On a recent Monday, which felt like the last of autumn, I took a day off from work and went on a day trip with my family to Nami Island. Located about 1.5 hours by car from Seoul, Nami Island is a perfect destination for a short escape.
At home, we have a dog, and as any pet owner knows, traveling—whether domestically or internationally—can be a challenge when you have a furry friend. That’s why I was especially happy to find that Nami Island is not only close to Seoul but also incredibly dog-friendly, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll with our pup.
Nami Island and Nearby Jaraseom: A Tale of Two Islands
Right next to Nami Island is another island called Jaraseom. Although the two are only about 800 meters apart, they couldn’t be more different. Nami Island is privately owned and has been developed with various attractions and facilities for visitors. In contrast, Jaraseom has remained relatively untouched due to restrictions on development, or so I’ve heard.
On this trip, we only visited Nami Island. While it’s said that some travelers include Jaraseom in their itinerary, I found that Nami Island alone requires at least four hours to fully enjoy. So, if you’re planning a visit, make sure to set aside enough time! Now, let’s dive into what makes Nami Island so special.
Why Nami Island is Famous
Nami Island rose to fame as a filming location for several TV dramas, most notably the 2002 hit Winter Sonata starring Bae Yong-joon and Choi Ji-woo. Thanks to the immense popularity of Winter Sonata—especially in Japan and across Asia—Nami Island has become a hotspot for international tourists.
The drama was such a phenomenon that Bae Yong-joon, nicknamed “Yonsama,” became a cultural icon. His hairstyle even sparked a trend, and I’ve personally heard countless stories from Japanese acquaintances who traveled to Nami Island, enchanted by the show. This week, I finally had the chance to experience this iconic destination myself.
The Legacy of Yonsama and the Iconic OST: Nostalgia on Nami Island
It’s hard not to think of the iconic hairstyles and heartfelt melodies from the Winter Sonata OST when reminiscing about Nami Island. The memories of Yonsama (Bae Yong-joon) and his global fame still resonate as you explore the island.
The Story Behind Nami Island
The name "Nami Island" originates from General Nami (南怡), whose tomb is believed to be on the island. However, the exact location of his burial site remains unknown. Situated in the Bukhangang River, which marks the border between Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, and Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province, Nami Island spans an area of approximately 460,000 square meters, with a circumference of about 6 kilometers—a petite yet charming destination.
Historically, the island only appeared as a temporary landmass during floods, but with the construction of the Cheongpyeong Dam, it became a permanent island. Administratively, Nami Island belongs to Bangha-ri, Namsan-myeon, Chuncheon City, Gangwon Province. However, the ferry terminal to the island is located in Daljeon-ri, Gapyeong-eup, Gapyeong County, which has led many visitors to associate it with Gapyeong.
Indeed, if you’re driving to Nami Island using GPS, the route typically takes you past Daeseong-ri and along the Bukhangang River towards Gapyeong, making it feel more like part of Gyeonggi Province than Gangwon Province. Its accessibility is one of the reasons it has become such a popular destination.
A Warm Welcome to Nami Island: Parking, Dining, and Boarding the Ferry
As you approach Nami Island, you’ll find an abundance of restaurants, many of which specialize in dishes like dak galbi (spicy stir-fried chicken). Most of these restaurants double as paid parking lots, but they waive the parking fee if you dine at their establishment.
In our case, we parked in front of one such restaurant and paid a daily parking fee of 4,000 KRW since we didn’t eat there. Thankfully, there were plenty of pet-friendly dining options available, which is great news for those traveling with furry companions.
Once parked, the adventure truly begins. Since Nami Island is, quite literally, an island, you need to take a ferry to reach it. This means walking to the ferry terminal from your parking spot—a small journey that heightens the anticipation of exploring the island.
The Path to the Ticket Booth and Ferry Terminal
Walking toward the ticket booth and ferry terminal, you’ll notice a tower in the distance—the starting point for the zipline that takes adventurous visitors directly to Nami Island.
It’s an exciting sight that adds to the atmosphere of anticipation, whether you’re heading to the terminal for the ferry ride or watching others soar across the water on the zipline. The walk itself is pleasant, setting the tone for the charming experiences that await on the island.
Nami Island Admission Fee (Including Round-Trip Ferry)
The admission fee to Nami Island includes the cost of the round-trip ferry ride. Here’s a breakdown of the typical fees:
- Adults: 16,000 KRW
- Teens (Middle and High School Students): 13,000 KRW
- Children (Age 3 to Elementary School): 10,000 KRW
Discounted rates are often available for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and groups. Additionally, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can opt for the zipline experience instead of the ferry for an additional fee.
Make sure to check the official Nami Island website or the ticket booth for the latest pricing and special offers!
Entering to Board the Ferry After Purchasing Tickets
Once you’ve purchased your tickets, you proceed to the boarding area to catch the ferry. The atmosphere is lively, with visitors eagerly anticipating their trip to Nami Island.
The ferry ride itself is short but enjoyable, offering scenic views of the Bukhangang River as you approach the island. It’s a brief yet memorable part of the overall Nami Island experience
Nami Island Zipline
If you’re traveling light and without a pet, taking the zipline to enter Nami Island could be an exciting alternative. The zipline station is conveniently located near the ticket booth, making it easy to find.
Zipline Pricing:
- Per Person: 44,000 KRW
The zipline offers a thrilling start to your Nami Island visit, giving you a bird’s-eye view of the scenic Bukhangang River as you glide directly onto the island. It’s a unique way to kick off your adventure!
Two Zipline Routes: Jaraseom Stopover and Direct to Nami Island
The zipline offers two routes: one with a stopover at Jaraseom and the other taking you directly to Nami Island. Both routes provide a thrilling experience and breathtaking views, but it’s worth noting that they operate on a 30-minute schedule.
During peak seasons, reservations are highly recommended as availability can be limited due to high demand. Be sure to plan ahead to secure your spot!
Home Page : Zipwire
The Beautiful River Scenery You Can Enjoy from a Boat
This is the view from the second floor of the boat. The first floor had seating areas arranged along the perimeter, while the rest of the space was standing room only. While the scenery from the outside deck on the first floor was the most stunning, I decided to move up to the second floor to escape the exhaust fumes and noise.
The weather on this last day of autumn was perfectly clear. If it had been mid-November, I might have been able to enjoy more autumn foliage. Aside from the ferries heading to Nami Island, there seemed to be private boats available for hire as well. While these would likely be more expensive, they could be a better option for those who need to sit comfortably while traveling.
The crowd disembarking from the boat made it seem quite busy, but once you enter and everyone disperses, you can’t help but wonder, Where did everyone go?
As the weather grew chilly, there were bonfires lit here and there, just like the one in the photo. People would warm their hands, and some were roasting marshmallows, likely sold on skewers. Although the island isn’t a temple, the traditional Korean-style tiled roof near the entrance seemed to give a different impression. I noticed several foreign visitors waving the smoke over their bodies and praying, perhaps mistaking it for a religious ritual. It was near one of these bonfires that I picked up a map of the island.
Nami Island Map
The recommended route is the one marked in yellow on the map. Starting from Naminaru, where the boat docks, take the path that turns to the right. The reason for this choice is that it’s less crowded compared to main routes like the Central Metasequoia Road, and the metasequoia trees here are particularly stunning. Along the way, you might even spot ostriches, and if you’re visiting with a dog, there’s a leash-free agility park called Together Park where your furry friend can play freely.
small pond
At Gangta's House, we had a quick look around with our dog, Hodoo. It was Hodoo’s first time seeing an ostrich, and perhaps out of fear, he started barking. The name Gangta is short for Gangpae Tajo, meaning "gangster ostrich." We heard they can snatch phones if you’re not careful, so we made a swift exit to avoid any trouble!
The path to Together Park, where dogs can play freely, is a pleasant stroll surrounded by natural beauty.
Maybe it was because it was Monday, there was no dog around, so I was able to run around and play more freely.
https://youtube.com/shorts/6gw5cMy90AA?si=85W6mNs8WAEblFIS
After leaving the park, we took a picture on the pretty swing on the way to Metasequoia Road.
While we were riding the swing, I also met a cute little bunny.
Metasequoia forest.
It was still beautiful even though many of the leaves had fallen. I thought I would like to come back in each season.
There are also beautiful pine trees and many photo spots.
There are restaurants and cafes on Nami Island, but we wanted to eat lunch in a quiet place with our dog, so we packed a simple lunch. We also brought hot water and cup noodles. There are benches all over Nami Island, so we could eat comfortably even without a mat. We sat on a bench near the pine tree in the photo above, and it turned out that the spot we sat was a great spot. There were no other benches around, and we could see the river, and beautiful peacocks sometimes flew around.
I was thinking of making kimbap, but since the temperature was low, I thought it would harden quickly, so I packed a simple home-cooked meal in a thermos lunch box.
For those who are afraid of birds, don't be too scared, they will just wander away if you don't give them food.
watching us eating lunch :)
This is the Metasequoia Road, which I consider to be the highlight of Nami Island. The large trees that stretch out are beautiful even in the fall.
After eating, we pass by the hotel in Nami Island and head to the opposite shore. There is a well-maintained walking path with reeds and dogwood forests.
If walking is difficult, there are various means of transportation such as bicycle rental or train.
There are also various types of bicycles. There are also electric bicycles that you can ride with your dog.
Single bicycle 30 minutes: 5,000 won / 1 hour: 8,000 won / 10 minutes or more: 1,000 won
There are also couple bicycles, but the price is twice that of a single bicycle.
As expected of a tourist destination, the price is not cheap, but it seems like there is nothing better for comfortably traveling around the entire island.
In addition, there are playgrounds for children to run around and play, lawn, activities such as boating on the river in the summer, and a traditional Korean houses, so there are many photo spots and it seems like a good place to visit in any season.
I met my friend Squirrel again.
It takes about 4 hours to walk around the island, excluding meal times. If you play, you will need more time, so it would be better to set aside a day. They say there are a lot of people on the weekends, so it would be better to go on a weekday if possible.
I took a lot of pictures, so the post became long. Next time, I want to visit in the spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom, on a beautiful autumn day with the ginkgo tree road, or on a snowy day like in Winter Sonata. Everyone, please visit Nami Island, which is close to Seoul!
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