The beauty of Nami Island is indescribable. This small charming Island is a popular tourist destination in Seoul. Known for its stunning scenery, this is a must-visit attraction and you need to set aside half a day for your visit.

Nami Island or Namiseom or Naminara is a small ‘doraemon pocket lookalike’ island situated 63km from Seoul in the middle of the Han River. For those who are wondering, this small island is famous for ‘Winter Sonata’ drama in 2002. The island is gaining popularity thanks to winter sonata. Still, I have not watch it before but I’ve heard the famous theme song from the drama. Apparently, Nami Island declared its cultural independence on March 1, 2006. Like other independent republics, Naminara Republic has its own national flag, anthem, passport, postage stamps, telephone cards, written characters, papers, and currency. Don’t worry, you don’t need a passport to get to the island. All you need is to pay visa aka admission fee.

Below is a video I’ve edited to show how this beautiful island look like.

There are various ways to get to Nami Island. Here are the options.

Traveling free & easy is awesome! With the extensive railway system, traveling by train to the Island is a breeze. However, there are a couple of things you need to know if you’re traveling by train. For a subway person, this gonna be a breeze for you. The only hassle is just about the transferring and the direction the train is heading. Please refer to Real time rail map for your route. Again, iphone users, please download the apps that I’ve recommended in my post.

1st option: If you are traveling by rail, above is the route that I took to reach Gapyeong station. From Chungmuru >> (Transfer) Oksu  >> (Transfer) Sangbong >> Gapyeong. Do note that from Sangbong to Gapyeong, you are traveling in Gyeongchun Line which is operated by KORAIL. You will find that Sangbong station or Gapyeong (Gyeongchun line) doesn’t exist in your subway map because they operate individually. However, you only need to tap in your T-Money card from the station you depart (eg. Chungmuru) and tap out at exit (eg. Gapyeong). No additional ticket needed. The whole train ride cost 1,950KRW.

While transferring at Sangbong to Gyeongchun Line, please take note of the line that you’re heading to. In this case you’re heading to Gapyeong. When I was there, apparently both track are heading to Gapyeong station. There was a bit of issue there. Thanks to the local guy, he told me that both track going to Gapyeong. My suggestion is, just follow the crowd :D

From Gapyeong Station. Take a cab to Nami Wharf. There’s a taxi stand located outside Gapyeong station. Cab drivers there understood well enough regarding the existence of Nami Island ferry terminal because most visitors take cab there. This short cab ride will cost less than 3000KRW per trip.

The total duration of the trip to Gapyeong station is about 2 hours ++

This is how the KORAIL logo look like. The train look exactly like a normal subway train. Apparently Gyeongchun Line was operated recently in 2010. Unfortunately, I have to stand throughout the way to Gapyeong from Sangbong.

Gapyeong Station

2nd option: For those who wish to spend a little bit more. There is a Shuttle bus departing from Insadong. Please refer here for more info. Round trip will cost 13000KRW per person. Depart from Insadong (Tour bus stop near Tapgol park) at 9.30am. Returning to Insadong from Nami Island at 4.00pm. To do so, you need to book your ticket in advance OR be there as early as 9.00am to buy your tickets which is subject to availability.

2 ways to get to Nami Island. The conventional way or adventurer way.

For adventurers, you can take zip lining which you bring right to the Island! It cost 38,000KRW including admission visa. Fastest way to reach and you can enjoy the adrenaline rush.

The conventional way is by ferry. Get your entry visa at the counter cost 8000KRW per person which include the round trip of ferry ride.

You come across “Immigration” sign upon entering the wharf to board the ferry.

Nami Maid Ferry which will lead you to Nami Island. The ferry depart every 10 – 20 minutes from 7.30am to 9.45am. The island also support Unicef.

To remind how cold the weather was, notice the blocks of ice floating at the sea.

More of it here

Similar ferry to Nami Island.

Upon reaching Nami Island wharf, notice the statue wearing red top right in the middle of the sea. It is one of the famous landmark.

Nami Island was named after General Nami, a notable figure in Korean history who courageously fought in battles but died at the age of 26. Above is the tomb of General Nami.

Activities you can do there at Unchi garden aka Un-chi(Unicef+Child). Sky Bicycle, playground are some of the activities you can do.

The UNICEF train runs between the entrance of the island to the central station in the main square. 2000KRW per ride.

Wooden characters

Symbol of Nami Island, the imaginary nation.

Winter Sonata location. Bae Yong Joon & Choi Ji-woo

Trees reaching sky. Some of the location of Winter Sonata

Beautiful scenery of the lane

A stroll along the coastline. Enjoying the nature and white winter

While walking I saw this couple standing in the middle of the frozen sea!

I saw more and more people on the frozen sea and I decided to join in the fun. lol

Shortly after, we’ve been chase out by the police official for safety reasons. Anyway, I don’t want to die because of hypothermia in case the layer of ice breaks.

My Snow man!

There are different apartment to stay at Nami Island. This is one of them called Dahlia.

Same inner wear & shoes; a trend for korean couple

Ducks?

Ostrich!

A cafe to get a cup of coffee

err.. I don’t need to elaborate on this.

You read it right, Winter Sonata Gallery

Inside the galley contain all the photos of the winter sonata drama in 2002.

These thai girls trying to keep warm. Fireplace like this are provided at designated place

You can easily find a children story books! Even in the toilets cubicle.

If you’re up for an adrenalin rush. There’s a Bungy jumping activity, a 55-meter jumping tower near the dock to Nami Island.

 Related articles: Arrival & Chungbu Market | Gyeongbokgung  | N Seoul Tower | Shopping District & Cheonggyecheon | Changdeokgung & Changgyeonggung | Lotte World & Coex | Hello Kitty Cafe & Teddy Bear Museum | Iteawon & Seoul Central Mosque | Seoul Gallery

Like what you read? Follow Lonely Travelog on Facebook

Other destinations: Auckland | Singapore | Paris | Shanghai | Tokyo |  Malaysia