How To Get From Seoul To Nami Island By Car, Train, Tour 2024

Plan to travel from Seoul to Nami Island but aren’t sure about the best ways to get there and whether it’s possible to go by public transport or car? Need to know about car parking, travel times, fees, and other costs? Not sure if you can get to Nami Island without a guided tour?

The good news is that you don’t need to book a tour to get from Seoul to Nami Island, there are plenty of other options that are cheaper or faster. However, you might find that a guided tour is more convenient for your situation.

Not only can you find travel advice for Nami Island, this article also covers all of the best things to do, see, eat, and discover on Nami Island. Furthermore, there’s extra information about other attractions you can see in Gapyeong County, the area around Nami Island.

Whether you have your own car, want to book a guided tour, or prefer to travel on buses and trains, this article will show you the best way to get from Seoul to Nami Island.

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links and I may earn commission for purchases made after clicking these links.


Getting From Seoul To Nami Island

Go From Seoul To Nami Island For Autumn Foliage

A lot of travellers want to save money when they’re visiting Korea, and figuring out how to go from Seoul to Nami Island (and other places) without a tour is one of the best ways to do that.

This guide will tell you all the different ways how to go from Seoul to Nami Island. Find out important details like how long each option takes, what time buses & trains run, and how much tickets and tours will be. There’ll also be other tips to make your journey easier.

There’s also information about what to do, see, and eat at Nami Island, some of the main attractions in the surrounding area, and when the best time to visit Nami Island is.

Here’s a summary of the 5 main travel options, showing you average travel times and costs.

By Car:
Time: 1:15 ~ 1:40
Parking: From 6,000 KRW

Public Transport:
Time: 1:30 ~ 2:30
Cost: From 14,000 KRW (return)

Guided Tour:
Time: Varies
Cost: From 40,000 KRW

Shuttle Bus:
Time: 1:30 ~ 2:30
Cost: 25,000 (return)

By Taxi:
Time: 1:30 ~ 2:00
Cost: From 60,000 KRW (one-way)

Public transport is the cheapest option unless you have a car and doesn’t take much longer than driving or going with a guided tour. However, it also includes a transfer at Gapyeong Station (more details later).

Different travellers want different things when they travel – to save money, time, or effort. Here are the different methods of getting from Seoul to Nami Island that match those needs:

Cheapest Option:
Travelling by public transport or car.

Quickest Option:
Travelling by car, taxi, or shuttle bus.

Easiest Option:
Taking a taxi or guided tour.

Not everyone has a car when they travel, so taking a taxi or shuttle bus are the fastest options. However, taxis are more expensive than tours and the shuttle bus only runs at certain times. Find out more about how to get a taxi in Seoul with my practical article packed full of useful tips.

Therefore, you might find that a guided tour gives you the best balance of value for money, time, and effort. Thousands of people take tours from Seoul to Nami Island every month for these reasons. I’ll leave it up to you decide the best method for your travel style.

If you already know the best way to get to Nami Island, and want to know more about its attractions and what’s nearby, then click on the links below to learn more about those.

Otherwise, read on to find out the 5 ways to get from Seoul to Nami Island.


Planning to visit Korea? These travel essentials will help you plan your trip, get the best deals, and save you time and money before and during your Korean adventure.

Visas & K-ETA: Some travellers to Korea need a Tourist Visa, but most can travel with a Korean Electronic Travel Authorisation (K-ETA). Currently 22 Countries don’t need either one.

How To Stay Connected: Pre-order a Korean Sim Card or a WiFi Router to collect on-arrival at Incheon Airport (desks open 24-hours). Alternatively, download a Korean eSIM for you travels.

Where To Stay: For Seoul, I recommend Myeongdong (convenient), Hongdae (cool culture) or Gangnam (shopping). For Busan, Haeundae (Beach) or Seomyeon (Downtown).

Incheon Airport To Seoul: Take the Airport Express (AREX) to Seoul Station or a Limo Bus across Seoul. Book an Incheon Airport Private Transfer and relax to or from the airport.

Korean Tour Operators: Tour companies that have a big presence in Korea include Klook, Trazy, Viator, and Get Your Guide. These sites offer discounted entry tickets for top attractions

Seoul City Passes: Visit Seoul’s top attractions for free with a Discover Seoul Pass or Go City Seoul Pass. These passes are great for families and couples visiting Seoul – you can save lots.

How To Get Around: For public transport, grab a T-Money Card. Save money on Korea’s high speed trains with a Korea Rail Pass. To see more of Korea, there are many Rental Car Options.

Travel Money: Use money exchanges near Myeongdong and Hongdae subway stations for the best exchange rates. Order a Wise Card or WOWPASS to pay by card across Korea.

Flights To Korea: I use flight comparison sites such as Expedia and Skyscanner to find the best flights to Korea from any country. Air Asia is a good option for budget flights from Asia.

How To Learn Korean: The language course from 90 Day Korean or Korean Class 101 both have well-structured lessons and lots of useful resources to help you learn Korean.


1: Driving To Nami Island

Naminara Republic of Korea Sign

If you live in Korea, or have rented a car, then driving is probably the easiest way to get from Seoul to Nami Island. There is parking outside the Nami Island Immigration Office and in the many restaurants nearby (as long as you eat there).

Driving from Seoul to Nami Island is the fastest method of getting there. It can take around 1 hour and 15 minutes from Jamsil to Nami Island, 1 hour and 40 minutes from Myeongdong, and 1 hour and 45 minutes from Hongdae.

I’d recommend visiting early in the morning to guarantee a parking spot, especially during the weekends and peak seasons (spring and autumn). Getting to Nami Island early in the morning is the best way to see the sights as it’s less crowded and more peaceful.

There are no cars allowed on Nami Island, so you will have to park in the car park area and travel to the island by zip line or ferry. More details about how to get onto Nami Island later on in this article.

Use the information below to help you plan your route to Nami Island by car:

Nami Island Car Park Address:
1024, Bukhangangbyeon-ro, Gapyeong-eup, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
경기도 가평군 가평읍 북한강변로 1024

Nami Island Car Park Details:
Nami Island Ticket Office/Nami Island Dock
남이섬출입국관리사무소

Parking Fees (up to 12 hours):
Small cars: 6,000 KRW
Large cars: 10,000 KRW
+1,000 KRW per hour after 12 hours

Driving Times From Seoul:
1:40 From Myeongdong
1:45 From Hongdae
1:15 From Jamsil

If you want to rent a car in Korea, I recommend Car Rentals from Klook. They have a wide range of cars available and you can pick-up and drop-off in different places.


2: Public Transport To Nami Island

ITX Cheongchun Line Train In Korea Will Let You Get From Seoul To Nami Island

The cheapest option to go from Seoul to Nami Island is by public transport. There are several stations in Seoul where trains go directly to Gapyeong Station (가평역), which is the closest station to Nami Island (and sometimes called Nami Island Station).

Once you get to Gapyeong Station, you will need to transfer and either walk, take a bus, or take a taxi to the Nami Island Ferry Terminal. The below shows you how to do all of those.


Take The Train To Gapyeong Station

Gapyeong Station In Korea

To get from Seoul to Nami Island by train, start your journey at either Yongsan Station (용산역) or Cheongnyangni Station (청량리역) to Gapyeong Station (가평역). Yongsan Station is close to Seoul Station in central Seoul while Cheongnyangni Station is in eastern Seoul.

You need to take the ITX-Cheongchun Line to get the train to Gapyeong Station from either station in Seoul. You can board this train from Platform 1 at Yongsan Station. The train passes both stations on its way to Nami Island.

Here are the necessary details to help you travel by train from Seoul to Nami Island:

Departing Station:
Leave from Yongsan Station or Cheongnyangni Station in Seoul

Arriving Station:
Get off at Gapyeong Station

Train Line:
ITX – Cheongchun Line

Travel Time:
1 hour (Yongsan Station)
40 minutes (Cheongnyangni Station)

Cost (one-way):
6,900 KRW (Yongsan Station)
5,700 KRW (Cheongnyangni Station)

Train Times:
First: 06:15 (Yongsan – Gapyeong)
Last: 22:34 (Gapyeong – Yongsan)

Below are the train times for the morning trains from Yongsan and Cheongnyangni Station to Gapyeong Station.

Train Times From Yongsan To Gapyeong Station (1)
Train Times From Cheongnyangni Station To Gapyeong Station (1)

Use the official Korean Rail website – letskorail.com – to check train times and buy tickets in Korea. There are other sites that offer tickets, but these will add 20-30% to the price of the ticket.


Gapyeong Station To Nami Island

10-4 Bus From Gapyeong Station To Nami Island

Once you’ve arrived at Gapyeong Station, there are a 4 main options to get to the Nami Island Immigration Office.


1: Walk From Gapyeong Station

You can walk to the Nami Island Immigration Office from the station. The path is fairly direct, but check a map if you’re worried about getting lost. It takes about 20-30 minutes to walk from the station. The total journey is about 1.9km.


2: Take Local Bus 10-4

Bus 10-4 runs from Gapyeong Station to the Nami Island Immigration Office. It’s cheaper than a taxi, but doesn’t run that frequently.

Bus Times:
First bus: 07:45
Last bus: 20:05

Duration:
5-10 minutes

Frequency:
Every 30-40 minutes

Cost:
1,250 KRW each way

For both the bus and walking routes, follow the maps below to get to the Nami Island Immigration Office from Gapyeong Station


3: Gapyeong County Tour Bus

As you exit Gapyeong Station, you will see a bus stop for the Gapyeong County Tour Bus directly ahead. This is a special bus run by Gapyeong County to take travellers to all of the interesting places in the area.

Other sights in Gapyeong include The Garden of Morning Calm, Petite France, and Edelweiss Swiss Theme Park. You can travel from Nami Island to these other sights using the 1-day pass for the Gapyeong County Tour Bus.

Here are the details about the Gapyeong County Tour Bus:

Bus Times:
First Bus: 9:20 (from Gapyeong Station)
Last Bus: 19:15 (from Nami Island)

Duration:
5-10 minutes

Frequency:
Every 30-60 minutes

Cost (1-Day Pass):

Adults8,000 KRW
Children (3-17)6,000 KRW
Under 3sFree

There’s a lot to do in Gapyeong County and you can easily visit 2 or more attractions in the same day with this convenient tour bus. Tour options are also available that will take you to multiple locations with a guide. More about those later.


4: Take A Taxi To Nami Island

Taking a taxi to the Nami Island Immigration Office is definitely the easiest option, but also the most expensive. Taxi drivers will know where you want to go, just ask for ‘Nami Island’. The cost should be around 6,000 KRW. There may be a long wait during peak times.

Tip: Taking a taxi can be a cost-effective and time-saving method if you’re travelling as a group. If there are 4 people in your group, this cost is the same as 4 bus tickets.


You can find the locations of each of these different methods to get from Gapyeong Station to Nami Island using this map below.

Gapyeong Station Public Transport Locations (1)

3: Guided Tour To Nami Island

People riding a bike on Nami Island

Although it’s not that hard to get from Seoul to Nami Island by yourself, there are plenty of reasons why you might want a guided tour instead.

Here are some of the pros and cons of taking a guided tour to Nami Island.


Benefits Of Guided Tours

The main benefits are organised transportation to and from your hotel or nearby subway station, an English (or other language) speaking guide who can tell you about the area, and sometimes food (depends on the tour).

As Gapyeong has a lot of other attractions, another benefit of taking a tour is the chance to see these other sites. These are often bundled into package tours. Sights on the east coast, such as Seoraksan and Alpaca World, often include stops at Nami Island, too.

Nami Island package tours typically include 1 or more of the following places:

  • The Garden of Morning Calm
  • Petite France
  • Legoland Korea
  • Alpaca World
  • Gangchon Rail Bike
  • Seoraksan Mountain

Getting to each of these locations by public transport is possible, especially if you use the Gapyeong Tour Bus, but that doesn’t run very frequently and you’ll lose time waiting for buses.

A package tour will set out when you’ll visit each place, usually with a good amount of time in each attraction. Try not to book tours that include too many options. Even though it seems like value for money, you won’t have time to enjoy everything. Two or three sights in a day is a lot.


Problems With Guided Tours

The main problem with a guided tour is that it can be more expensive than travelling by public transport. Also, you don’t have much control over the schedule – the plans are set by the tour company.

You might want to spend longer at Nami Island (plenty to do there), but you’re suddenly rushed away because the tour bus is leaving. If you don’t like fixed schedules, a guided tour to Nami Island probably isn’t for you.


Should You Book A Tour?

Nami Island tours are one of the most popular tours in Korea, but they aren’t suitable for everyone. Taking a tour or not is a choice that only you can make based on your available time, budget, and travel style.

A guided tour to Nami Island is recommended if:

  • You don’t have much time.
  • You have a family with young children.
  • You want to visit many attractions.
  • You aren’t worried about the cost.

There are many reputable tour companies in Korea that offer fun day tours to Nami Island and other places nearby. Here are a some of the best tour providers that offer tours to Nami Island.

If you’d rather hire a local guide to show you Nami Island and any other attractions you’d like to visit, on your own schedule, then please join the Korea Travel Advice Group on Facebook. This group has several guides who can create a personalised tour that will suit your travel style for a good price.


4: Seoul To Nami Island By Shuttle Bus

Shuttle Bus From Seoul To Nami Island

A great middle ground between public transport and a guided tour from Seoul is the Nami Island shuttle bus. This bus will get you straight from Hongdae, Myeongdong, or Dongdaemun in Seoul to the Nami Island Immigration Office.

However, the bus only runs on weekends and public holidays, and only once in each direction, so it’s unfortunately not as convenient as public transportation or guided tours.

Departure Routes & Schedule

08:20 Depart from Hongik Univ. Station Exit 4
09:00 Depart from Myeongdong Station Exit 2
09:10 Depart from Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station Exit 10
10:40 Arrives at Nami Island Parking Lot
16:30 Departs to Seoul
18:00 Arrive at Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station
18:10 Arrive at Myeongdong Station
18:50 Arrive at Hongik Univ. Station

Round-Trip Ticket Cost:
25,000 KRW

You can book the Nami Island Shuttle Bus through Korean tour operators below. This shuttle bus will sell out quickly in peak times, so be sure to book in advance.


5: Seoul To Nami Island By Taxi

Couple using a taxi in Korea

If you don’t want to deal with public transport or tour companies, then another option to get from Seoul to Nami Island is by taxi. You can hail or order a taxi in Seoul to take you directly to the Nami Island Immigration Office.

Below are the expected prices you will pay from each of these locations in Seoul. The prices were calculated using the Kakao Taxi, which shows expected taxi costs for each route.

Starting LocationPrice (Approx.)
Myeongdong75,000 KRW
Hongdae80,000 KRW
Jamsil63,000 KRW

Please note: These prices can change depending on traffic conditions at the time.

If you want to know more about how to book a taxi from Seoul to Nami Island, check out my Guide to Kakao Taxi, Korea’s most popular taxi-hailing app.

Alternatively, you can flag down a taxi in Seoul and ask if they’ll give you a set price to get to Nami Island. If this is lower than the amounts above, it will probably save you some money vs the meter.

Personally, I wouldn’t recommend a taxi from Seoul to Nami Island. Guided tours are cheaper and can take you to other places and provide more information. However, taxis give you the freedom to arrive and depart when you like.


How To Get Onto Nami Island

Immigration Check at Nami Island

After you’ve decided how to go to Nami Island, you’ll also have to choose how to get onto Nami Island itself. As the name suggests, it’s an island and isn’t connected to the mainland by bridge.

There are two options to get onto Nami Island – taking a zip line or riding the Nami Island ferry. Here are the details for both of those options.


Access Nami Island By Zip Line

Zip Line to Nami Island

For adventure seekers, this option will provide the perfect start to your Nami Island journey. Zip over in style with the 640m long Nami Island Zip Wire with breathtaking views all round.

Tickets:
49,900 KRW per person

The ticket price includes entry to Nami Island and a return ferry ticket ride as you can’t take the zip line back for obvious reasons.

Operating Times:
Open every day 9:00 to 19:00 (18:00 in winter).

Where To Buy Tickets:
At the ticket office below the zip wire tower (see picture above).

This is an expensive option to enter Nami Island, but a very memorable one and when you consider that the ferry ride and entry ticket is included, you’re only paying 33,900 KRW for a zip line experience.


Access Nami Island By Ferry

Ferry to Nami Island

The most popular method to get onto Nami Island is by ferry. There are several ferries running between Nami Island Ferry Terminal and Nami Island, so you won’t have to wait long for a ride.

Taking the ferry is a fun way to get to Nami Island as you pass through the Immigration Office before being allowed to board. It feels like you’re really travelling to another country, which Nami Island, known as the Naminara Republic, claims to be.

Entrance Fee & Round-trip Ferry Fare:

Adult16,000 KRW
Senior (70+)13,000 KRW
Teenager (13-17)13,000 KRW
Child (3-12)10,000 KRW
Under 3sFree

Operating Times:
Open every day
08:00 – 09:00 (every 30 minutes)
09:00 – 18:00 (every 10-20 minutes)
18:00 – 21:00 (every 30 minutes)

Please note: Ferries run 30 minutes earlier (07:30) and 30 minutes later (21:30) on Fridays, weekends, and public holidays. If you book ferries before 08:00, you can get discounted tickets for only 10,000 KRW per person.

Where To Buy Tickets:
At the ticket office next to the Immigration Office.

You can also buy tickets online from Klook. These will give you a discount of 10%-30% of the cost of the entrance and ferry ticket. Simply show the voucher on your phone when you arrive.

The ferry ride takes 15-20 minutes and you’ll arrive on the western part of Nami Island. You’re free to explore Nami Island as you like once you get off the ferry.

If you want some ideas about what to see and do on Nami Island, then keep on reading.


What To Do On Nami Island

Heart Statue With Autumn Foliage On Nami Island

Nami Island has a wide range of attractions and sights for you to see during the day. So many that you might want to come back for a second day or even spend the night on Nami Island (which you can do).

Here’s a short guide to visiting Nami Island and all the fun things you can see, do, and eat at this popular tourist destination.


Attractions On Nami Island

Map of Nami Island Namimara Republic (1)

As you can see from the map above, Nami Island is wedge-shaped with a main strip running through the centre from tip to tip. Many of the main attractions are on this strip, but you should definitely walk away from the centre, too.

It only takes about 30-40 minutes to walk from one end of the island to the other, but you’ll spend a lot longer than that popping into cafes, shops, galleries, restaurants, and taking 100s of pictures along the way.

Here are a some of the top attractions and activities you can enjoy on Nami Island:


Walk Through Tree-Lined Pathways

Tree-Lined Path On Nami Island

Embrace nature in any season with cherry blossoms, silver birch, maple, pine, metasequoia, and ginkgo trees that form beautiful pathways and romantic backdrops.

Ride The Sky-Bike For Incredible Views

The sky-bike let’s you see Nami Island from above, nestled in bright leaves in the centre of the island. Pedal your way around the tree-height circuit and immerse yourself in the thick foliage.

Hire A Bike And Explore The Island

Bike Rental Information For Nami Island

Rent a bike for one or two people and ride your way through the leafy paths and around the island. Grab some food and have a picnic in a quieter spot of the island.

Take A Picture Of The Nami Island Sign

The Nami Island sign is a large free-standing sign that you can pose with to create that perfect memory. There are so many photo spots on the island, but this is one of the best, especially if you want to see autumn foliage in Korea.

Watch Music & Cultural Performances

Traditional Korean Cultural Performers

Nami Island has many live music and cultural performances representing not only Korean traditional culture, but also guest performances from around the world.

Times and performances vary, but you’re most likely to see them on the weekends and peak times such as cherry blossom season and autumn foliage time.

Play In A Child-Friendly Playground

For families visiting Nami Island, the island is officially recognised as a UNICEF Child-Friendly Park and offers lots of play areas that focus on encouraging fun and creativity.

Get Close To Animals

You can find lots of forest animals on Nami Island, as well as some not so native creatures, including ostriches! Look (but don’t touch) at the cute rabbits, peacocks, squirrels, deer, ducks, turkeys and other animals on Nami Island.

Take Lots Of Pictures

Man With Sign On Nami Island

There are so many special areas where you can take pictures on Nami Island. Pose with statues representing different cultures from around the world, with Korean traditional statues, with the cute rabbits running around the place, and with the natural beauty, including lily-ponds, flowers, and the sparkling waters around the island.

I highly recommend going in autumn so you can see the incredible autumn foliage that Nami Island is famous for, as you can see in the picture below.

Man posing for picture with ginkgo leaves

Restaurants And Cafes

Chuncheon Dalkgalbi Korean Food

Nami Island is located in Chuncheon, a location famous for one dish that’s popular all over Korea – dakgalbi. There’s even a special version dish named after the area, Chuncheon dakgalbi (춘천 닭갈비), which is one of my favourite traditional Korean dishes.

When you arrive at the Immigration Office for Nami Island, you can’t miss the dozens of restaurants selling this delicious dish of spicy chicken with vegetables and rice cakes cooked in a big metal pan. I recommend trying it for dinner after a busy day exploring the island. This dish is halal friendly.

Once you get onto Nami Island itself, there are plenty of other cafes and restaurants offering a range of local and Korean snacks and dishes.

I’d highly recommend trying the freshly prepared hotteok (sweet Korean pancake) from the various stalls (pictured below). It’s a great Korean winter street food and best enjoyed when it’s cold outside. Guaranteed to warm you from the inside.

People making Korean hotteok on Nami Island

There’s also the Nami Island Snowman Gelato – a rich ice cream that’s perfect for cooling off in summer. Goes perfectly with coffee in one of the natural cafes surrounded by trees.

Nami Island Snowman Gelato

You can find plenty of other places to eat and relax on the island, offering a range of meals and snacks based on local and international cuisine. There are also gift shops where you can pick up a wide range of cute gifts to take home and share with family and friends to remind you of your trip from Seoul to Nami Island.


Famous Locations On Nami Island

Winter Sonata Filming Scene On Nami Island

You’ll most likely recognise a lot of the views of Nami Island if you’ve ever searched for iconic pictures of Korea. Here are some of the famous scenes you might recognise on Nami Island.

Winter Sonata Filming Locations

Nami Island became famous as the filming location for the 2002 hit, ‘Winter Sonata‘. You can find a statue of the show’s stars (Bae Yong-Joon and Choi Ji-Woo) here and other famous locations will be marked on maps around the island.

Tree-Lined Paths

One of the most memorable locations at Nami Island are the tree-lined paths that run in different compass directions from the centre of the island. Head east for the yellow ginkgo trees during autumn for incredible pictures of autumn leaves. You’ll also find cherry blossom-lined streets in spring.


Staying On Nami Island

Accommodation On Nami Island

There’s a hotel on Nami Island that allows you to stay and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the place long after other tourists have gone. Wake up in the morning, watch the sunrise over the calm waters, and enjoy a stroll around the island before anyone arrives.

This is called Hotel Jeonggwanru and is a beautiful boutique hotel and complex that features guest rooms by different artists including painters, craftsmen and craftswomen, writers and even singers, each of whom added his or her own distinctive touches.

The hotel offers rooms for two to four persons with either beds or a Korean-style heated floor (ondol) with futons. On return visits you may also reserve your favourite room.

Unfortunately, booking the hotel isn’t easy and you need to email or call them to make a reservation. Reservations aren’t available through the usual hotel booking sites.

Contact Details For Reservations:
namihotel@naminara.com
+82 31 580 8000 (9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Seoul Time)

Price Per Room:
Double / Twin Artist Room: From 139,000 KRW
Suite Room (up to 4 guests): From 199,000 KRW
Cottages (up to 4 guests): From 179,000 KRW
Bungalows (4-10 Guests): From 220,000 KRW

There are also hotels available near to Nami Island, in case you want to make it a two-day trip to Nami Island or if you plan to explore more of Gapyeong. You can find great hotels on websites such as Booking.com.


Best Time To Visit Nami Island

Trees in sunlight

The best time to visit Nami Island is in spring for the cherry blossoms or in autumn for the autumn foliage. These will also be the busiest times, though. Generally, any time of year is a good time to visit Nami Island as there are always events, festivals, and more going on.

Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect at Nami Island in each season.


Spring On Nami Island

If you want to see cherry blossoms and other spring blossoms, then Nami Island is perfect. The weather is warm, nature is creeping back, and there are loads of cherry blossom trees to check out. Korean cherry blossoms only appear for a week in early April, so be sure to check the cherry blossom forecast so as not to miss them.

The weather is cold in March, warming up in April and getting hot in May. Definitely bring a jacket in March. The plants and flowers start to bloom from early April.


Summer On Nami Island

Summer in Korea is hot and wet with rainy season covering most of July and August. However, that doesn’t mean it’s not a good time to visit Nami Island. Nature is fully awake and trees, ponds, bushes, and flowers are alive with colour.

It’s a good time to enjoy some of the water sports that are on offer near Nami Island, too. These include banana boating, flying fish, and others. Make sure you stay protected from the sun and keep cool with lots of gelato and other Korean desserts.


Autumn On Nami Island

Autumn is definitely my favourite time to travel in Korea, and visiting Nami Island during autumn is an amazing experience. I make sure to visit there when the autumn leaves are at their peak (mid-late October), and you can see many pictures from Nami Island in autumn in this post.

The weather is calm, sunny, warm, and great for enjoying all Nami has to offer. Nami’s natural charms are turned up to 11 and there are so many incredible sights to see during this season. It’s really a must-visit time for Nami Island.


Winter On Nami Island

Winter is cold and it sometimes snows, which makes it great for seeing winter lights and snowy scenes on Nami Island. It’s a great place to see snow in Korea. You can recreate the snowy scenes from “Winter Sonata” or even build your own snowman. Stay warm with lots of hot Korean winter foods, such as hotteok.

It gets dark early during winter, so it’s best to arrive early and plan to leave by 5pm. I’d recommend coupling a tour to Nami Island with a trip to the Garden of Morning Calm, which has an incredible winter light display that is best seen once the sun goes down.

Not sure what the weather is going to be like throughout the year in Korea? Learn more about the best time to visit Korea in this seasonal guide for Korea.


Attractions Near Nami Island

The Garden of Morning Calm In Korea

Gapyeong is a popular place for day trips from Seoul with a range of natural and cultural attractions for you to enjoy after visiting Nami Island.

Here are the best attractions near Nami Island:


1: Garden Of Morning Calm

The Garden of Morning Calm is a truly lovely traditional Korean garden that has numerous festivals dedicated to seasonal plants, as well as an impressive winter lights festival. This attraction is arguably just as popular as Nami Island and a must-see spot if you plan to visit more than just Nami Island in Gapyeong.


2: Gapyeong Rail Bike Park

The Gapyeong Rail Bike Park offers a chance to ride a rail bike through the scenic hills and tunnels of Gapyeong. Pedal your way along an old abandoned railway line that’s now become a popular tourist attraction showcasing Korea’s lovely countryside views. Fans of old Korean movies may recognise this course from the movie ‘The Letter’.


3: Petite France

Visit Petite France, a French village in Korea, and travel outside of hanok houses and kimchi pots for a few hours. Based on the world created by ‘The Little Prince’, this charming location has a lot of cute photo spots and some ‘French’ food. Not so authentic, especially if you’ve already visited France, but an unusual place and worth visiting if you’ve never been to Europe.


4: Alpaca Pasture

Located in Gangwon Province, which is close to Gapyeong, the Alpaca Pasture hosts the largest collection of cute and fluffy alpacas in Korea. This cuddly theme park allows you to watch, stroke, and feed the alpacas and take lots of pictures together. There are also a range of other animals you can see in this wild place.


5: Seoraksan National Park

Seoraksan National Park, located on Korea’s east coast, is one of the first places to see autumn foliage each year and a hikers paradise with plenty of great hiking and trekking routes. For those who just want to see the sights, there’s also a cable car that can take you to the peak and lots to see in the valleys in the park. Day trips from Seoul to Nami Island also have time to include a few hours at Seoraksan National Park.


There are many reputable tour companies in Korea that offer fun day tours to Nami Island and other places nearby. Here are a some of the best tour providers that offer tours to Nami Island that will take you to Nami Island and any of these other places in a combo-tour during 1 day.


Seoul To Nami Island FAQs

Finally, here are a few FAQs about getting from Seoul to Nami Island, in case the above information didn’t cover enough for you.

How Long Does It Take To Drive From Seoul To Nami Island?

Driving from Seoul is the fastest way to get to Nami Island. Driving from Jamsil takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, whereas departing from Myeongdong will take 1 hour and 40 minutes and from Hongdae 1 hour and 45 minutes. Times may vary depending on weather and traffic conditions.

What’s The Cheapest Way To Get From Seoul To Nami Island?

The cheapest way to get from Seoul to Nami Island without a car is by public transport. Take the ITX train from Seoul’s Yongsan Station to Gapyeong Station and then transfer to the 10-4 local bus. The total cost of this journey is around 8,150 KRW one-way. If you have a car, then driving to Nami Island can be cheaper, depending on fuel costs and parking.

How Long Does It Take To Get From Seoul To Nami Island?

It takes between 90 minutes and 2 hours to by train and bus to get from Seoul to Nami Island by public transport. Actual travel times may vary, depending on how you choose to travel to Nami Island. Travelling by car is the fastest way to get from Seoul to Nami Island, as long as traffic isn’t too busy. Tours that go directly to Nami Island from Seoul can be faster than public transport, too.

When Are There Cherry Blossoms On Nami Island?

The exact date of cherry blossom season on Nami Island changes each year, but is typically around early April. Nami Island is in the northern part of South Korea and one of the last places to see cherry blossoms in the country.

When Is Autumn Foliage Out On Nami Island?

The exact date for peak autumn leaves viewing on Nami Island changes each year, but it is generally around the last half of October. Autumn foliage is present on Nami Island for a couple of weeks and the main highlights are the maple trees and golden ginkgo trees.

How Can I Get From Myeongdong To Nami Island?

You can travel from Myeongdong to Nami Island by shuttle bus that leaves once a day on weekends and public holidays. It is also possible to get from Myeongdong to Nami Island by car. The journey takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. To get to Nami Island from Myeongdong by public transport, take the subway from Myeongdong Station to Yongsan Station and transfer to the ITX–Cheongchun line and travel to Gapyeong Station. Transfer to the 10-4 bus to Nami Island from Gapyeong Station.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Nami Island?

April or October are the best times to visit Nami Island. These are the best months to visit because you can see cherry blossoms in April and autumn foliage in October. For snow scenes, visit in January and for water sports near Nami Island, visit in August or September.

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About the author

Hi! My name is Joel, I'm the author of In My Korea and writer of this article. I've lived, worked and travelled in Korea since 2015 and want to share my insights, stories and tips to help you have the best experience during your trip to Korea.

I love learning more about Korean culture, hiking the many mountains, and visiting all the coolest places in Korea, both modern and traditional. If you want to know more about my story, check out the 'about me' section to learn why I love living in Korea.

4 thoughts on “How To Get From Seoul To Nami Island By Car, Train, Tour 2024”

  1. Thank you for this post. I’ve been researching for my trip to Korea in May for a few months now and this is the BEST post I’ve read about Nami Island! The information is so helpful and it makes my planning so much easier. All the links you’ve included have also made it so much easier to navigate. 감사합니다! I’ll definitely be dropping by again to check out your other articles for my upcoming trip.

    Reply
      • Hi! Thank you for this! It is very helpful. But would you be able to guide us on how can we get to ganchon rail bike from nami island? Is there easy mode of transportation around nami island? Like cabs?

        Reply
        • Hi, you can get from Nami Island to Gangchon Rail Bike Park by heading back to Gapyeong Station and then take the subway (경춘선) 4 stops to Gimyujeong Station. The Gangchon Rail Bike Park is just outside the station exit.

          Reply

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