Take a trip to Nami Island or ‘Namiseom (남이섬)’ in Korea, one of the best tourist destinations near Seoul. Find out what to see and do in Nami Island during winter, autumn, spring, and summer!
About Nami Island
Located near Seoul, Nami Island, or Namiseom is a beautiful island that is among the most popular attractions in Korea for good reason.
Featuring beautiful tree lanes, woodlands, riverside walks, and many more, Nami Island offers picture-perfect scenery all year round. It is just surprising how this small island has it all!
Thanks to its incredible scenery, Nami Island has been used as the location for many Korean dramas (especially romance dramas).
Most particularly, the hit Korean drama, “Winter Sonata,” has led to the island’s huge popularity among overseas guests.
Moreover, Nami Island has been selected as one of the shooting locations for the first-ever Filipino-Korean romantic comedy series, “My Korean Jagiya,” starred by Heart Evangelista (Gia) and Alexander Lee (Kim Jun-ho, a former member of K-pop group U-KISS). The drama has been aired on GMA Network on August 21, 2017.
Best time to visit Nami Island
Four seasons of Nami Island
To be honest, there is no “best time” to visit Nami Island. The island offers something special for everyone in every season.
1. Spring
In spring, trees and spring flowers begin to bloom on Nami Island. You will be able to see beautiful cherry blossoms, which usually bloom from early April to mid-April.
★Weather: The weather is pleasant and mild, and the air is crisp and cool.
★Tip: Lightweight jackets or light, layered clothing work the best.
2. Summer
When summer brings lush greenery to the island, take a stroll along with a thick stand of pine trees and redwoods.
★Weather: The summer weather is hot and humid. On-and-off rain showers are possible.
★Tip: Wear casual clothes and comfortable walking shoes. Bring an umbrella, hat, sunscreen, water bottle, and a fan.
3. Autumn
From mid-September to November, visitors can enjoy spectacular fall foliage across Nami Island. The reed beds on the riverside are another nature’s gift you will be able to enjoy during fall.
★Weather: Skies are clear and the weather is cool and dry.
★Tip: Wear a long sleeve t-shirt, long pants, or a lightweight jacket.
4. Winter
Well known as a filming location of a popular Korean romance drama called “Winter Sonata (2002),” starred by Bae Yong-joon and Choi Ji-woo, Nami Island is famous for being a romantic winter destination. In winter, the snow-covered tree lanes and the tall, white birch trees absolutely give you that magical feel!
★Weather: The weather is generally colder in January than in other winter months. Snow falls around late November, but do check the weather forecast before you go.
★Tip: Wear a thick winter coat, thermals, sweater, thick socks, a hat, gloves or mittens, and a scarf.
5 Must-see spots in Nami Island
There are plenty of amazing attractions and sights on Nami Island! To help you make the most of your trip, here we’ve narrowed it down to the top 5 must-see spots in Nami Island.
As you read, use our map below to find the spots featured in this blog post.
1. The Central Korean Pine Tree Lane: A scenic path lined with thick pine trees leading to the center of the island.
2. Ginkgo Tree Lane: A must-stop spot for enjoying the splendor of vivid yellow ginkgo leaves during autumn.
3. Metasequoia Lane: A path lined with giant redwood trees, offering magnificent scenery.
4. Riverside Paths: The wooden walks around the water’s edge where you can take in the stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
5. Gongsaengwon Garden (The Winter Sonata Statue): In this garden, you can find a statue of the main characters from “Winter Sonata” and a special photo zone for visitors to take souvenir pictures.
How to go to Nami Island from Seoul
Located in the city of Chuncheon, northeast of Seoul, Nami Island is close enough to Seoul to make a day trip, taking roughly one and a half hours from Seoul. If you use public transportation, it will take you at least 2 hours or more. Trust us, it will be a long, inconvenient trip while giving up comfort and convenience. Taking these into account, you will be far better off taking either a shuttle bus or a tour.
Click here to book the Nami Island Round-Trip Shuttle Bus from Seoul.
If you prefer to have completely free time on your own while exploring Gapyeong, book Gapyeong One Day Private Van Tour.
Both can really save you time and make your trip way more convenient. Plus, taking a tour is also a great option as you can visit other popular places nearby, such as Petite France, Italian Village, Gangchon Rail Park, Gapyeong Rail Bike, and the Garden of Morning Calm – all of which are worth a visit.
Click below for more information about Nami Island tours!
1. Nami Island + Petite France & Italian Village Tours
Petite France is a France-themed village located in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi-do. It is well-known as the filming location of a famous K-drama “My Love from the Star”. Italian Village “Pinocchio and Da Vinci” is the only theme park in Korea that has officially partnered with the Collodi Foundation, realizing the Italian author Carlo Collodi’s fairy tale “The Adventures of Pinocchio” in the form of exhibitions and performances.
- Nami Island + Petite France + Italian Village Day Tour
- Nami Island + Petite France + Italian Village + Garden of Morning Calm Tour
- Seoul Vicinity Tour 4 in 1: Nami Island + Gangchon Rail Bike + Petite France + Italian Village
2. Nami Island + Garden of Morning Calm Tours
Garden of Morning Calm is a beautiful private garden founded by professor Sang-kyung Han. Its name originated from when Rabindranath Tagore, an Indian poet, called Korea ‘the Land of Morning Calm’. It shows the beauty of the distinct four seasons of Korea very well. In winter, you can enjoy the Garden of Morning Calm Light Festival where you can be surrounded by dazzling lights shining like stars.
- Nami Island + Garden of Morning Calm Day Tour
- Nami Island + Garden of Morning Calm + Gangchon Rail Bike Tour
- Seoraksan National Park + Nami Island + Garden of Morning Calm Tour
3. Nami Island + Gangchon Rail Bike Tours
Gangchon Rail Bike, located near Nami Island and Petite France, is one of the most unique places where you can revel in all the natural scenery of eastern Korea by rail bike, which is not far away from Seoul. Follow the 8km rail track and appreciate the breathtaking landscape of each season!
- Nami Island + Petite France + Italian Village + Rail Bike + Garden of Morning Calm
- Nami Island + Gangchon Rail Bike + Hyvaa Finland 1 Day Tour
- Gangchon Rail Park – Rail Bike Ticket
4. Nami Island + Gapyeong Rail Bike Tours
Gapyeong Rail Bike is one of the best places to see the pristine natural scenery of Gapyeong. Bike across a 30-meter-high bridge over the river and ride through an area where tree branches create a romantic tunnel! Spend a fun day pedaling along a beautiful river and enjoy the amazing views of the countryside.
- Nami Island + Gapyeong Rail Bike + Garden of Morning Calm Tour
- Nami Island + Petite France + Gapyeong Rail Bike + Garden of Morning Calm Tour
- Gapyeong Rail Park – Rail Bike Ticket
5. Nami Island + Alpaca World Tours
Alpaca World is an animal farm with alpacas from South America, ponies, rabbits, and even birds! It’s a perfect place to spend a healing time while taking a walk with cute and fluffy alpacas, surrounded by stunning mountains.
6. Nami Island + Strawberry Picking Tours
Strawberries in Korea are especially succulent and sweet, which are worth taking home. Pick your own delicious strawberries at a local strawberry farm and take home the strawberries you picked (300 grams limit)!
- Nami Island + Garden of Morning Calm + Strawberry Picking Tour
- Nami Island + Gangchon Rail Bike + Strawberry Picking (+ Garden of Morning Calm) Tour
7. Nami Island + Seoraksan National Park Tours
Seoraksan Mountain is an absolute must-go mountain loved by many locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy nature and witness the breathtaking backdrops of Seoraksan Mountain in a day! Admire the different colors of mountains each season with a hassle-free tour departing from Seoul.
▷▷ Check out the most popular Nami Island tour here. ◁◁
Nami Island Ticket Info
Nami Island, officially called the Naminara Republic, is an independent island nation that has its own flag and currency.
All visitors must buy a Nami Island passport (ticket) and take the ferry to get inside the island as it is inaccessible by land transport.
| Entrance Ticket Price:
| Regular | ₩16,000 |
| Seniors(70+ yrs) / Students (Middle~High School Age) | ₩13,000 |
| Children (36 months~Elementary School Age) / Visitors after 6pm (Dec~Mar) / Visitors after 7pm (Apr~Nov) | ₩10,000 |
| Under 36 months | Free |
| Round-trip ferry fares are included. | |
| Where to Buy Tickets: The ticket office is located near the Immigration Gate.
| Tip: Entrance ticket is included in the shuttle bus and all of Nami Island tours offered by Trazy.
Looking for tours to Nami Island? Just simply book our top-rated tours here!
To find the best travel deals for your next trip to South Korea, make sure to visit Trazy.com, Korea’s #1 Travel Shop.
[Photo Credits]
- Nami Island Official Website
- Nami Island Official Facebook Page
My family (2 adults & 3 kids) will be visiting Seoul April 15-21, 2019. We wish to visit Nami Island from Seoul. Will we be able to see spring blossoms this time of the year?
Hi Barbara 🙂
The cherry blossom flowers are expected to bloom between early~mid April. Since it is highly dependent on the weather, please do a double check close to your travel date 🙂
Plan to visit Nami on 1st week of November, would it be a good time to visit?
What is the main mode of transport there? As my mom couldn’t do a lot of walking.
Hi, if middle of May to visit Nami Island, is that a good timing? What will be the scene & season during these period?
Hi Jess! May is one of the very popular seasons to visit Nami Island since it will be the peak Spring. You will be able to see a variety of flowers and trees. Please be noted that this scene is subject to change depending on the weather condition.
Hi! We will be visiting Nami Island anytime from March 12-20. Will there be cherry blossoms by then? 🙂 Thank you!
Hi, Trina! We are sorry but we cannot guarantee you as it depends on the weather and region. Normally, cherry blossoms bloom in April, but please check on the internet for accurate info.
hi there
will be visiting Nami Island 31 May. is there a free slot and how do i go about booking it. can i visit all the 4 main attractions including the walks etc.
Hi Cindy! We are sorry for the late reply. When you get to Nami Island, you will be able to enjoy the attractions. We have a bunch of tour packages for Nami Island on sale. Please visit our website to make a reservation:
https://www.trazy.com/search/activities?keyword=nami
hi we’ll be visiting korea sept 24to 29.? am I too early for autumn,, i did some research and it says autumn starts on september til november,, what shades of autumn will I see?
Hi Mille! It depends on the weather condition. Please visit a weather forecast website for the information: https://www.accuweather.com/en/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081
Whats the foliage color now in nami island? Will be going to nami on 22 october, 2019.
It’s so important to realize that every time you get upset, it drains your emotional energy.
Thank you for the information…. It is very useful…
Since there’re 6 of us travelling, am keen in hiring a private van to cover Nami, rail bike & Petit France. Since we have to get our own entrance ticket, is it necessary to purchase the rail tickets in advance?
Hello, please send your inquiries to inquiry@trazy.com Thank you!
thanks