Nami Island Travel Guide 2026: Best Things to Do
Plan your perfect day trip to Nami Island, South Korea. Discover how to get there from Seoul, parking options, and top things to do in 2026!
Nami Island
Even though it's just a quick
5-minute bus ride
from Gapyeong Station
to reach,
I actually came here with my parents
to visit Nami Island, which is officially located in
Namsan-myeon, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do!
Taking the ITX-Cheongchun train from Cheongnyangni
to Gapyeong Station takes about 50 minutes.
Because it's close to Seoul, it has great accessibility,
boasts gorgeous natural scenery,
and has tons of fun activities to experience,
making it the perfect getaway
to enjoy with either kids or parents!
Once you exit Gapyeong Station, cross the street right opposite the exit
to the "Sopoong Dakgalbi Makguksu" bus stop.
Catch bus number 10-4,
and you can go
straight to Nami Island.
It only takes about 5 minutes!
The arrival display is super clear, so you'll know exactly when the next bus is coming.
Parking Information
📍 Nami Island Parking Lot (Kakao Mobility)
1024 Bukhangangbyun-ro, Gapyeong-eup, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do
📍 Amano Parking Lot (In front of Nami Island Wharf)
Gapyeong-eup, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do
📍 Nami Island Private Parking Lot
1054-1 Bukhangangbyun-ro, Gapyeong-eup, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do
For the Kakao Mobility parking lot,
the rate is ~$4 for the first 12 hours,
and ~$1 for every hour after that.
Tickets & Pricing
While you can absolutely buy tickets on-site,
the lines can get super long, you have to pay full price,
and it can take quite a while.
To save precious time and energy,
I decided to buy them in advance
at a discounted rate!
Once you complete your payment,
the QR code will arrive within a few minutes.
Just save it on your phone,
and you can use it directly at the entrance!
Ferry Schedule & Intervals
The ferry operates on the following schedule:
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Every 30 minutes
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM: Every 10 to 20 minutes
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Every 30 minutes
So you won't have to wait too long!
We scanned our QR codes directly at the machines
and walked right on in!
It was so convenient to skip the main ticket lines.
And the ferry arrived almost immediately!
Nami Island is a beautiful island floating in Cheongpyeong Lake,
covering about 380 acres
with a circumference of 5 kilometers (about 3.1 miles).
It is also the largest privately-owned garden in South Korea!
Even though it was May, the sun was quite strong,
so I was a bit worried it might be too hot.
But a lovely breeze was blowing, keeping it nice and cool,
and with so much tree shade, it was absolutely perfect for walking!
During the summer, if you don't have a parasol
or if the wind dies down,
it might not feel very cool.
It could get a little uncomfortable to walk around.
Still, with its unique landscapes
changing beautifully across all four seasons,
it's a place that keeps drawing you back.
It also became incredibly famous
as the filming location for the legendary drama "Winter Sonata."
Because the island is quite spacious,
even a quick look around
can easily take 3 to 4 hours.
But there are so many gorgeous photo spots,
and walking along the forest paths
feels amazing. Plus, you can meet cute animals
here and there, and there are even fun festivals!
Since it can get pretty crowded,
arriving early in the morning
is a great way to enjoy a more relaxed vibe.
Dining Area
The dining options here are surprisingly diverse!
From traditional Korean table d'hôte
and Asian restaurants
to Dakgalbi (spicy stir-fried chicken), pasta,
hotteok (sweet filled pancakes),
ice cream,
and lovely cafes—there’s something for everyone.
Right next to the restaurants,
there's also a picture book playground, which is perfect if you're visiting with kids.
Prices range from ~$6 to ~$32,
so it's on the pricier side.
Even the ice cream was around ~$3,
so it definitely wasn't cheap.
They also sell steamed buns fresh out of the giant pot!
At Chadam,
they even offer a traditional teahouse experience!
Souvenir & Gift Shops
From delicate necklaces to traditional shot glasses,
and even colorful Nami Island umbrellas!
You can also meet a famous resident ostrich named "Gangta" here,
and they even sell super cute Gangta-themed merch!
There are Nami Island-themed mugs, traditional Korean
"Gonggi" game sets filled with local charm,
and because Gapyeong is famous for its pine nuts,
they also sell local Gapyeong Pine Nut Makgeolli!
There are so many unique treasures to browse through.
The Animals of Nami Island
I saw so many people visiting
with their adorable dogs,
and running into friendly animals along the paths
was such a delightful highlight of the stroll!
Apparently, the ostrich used to roam free,
but after causing a bit too much mischief, they had to build an enclosure.
That's how he got the nickname "Gangta" (meaning 'rebel ostrich')!
Other animals, like ducks and
peacocks, roam completely free around the island.
One peacock let out a loud call that totally startled me!
And look at these brown and black bunnies—
they were having a little tiff
over sharing their food!
Fun Activities & Experiences
This is the Forest of Adventure zipline, and it looked so fast and thrilling!
It looked like an absolute blast.
Seriously, it's so fast! haha
When your feet start to tire, you can rent a bicycle
or hop on a bus or train tour
to explore the island comfortably and easily!
Bus & Train Tours
Glass Art Workshop Experience
Book on the Nami Island Website
Hanbok & School Uniform Experience
Wood-Fired Pizza Making Experience
Chadam Tea House Experience
Pro Tips
A parasol and sneakers are essential!
Since there is a hotel and a swimming pool right on the island,
spending a night here
to explore all of Nami Island
at a relaxed, leisurely pace is a great idea.
Sometimes bugs might fall from the lush trees,
which can give you quite a startle!
It's a good idea to apply some bug repellent.
Nearby,
you can also check out Jarasum Island, the Garden of Morning Calm,
and Petite France to make the most of your trip!
Strolling around to fully enjoy nature,
looking out at the river was so incredibly healing.
With each season showing off a different side of its charm,
this is a destination that brings diverse joy to everyone.
From boarding the ferry to exploring every corner of the island,
I loved how perfectly packed and fulfilling the entire day was..
Operating Hours
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the travel time and method to get to Nami Island by taking the ITX from Cheongnyangni Station?
Taking the ITX from Cheongnyangni Station takes about 50 minutes to Gapyeong Station. After getting off at Gapyeong Station, cross the street and take bus No. 10-4 from the 'Sopoong Dakgalbi Makguksu' bus stop, which takes about 5 minutes to get to Nami Island.
How much is the parking fee at the Kakao Mobility parking lot near the Nami Island dock?
The Kakao Mobility parking lot charges ~$4 for the first 12 hours. After the initial 12 hours, an additional fee of ~$1 is applied.
What are the operating hours and departure intervals of the ferries going to Nami Island?
The ferries operate from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM. During the peak hours from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM when there are many visitors, they run every 10 to 20 minutes, and during the rest of the day, they run every 30 minutes.
Among the animals you can see on Nami Island, why is the ostrich named 'Kkangta' kept inside a fence?
Originally, the ostriches were allowed to roam freely, but they caused some trouble, so they are now kept in an enclosure. This particular ostrich was named 'Kkangta', and related merchandise is also sold at the souvenir shop.
What is the approximate price range for restaurants and snacks inside Nami Island?
The restaurants inside offer various options like Hanjeongsik (Korean table d'hôte) and Dakgalbi (spicy stir-fried chicken), with prices ranging from ~$6 to ~$32. Ice cream sold as a snack is a bit pricey, costing around ~$3.
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