Nami Island Tickets and Guide

Nami Island (남이섬) is a half moon shaped river island about 90 minutes northeast of Seoul, famous for its tree lined avenues, autumn foliage, and starring role in the 2002 Korean drama Winter Sonata. Adult tickets cost 19,000 KRW (around $14) including the ferry, and the island is open daily from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm. This guide covers everything you need to know for your visit, including transport from Seoul, the best photo spots, and where to stay.

What Is Nami Island?

Nami Island sits on the Bukhan River in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province. The car free island is famous for its rows of tall metasequoia, gingko, and pine trees planted along wide walking avenues. In autumn, the foliage turns spectacular gold and red, drawing photographers from across Asia. In winter, snow transforms the same avenues into the postcard scenes that made Winter Sonata famous.

The island became internationally known after the 2002 KBS drama Winter Sonata (겨울연가) used it as a filming location. The show became a foundational hit of the Korean Wave (Hallyu) and drew millions of first time visitors to Nami Island from across Asia. Statues of the drama's lead characters still stand on the island as photo spots.

A quirky detail worth knowing: in 2006, Nami Island's owners declared the island the "Naminara Republic," a tongue in cheek micronation with its own passport, currency (Nami Coin), and national anthem. Your ticket is technically a visa. It's a marketing gimmick, but the island really does have its own stamps and coins available at the entrance, which make good souvenirs.

Best Time to Visit Nami Island

Nami Island is beautiful in every season, but three windows stand out.

Autumn (Mid October to Mid November): Peak Season

The most photographed time of year. The famous metasequoia avenue turns golden, gingko trees line the paths in bright yellow, and maple foliage covers the rest of the island in red and orange. Peak color usually falls between the third week of October and the second week of November. Weekends during this window are extremely busy.

Winter (December to February): Snow Scenes

The postcard Winter Sonata look. Snow on the metasequoia avenue creates the tunnel of trees that made the island famous. Crowds are lighter than autumn but temperatures drop well below freezing. Bring proper winter clothing.

Late Spring (Late April to May): Cherry Blossoms and Green

Cherry blossoms bloom in April, followed by full green foliage in May. Quieter than autumn, with milder weather in the 60s to 70s Fahrenheit (15 to 22°C).

When to Avoid

Summer (July to August) is hot, humid, and rainy. The island still receives visitors, mostly for the water park (open June 19 to late August 2026), but leaves are ordinary green and heat can be uncomfortable. Winter (January to February) is beautiful but bring proper cold weather gear.

Nami Island Ticket Prices

The standard entrance ticket includes the return ferry between the mainland and the island. Prices are lower on Trip.com than at the on site ticket booth.

Getting to the Island (Options Beyond the Ferry)

• Ferry (standard). Included with your ticket. 5 minute crossing.
• Motorboat (April to November). A faster, more scenic crossing. 29,000 KRW per person (around $21). Minimum 2 passengers per boat.
• Skyline Zipwire. A zip line from the mainland to the island at 80 meters above the water. Family route 55,000 KRW (around $41), Adventure route 58,000 KRW (around $43). Includes island entry.
• Group cruise. Available for organized tours.

Book on Trip.com for discounted prices compared to the on site ticket booth

Nami Island｜Opening Hours

How to Get to Nami Island from Seoul

Nami Island is about 63 km northeast of Seoul, in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province. Total travel time from central Seoul is 60 to 90 minutes depending on the method.

Option 1: Subway or ITX Train to Gapyeong Station (Recommended)

The most popular and reliable route.

1. Take the subway or ITX train to Gapyeong Station (가평역)
2. From Yongsan Station: about 60 minutes by ITX Cheongchun (limited express)
3. From Cheongnyangni Station: about 42 minutes by ITX
4. From Sangbong Station: about 60 to 70 minutes by Gyeongchun subway line (cheaper but slower)
5. At Gapyeong Station, take the Gapyeong City Tour Bus (buy tickets near the station exit) to Nami Island ferry terminal
6. Board the ferry for the 5 minute crossing

Total time from central Seoul: 90 to 120 minutes.

Option 2: Direct Bus from Hongdae

The easiest option if you want to skip transfers.

• Departure: Hongik University Station, Exit 4 at 8:20 am
• Return: Nami Island at 4:30 pm
• Round trip fare on Trip.com: around 25,000 KRW (around $19)
• Journey time: about 90 minutes one way

Good for travelers who want a fixed round trip schedule without navigating Korean subway transfers.

Option 3: Private Car Charter

For flexibility and comfort, a private car with driver can be booked through Trip.com. This is the best option if you want to combine Nami Island with nearby attractions in the same day, or if you're traveling with older parents or young children.

• Cost: from around 250,000 KRW per day (around $185) for a car with driver
• Duration: full day, flexible schedule
• English speaking drivers available through Trip.com

Option 4: Guided Day Tour

Group day tours combine Nami Island with Petite France, Garden of Morning Calm, or Gangchon Rail Bike. Popular options run in English and typically cost around 90,000 to 130,000 KRW per person (around $67 to $96) with transport, tickets, and guide included.

Nami Island | How to Get to the Island

There are several ways to get to Nami Island—ferry, motorboat, or the Zip Wire zipline—and prices vary for each. Please see the entry options below:

Nami Island How to Get to the Island #1: Ferry

The ferry is the most popular and most affordable way to get to Nami Island, with a standard adult round-trip fare of 19,000 KRW (only TWD 377 when purchased on Trip), and ferry schedules vary by time of day; please refer to the table below:

Getting to Nami Island #2 Motorboat (April–November only)

You can also hop on a speedboat to get there and experience a different side of Nami Island from the water. Speedboats operate from 9:00 to 18:00; tickets are 29,000 KRW (about NT$621). Each boat requires at least two passengers to depart and can carry up to five. The service runs only from April to November.

Nami Island How to Get to the Island #3 Zip-Wire High-Altitude Zipline

This is one of the most unforgettable ways to get to Nami Island—you’ll ride a high-altitude zipline straight to the island, taking in stunning views from above for a one-of-a-kind Nami Island sightseeing experience. The ride is thrilling but on the pricier side, and it’s offered in a Family Course and an Adventure Route.

• Family Route: 55,000 KRW (about NT$1,178), landing at Nami Island
• Adventure route: 58,000 KRW (about NT$1,243), after touching down on Bie Island, hop on a speedboat to Nami Island

Nami Island Entry Option #4 Around-the-Island Scenic Boat Tour

If you're visiting as a group, check with the park for information on the scenic cruise around the island—they offer dedicated cruise boats for group travelers heading to Nami Island.

What to Do on Nami Island

Plan for at least half a day on the island. Full days are worthwhile in autumn or winter when photos and slower exploration matter.

Source: Nami Island official website

Nami Island Park Attractions #1 Metasequoia Lane

Nami Island has plenty of walking routes, but the most popular is Metasequoia Lane, a classic filming location from the hit K-drama "Winter Sonata." Many visitors come specifically to take photos here. In summer, the lane is lush and green; in winter, it turns into an iconic snowy scene—making it a must-visit hot spot on Nami Island.

Nami Island Park Attractions #2 Maple Leaf Road

Next to Dawn Redwood Road, there’s a Maple Leaf Road—as the name suggests, a route lined primarily with maple trees. It’s a must-visit in the fall, when you’ll see beautiful maple foliage. You might also get the chance to admire the golden ginkgo trees.

Nami Island Park Attraction #3 Central Red Pine Lane

Central Red Pine Road is the longest and straightest main road in the heart of Nami Island. Strolling here is incredibly relaxing—the towering pines lining the way help visitors naturally let their stress melt away. I highly recommend coming to this arrow-straight Red Pine Road to breathe and take a peaceful walk.

Experiences on Nami Island

Nami Island Experience #1 Biking

Besides exploring Nami Island on foot, biking is another fantastic way to explore. The Bicycle Center on Nami Island offers a variety of bicycle rental services, making it easy for solo travelers, couples, and families to explore Nami Island by bike. Detailed rental fees are as follows:

• Bicycle
• • Per person: 30 minutes KRW 5,000, 1 hour KRW 9,000, overtime: KRW 2,000 per 10 minutes
  • For two people 30 minutes 10,000 won, 1 hour 18,000 won, extra 10 minutes 3,000 won
  • Family: 30 minutes for 18,000 won; overtime: 10 minutes for 6,000 won
• electric tricycle
• • Solo: 30 minutes 10,000 Korean won; overtime: 10 minutes 3,000 Korean won
  • Two people: 30 minutes 15,000 KRW, each additional 10 minutes 5,000 KRW
  • Family 30 minutes 15,000 KRW, overtime 10 minutes 5,000 KRW
• EZ-Bike
• • 30 minutes 10,000 KRW; each additional 10 minutes 3,000 KRW

Nami Island Experience #2: Water Park

If you're visiting Nami Island in the summer, pack your swimsuit and hit Nami Island’s water park—there are plenty of thrilling, splashy attractions to try. This year, it opens from June 19, 2026 onward～

Nami Island Experience #3: DIY Craft Workshop

Nami Island also offers relaxed, hands-on DIY activities, and you can visit the craft studio for classes in pottery making, glassblowing, sandblasting, and painting soju bottles.

Where to Stay on Nami Island

Where to Stay on Nami Island #1 Nami Island Hotel Jeonggwanru

This is the best place to stay on Nami Island—it’s the island’s official partner hotel, located right on the island. It’s perfect for travelers who want to really explore Nami Island, and staying here gives you more time to enjoy the island’s beauty at different times of day.

Nami Island Stays #2 W Jiwoo Resort

This resort is also a convenient place to stay not far from Nami Island—just a 5-minute walk to the ferry pier for Nami Island. It feels a bit like a lakeside hotel by Sun Moon Lake, and you can enjoy distant views of Nami Island across the water.