Nami: Seoul – Nami Island

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 in winter is simply picturesque

Nami Island (Namiseom or Naminara) is a small ‘doraemon pocket lookalike‘ island situated 63 km from Seoul in the middle of the Han River. This charming Island is famous for the ‘Winter Sonata’ film locations back in 2002. 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. Do not fret, passport is not required to get to the island but admission fee applies.

Getting to Gapyeong Wharf

The best and cheapest option is by rail. You may refer refer to the Real time rail map for your route. Click here for quick guide.

By Rail (Journey time: Approx. 100 mins)

Depending on your point of origin, I took the above route to reach Gapyeong station. FromChungmuru >> (Transfer to) Oksu >> (Transfer to) Sangbong >> Gapyeong. Do note that fromSangbong to Gapyeong, you are traveling on Gyeongchun Line, operated by KORAIL. You will noticed that Sangbong station or Gapyeong (Gyeongchun line) does not exist in your subway map because they operate individually. However, you only need to tap-in your T-Money cardfrom the origin station (eg. Chungmuru) and tap-out at the exit (eg. Gapyeong). No additional ticket needed. The train ride cost me 1950KRW.

While transferring at Sangbong to Gyeongchun Line, please take note of the line that you are heading to. In this case you are heading to Gapyeong. When I was there, apparently both track were heading to Gapyeong station. There was a bit of confusion but thanks to the local guy, he told me that both tracks were heading towards Gapyeong.

From Gapyeong Station, I took the cab to Nami Wharf. The taxi stand is located outside the station. The cab driver understood well enough regarding the existence of Nami Island ferry terminal. This short cab ride will cost you less than 3000KRW per trip.

KORAIL. The train look exactly like a normal subway train. Apparently Gyeongchun Line was operated recently in 2010.

Gapyeong Station

By Shuttle Bus

There are Shuttle buses departing from Insadong and Namdaemun (w.e.f 1 Jan 2015).

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 purchase your tickets, subject to availability. Round trip will cost 15000 won per adult.

Depart from Namdaemun. Sungnyemun Square Bus Stop (In front of Namdaemun Market).

Please refer here for more information.

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 for 10,000 won for round-trip ferry fare & tax included in ticket price. After which, proceed to the wharf entrance to board the ferry.

The Nami Maid will ferry you to the Nami Island.

Ferry Schedule
07:30-09:00 (30min intervals)
09:00-18:00 (10-20min intervals)
18:00-21:40 (30min intervals)

The weather was so cold that you can notice the blocks of ice floating on the river. The ferry ride will take about 5 mins.

Upon reaching Nami Island wharf, notice the statue wearing red top right in the middle of the river. This is one of the famous landmark to look out for. Unfortunately, the river was covered with icy snow.

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.

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 river!

I saw more and more people on the frozen river 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.