According to the Korea Tourism Organization, Nami Island was declared as the fourth most popular attraction in South Korea in the year of 2019. It is one of South Korea’s most internationally recognized tourist destination and cultural brand welcoming more than 3.3 million visitors every year. It is described as a place for all four seasons. Nami Island looks like an enchanted and idyllic place especially during autumn. I would like to share the wonders of autumn in this fascinating island with all of you through this piece of writing.
Getting There
There are direct shuttle buses that run daily from Seoul to Nami Island. If you live in Seoul and are not too familiar with the subway system in South Korea, then I would recommend you to take the direct shuttle bus to Nami Island to avoid confusion. Although it is a little pricey, it is safer and faster. For adults, the bus fare is 15000 won for round trip and 7500 won for one way.
| Shuttle Bus | Seoul Insadong (9:30) Seoul Namdaemun (9:30) Seoul Myeongdong (9:45) Adults: 15000 won (round trip) / 7500 won (one way) Child: 13000 won (round trip) / 6500 won (one way) |
| Subway | Gapyeong Station (Gyeongchun line, Exit 1) By foot: 20 minutes By taxi: 5 minutes (4000 to 5000 won) |
After you reach Nami Island Gapyeong Wharf, purchase a ticket at the ticket office and you are ready to board the ferry to Naminara Republic.
Here is the address for Nami Island Ticket Office: 1024, Bukhangangbyeon-ro, Gapyeong-eup, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
Entrance Fees, Ferry Schedule and Operation Hours
The entrance fees and ferry schedule to Nami Island are shown on the tables below.
| Category | Price |
| Regular | 13000 won |
| Discount -Teenagers (Middle to high school age) -Elderly (70 years old and above) | 10000 won |
| Special -Children (36 months to elementary school age) -Visitors after 6:10pm (December to March) -Visitors after 7:10pm (April to November) | 7000 won |
| 7:30 to 9:00 | Every 30 minutes after first ferry at 7:30 |
| 9:00 to 18:00 | Every 10 to 20 minutes |
| 18:00 to 21:40 | Every 30 minutes until last ferry at 21:40 |
The operation hours are from 9:00am to 6:00pm. It may change depending on the weather and sunset.
A Brief History
Nami Island is located 63 kilometers from the heart of Seoul in the middle of North Han River. After the construction of Cheongpyeong dam and effect of seasonal rain, the land was turned into an island. Its name originates from General Nami, a remarkable historical figure in Joseon Dynasty who died at the age of 28. He was falsely accused of treason during the reign of King Sejo.
It is a 460,000 square meter island, where you can enjoy the magical wonders of all four seasons. In spring, it is covered in pink cherry blossoms while in summer, the island is full of green trees that are tall enough to touch the sky. When autumn comes, the foliage carpets the earth. Last but not least, when winter approaches, it is transformed into a winter wonderland. Thus, it is a magnificent place where nature and human beings coexist.
This is the map of Nami Island. As you can see, Nami Island is similar to a leaf floating peacefully above Cheongpyeong Lake.
Attractions and Photo Zone
As soon as I stepped my foot onto Nami Island, I was greeted with amazingly wonderful foliage. The shades of red, orange and yellow foliage blend so well together. Almost every parts of the island serve as a photo zone. After having my lunch, I saw a colorful peacock right opposite to the restaurant I dined in. It is my first time seeing such enormous and royal peacock!
The most popular photo zone in Nami Island is the Gingko Tree Lane located at the east side of the island. Here are some pictures that I took in the lane. Look at how the yellow gingko leaves and red maple leaves cover the whole ground!
Then, my friends and I visited the Namipungwon Maple Garden. At night, beautiful lights were lit up in the garden. It appears as a great photo zone even in the dark.
I only managed to explore a part of Nami Island because I arrived around 3:30pm. There are much more fun activities and facilities that you can enjoy in this island. Find out more about these activities here!
THE STEEL Cafe
I left Nami Island around 7:30pm and went to a café called “THE STEEL Café” which is five minutes away from the ticket office. It is a rooftop bakery café where its interior gives off a rustic and nostalgic feeling.
It sells different kinds of baked goods, including bread loaves, cookies, croissants and toasts. Moreover, it offers a variety of desserts including egg tarts, pound cakes, tiramisu, financier with different flavors to choose from. The price of desserts ranges from 4000 to 7500won. On the other hand, the drinks are around 6000 to 12000won.
If you love fancy drinks, you can try the yogurt smoothie which comes in three different flavors (strawberry, chocolate and blue Curacao syrup). We ordered the Sky Cloud Yogurt Smoothie, hot chocolate latte, tiramisu, Basque burnt cheesecake and garlic bread.
Click here to access the official Instagram account of the café.
- Operation Hours: Open 24 hours everyday
- Address: Gyeonggi-do, Gapyeong-gun, Gapyeong-eup, Bukhangangbyeon-ro, 1044-11 KR
Endnotes
I could say this is one of the best place to visit during autumn with a myriad of colors and perfect weather. It felt as if I have stepped into a fairy tale storybook when I visited this island. Lastly, I would like to recommend you to go on a one day Gapyeong trip to Nami Island, Petite France and The Garden of Morning Calm. These are the top three must-visit attractions in Gapyeong.
