appearing in a classic Korean drama. Fans often recreate scenes at specific photo spots, especially near tree lanes and statues.

Even if you’re not a fan, these spots are among the most scenic areas.

7. Relax at Scenic Cafés

Instead of rushing through sightseeing, take time to sit at a café and enjoy the surroundings. Many cafés offer:

• Outdoor seating

• Forest views

• River views

• Local desserts

Slow travel is the best way to experience the island.

8. Stay Until Sunset

Most tourists leave early afternoon, but sunset is one of the most magical times on the island. As the light fades:

• Shadows stretch along the tree roads

• The river turns golden

• The crowds thin out

It’s the perfect moment for peaceful walks and photography.

✅ Pro Traveler Tip:
Don’t try to rush everything. The real beauty of Nami Island is its calm atmosphere — the best experience is to slow down, walk slowly, and absorb the scenery.

One-Day Nami Island Itinerary

Morning

• Leave Seoul at 8:00 AM

• Reach Gapyeong by 9:30 AM

• Ferry to island

• Explore main avenues

Afternoon

• Lunch at island café

• Rent bike

• Visit riverside trails

Evening

• Sunset photography

• Return to city by 7 PM

Nearby Attractions Worth Visiting

If you want to extend your trip, combine Nami Island with nearby destinations:

• Petite France (French-style village)

• Garden of Morning Calm (seasonal light festivals)

• Rail Bike Gapyeong (scenic ride)

Combining multiple attractions in one day tour saves time and transport hassle.

👉 Book tour packages of day trips from Seoul

Recommended Hotels Near Nami Island by Budget (with Distance)

💰 Budget Stays

• Chuncheon Bears Hotel — ~20 km
  Simple, clean, and affordable. Best for backpackers and short stays.

• Hotel Haus Gapyeong — ~11 km
  Budget-friendly option with decent comfort and easy taxi access to the ferry terminal.

• The Venezia Suite (Chuncheon) — ~21 km
  Low-cost stay with spacious rooms, good for travelers prioritizing price over location.

💳 Mid-Range Hotels

• Elysian Gangchon — ~15 km
  Resort-style property with mountain views and outdoor activities. Great for families.

• Midas Hotel & Resort — ~14 km
  Modern hotel with scenic surroundings and comfortable rooms.

• Rondavill Pension — ~2 km
  Cozy stay near the ferry port, ideal for couples wanting quick access.

💎 Luxury & Premium Stays

• Sono Felice Vivaldi Park — ~30 km
  High-end resort with spa, leisure activities, and scenic views.

• Healience Seonmaeul — ~18 km
  Wellness retreat focused on relaxation and nature healing experiences.

• Hotel Jeonggwanru — On the island
  The only hotel inside Nami Island. Perfect for a peaceful overnight stay after crowds leave.

✅ Quick Booking Tip for Readers:

• Stay within 3 km → best for sunrise visits + fewer crowds

• Stay 10–20 km → best value + more hotel choices

• Stay 30 km+ → best for luxury resorts and scenic mountain stays

Best Tours for Nami Island

Choosing a guided tour is the easiest way to visit Nami Island, especially if you want a stress-free day trip from Seoul. Most packages bundle transport, attraction tickets, and extra stops into one itinerary, which saves time and eliminates the hassle of planning transfers yourself. Travel time from Seoul to Gapyeong alone is about 50–60 minutes by train, followed by a short taxi or shuttle ride to the ferry dock.

Look for tours that include:

• ✔ Round-trip transport from Seoul hotels or central pickup points

• ✔ Entry ticket + ferry ride (normally about 13,000 KRW if bought separately)

• ✔ Stops at nearby attractions like Garden of Morning Calm or Petite France

• ✔ Flexible free time on the island

• ✔ Optional upgrades like zipline entry (sometimes extra cost)

💡 Pro tip: Online bookings often allow faster entry and skip ticket lines.

Compare prices –

👉Check Nami island tours on Viator.

👉Check Nami Island tours on Klook.

Best Transport Passes for Nami Island

Useful passes:

• Korea Rail Pass

• Check Bus schedule & book tickets

Is Nami Island Worth Visiting?

Yes — especially if you want a peaceful nature escape near Seoul. It’s easy to reach, visually stunning, and offers a relaxing contrast to urban sightseeing. Even travelers who usually skip tourist spots often end up loving the calm atmosphere here.

If you have 3–5 days in Seoul, this island is one of the best day trips you can take.

Nami Island is more than just a popular tourist attraction — it’s a peaceful escape where nature, art, and culture blend beautifully. Whether you’re strolling under golden autumn trees, cycling beside the river, or relaxing at a quiet café, the island offers a refreshing contrast to the fast pace of city travel. Its easy accessibility from Seoul, scenic beauty in every season, and variety of experiences make it one of the most rewarding day trips in South Korea.

If you’re planning your itinerary, adding Nami Island is almost always worth it — especially for travelers who appreciate slow travel, photography, and tranquil landscapes. Booking a well-planned tour or arranging transport in advance can make the experience even smoother, letting you focus entirely on enjoying the scenery instead of logistics.

FAQ – Nami Island Travel Guide

Q1. How long should I spend on Nami Island?
3–5 hours is ideal for exploring without rushing.

Q2. Can you stay overnight on Nami Island?
No, but nearby towns offer great accommodation.

Q3. Is Nami Island suitable for kids?
Yes. It’s safe, car-free, and stroller-friendly.

Q4. Is the ferry ride safe?
Yes, it’s short, stable, and runs frequently.

Q5. Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Not required, but recommended during peak seasons.

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