Nami Island

Nami Island (Namiseom) is a popular tourist spot not far from Seoul that combines nature, K-Drama, and a variety of activities in one place. 🌳 🏝 Overview & History • Nami Island (Namiseom) is a crescent-shaped island located in the middle of the Bukhan River near Gapyeong City, Gangwon-do Province, about 60 km from Seoul. Take the ITX Cheongchun Train or Gyeongchun Line to Gapyeong Station, then take a bus or walk (20-30 minutes) to the island by ferry for another 5 minutes.  • The island has been declared the “Naminara Republic” since 2006. There are replica passports, currency, and stamps, making it feel like a miniature country.  🌿 Must-visit highlights • Metasequoia Lane: A walkway lined with tall trees that is the symbol of the island. It is perfect for pre-wedding photos or Instagram reels, especially in the fall.  • Ginkgo Tree Lane: A row of golden yellow ginkgo trees in autumn Beautiful as a painting  • Central Pine Alley: A path through Korean pine trees, fresh green in summer and decorated with seasonal decorations  • UNICEF Hall & Song Museum: A small museum that provides knowledge about art, conservation, and songs from the island  🛶 Activities & Attractions on the Island • Biking / Tandem biking around the island, takes about 1 hour or more depending on the timing of the photo stops  • Zipline (Ziprider) An adventure from the main shore through the river to the island, more exciting than the ferry (Reservation and long waiting time)  • Small train / electric buggy / UNICEF train around the center of the island for a relaxing view without having to walk far  • Workshop activities such as choosing to make Korean crafts and ginseng picking (seasonal) that are also available on the island  🍜 Restaurants & Desserts on the island • There are many restaurants with different styles such as Nammoon, Dongmoon (Halal), Gomok, and Seomhyanggi, serving both Korean and fusion food  • Creative cafes such as Snow Café, Swing Café, Sonata Café, Book Café are perfect for taking a break with cool photo spots  • Street food and dessert shops such as hotteok, tteokbokki, chestnut cake, chicken stew, and bibimbap are all local and delicious  🕒 Opening hours & admission fee • Open daily from 07:30–21:00+ Especially during the spring-fall season, the opening hours are longer to accommodate tourists during the evening light.  • Entrance fee/ferry fee for foreigners is around ₩13,000–16,000 (₩10,000 discount for students or senior citizens).  ⚠️ Pros & Cons Pros & Cons Beautiful nature, artistic layout along the way, good for taking pictures, lots of tourists, especially during the autumn leaves season and weekends.  Various activities including bike, zipline, boat, cafe, some reviews consider “overrated” if you don’t have time or patience for crowds.  Easy to walk or ride a bike. Not too much energy required. The group price and zipline are quite high, which may not be necessary for some people. Near Morning Calm Garden and Petite France, you can continue walking. If you come solo, you should schedule your time and check the route before traveling. 🗓 Recommended itinerary (1-day trip) Morning: Get off at ITX at Gapyeong Station and walk or take a bus to the port → Cross by ferry or zipline to Nami Island Late-noon: Walk around Metasequoia/Ginkgo/Pine Lane, take pictures at Song Museum and Neaminara Hall Afternoon: Bike around the island → Take a small train to UNICEF hall → Stay at a cafe in the middle of the island and try Snowman Cake or chestnut cake Evening: If you plan to continue to Garden of Morning Calm, continue to see the view during the evening light or feel like you still have energy to walk → Return to Seoul in the evening. ⚠️ If you come solo or want to avoid people, it is recommended to take the first ferry (8:00 am) according to the Reddit recommendation.  🏁 Summary Nami Island is a relaxing place near Seoul that is perfect for those who love nature, photography, and easy walking trails. And chill workshop activities, even though some people say it's "overrated" in terms of nature, but for those who are looking for a beautiful experience, the golden autumn season, or the Winter Sonata route #get a discount without relying on luck #good quality content