Nami Island Fall Foliage Guide 2026: Peak Season & Tips

Autumn Trip to Nami Island

Autumn Foliage Hotspot Near Seoul: Ginkgo Tree Festival

Text/Photos @Chaeng

When the crisp autumn breeze starts to blow,

the leaves begin to change into vibrant colors.😊

From ginkgo trees turning golden yellow

to the picturesque Metasequoia Lane and maple trees,

there's no better place than Nami Island (남이섬) to soak in the autumn atmosphere!

It's only about an hour from Seoul, even accessible for those without a car,

making it a top choice for a casual day trip near Seoul on the weekends.

And if you visit now, you'll be able to witness the stunning autumn colors to your heart's content.

It's a true autumn foliage gem in Gapyeong (가평) 😊

However, during peak foliage season, tourists flock from all over the country,

leading to incredibly long lines at the ticket booth and for entry!

Here's a tip: purchase your tickets in advance to get a discount,

and make sure to check the ferry schedule to prepare for your Nami Island trip.♥️

1. Nami Island Autumn Foliage & Ginkgo Peak Season 2026

Last year, when I visited Nami Island on November 1st, 2025,

I saw beautiful ginkgo and maple trees adorned in vibrant colors!

This autumn, 2026, the large day-night temperature differences mean the autumn foliage line

is progressing smoothly at an average pace.😊

If you visit ⭐between late October and the first week of November⭐,

you'll truly experience the richly colored ginkgo tree tunnels

and vibrant red maple paths!

2. Nami Island Admission Ticket Discount Booking & Tips to Reduce On-Site Waiting Time

Nami Island is highly recommended for a day trip near Seoul, but here's why I absolutely DO NOT recommend buying tickets on-site:

① First, the line at the on-site ticket booth is incredibly long.....

You don't want to waste your precious time waiting in line!😭

② You save over ₩2,000 (~$2) when you purchase in advance!

Why pay more?

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Go directly to discounted purchase

You can purchase tickets on the same day,

and if you don't use them, free cancellation is available anytime,

so it's a great idea to buy them in advance!

The Nami Island admission ticket price mentioned above

includes round-trip ferry fare.

3. Nami Island Ferry Schedule

Generally, the ferry operating information for Nami Island is as follows:

During the peak autumn foliage season, multiple ferries operate continuously back and forth without rest,

so you don't necessarily need to check the ferry schedule down to the minute.

Also, they extend operations beyond 9 PM,

so you can even stay to enjoy the night views.

Since it's already a famous autumn foliage spot in Gapyeong... haha,

if you go late, you should be prepared for enormous crowds.🥹

The ferry ride is quite short, less than 10 minutes,

but the weather was so lovely that it was nice to be out on deck,

feeling the river breeze, instead of staying inside.😊

Even though the ferry fills up, Nami Island is wider than you might expect,

so as you explore, you'll find plenty of spots without crowds,

and I didn't feel overwhelmed by people.

Upon arrival, you're greeted by these wonderfully autumnal trees!😊♥️

4. Nami Island Activities

I rented a hanbok (한복) because I wanted to take some beautiful photos!

I captured pictures full of autumn vibes along Ginkgo Tree Lane (은행나무길)

and the Maple Tree Path (단풍길).😊

If you walk slowly for about 10 minutes from the ferry dock, heading right along Metasequoia Lane (메타세콰이어길),

you'll find Nami Nekkot Studio (남이네컷 스튜디오) and Nami Hanbok (남이한복),

where you can rent hanbok and old school uniforms.

There are various activities available, such as the Story Tour bus that circles Nami Island while you listen to its tales,

family bike rentals, and even a sky bike course.

Riding along the riverside path on the outer edge of the island with the autumn foliage as a backdrop,

I was overflowing with romance and utterly blissful! 🥹

I strolled around, gazing at the yellow and red autumn leaves spreading across Nami Island

under the blue sky, until the sun began to set,

and it really made me feel like autumn had truly arrived!

If you're looking for an autumn foliage spot

and wondering where to go for an outing near Seoul (서울),

I highly recommend the vibrantly colored Nami Island in Gapyeong! ♥️

Don't wait in line on-site; purchase your discounted tickets in advance and

fill your day with happy autumn memories! ♥️

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