Located in Gapyeong, within Gyeonggi Province, Nami Island sits in the Bukhan River, part of the Han River basin. It is about 60 to 63 kilometres northeast of Seoul. Due to its proximity to the capital, it is commonly visited as a day trip from Seoul. A day trip does not need to take an entire day. It can begin around 11am and end by 4.00pm, enough time to explore Nami Island.
The island is not a natural formation in the traditional sense. It was formed after the construction of the Cheongpyeong Dam. The rising water flooded the surrounding valley, leaving the higher landmass isolated, which became the island seen today.
What defines Nami Island today is its distinctive half-moon or crescent shape, which is where the name “Namiseom” comes from. It is relatively small, covering around 430,000 to 460,000 square metres, or about 0.4 to 0.46 square kilometres.
Day Trip to Nami Island
Heading to Nami Island from Jeju Island (WHAT TO DO IN JEJU ISLAND) starts with
a flight from Jeju International Airport (CJU) to Gimpo International Airport
(GMP) in Seoul, taking about an hour. From there, the journey continues to
Gapyeong, where Nami Island is located. It takes around one to two hours to
reach the area from Seoul by train or road.
At Gapyeong, the final part of the journey begins
with a 5 to 10-minute ferry ride across the Bukhan River. It is a moment to sit
back and unwind among fellow travellers and locals from other parts of Korea.
There is little to see along the short crossing, but the calm waters of the
river and the gentle breeze make it a pleasant ride (OSAKA JAPAN TOUR).
As the ferry approaches the island, the scenery slowly shifts, and the arrival at Nami Island Wharf marks the first step onto the island itself, where tree-lined paths and open surroundings begin to appear.
What to Do in Nami Island
The main highlight of Nami Island is its
breathtaking nature, which is what the island is best known for. It is about
taking things slowly, whether through leisurely walks or by renting a bicycle
if preferred. Paths lead beneath rows of trees, creating a calm and shaded
route across the island.
Among the well-known routes are Metasequoia Road,
Ginkgo Tree Lane, and Pine Tree Lane. Each has its own setting, framed by trees
lining both sides of the walking paths. These paths also connect different
parts of the island, allowing movement between gardens, open lawns, and quieter
woodland areas.
Nami Island is a place where the four seasons can be seen clearly. Depending on the time of travel, the scenery changes from spring blossoms and summer greenery to autumn foliage and winter snow. Main paths and smaller trails open into gardens, wide lawns, and quiet woodland areas. Riversides provide room to pause, sit, or stand, with calm surroundings and a peaceful atmosphere.
Nature on Nami Island includes encounters with small animals. Squirrels, rabbits, ostriches, peacocks, and other animals can be seen either roaming freely or kept in designated areas.
The island became internationally known as a
filming location for the Korean drama Winter Sonata. The drama played a major
role in bringing global attention to Nami Island, making it one of its most
recognised attractions.
Outdoor sculptures, art installations, and cultural
displays are part of things to do in Nami Island. These are scattered
throughout the island, along with small museums and galleries. Walking or
cycling breaks may include seasonal cultural performances or exhibitions when
available.
Local products, crafts, and gifts can be purchased
from souvenir shops as keepsakes or for gifting. Hunger or coffee breaks are
usually at cafés or restaurants, with options of Korean food, snacks, and light
meals.
Throughout the time on Nami Island, handphones and cameras rarely stop capturing photos and videos of whatever catches attention.
Leaving Nami Island means returning to the island’s wharf before boarding the ferry. The last ferry from the island to the mainland is usually around 9.00pm, which marks closing time for visitors, while opening hours begin at 8am.
A ferry usually departs every 10 to 20 minutes, depending on crowd levels. It is a frequent shuttle-style ferry service, not a fixed-schedule boat ride. As the ferry moves away from the island, the calm stretch of river gradually replaces the tree-lined paths, bringing the day to a quiet close.