Nami Island: Korea’s Most Beautiful Cultural Escape

🌳 Nami Island — Where Seasons Tell Their Own Story

Just 90 minutes from Seoul, Nami Island (Namiseom) offers one of Korea’s most enchanting escapes — a perfect blend of art, nature, and nostalgia. Floating quietly on the Bukhangang River, this half-moon-shaped island is a place where every path feels like a painting, and each season tells its own story.

 

From History to Harmony

The island takes its name from General Nami, a young hero of the Joseon Dynasty whose tomb is believed to lie here. Once a quiet riverside village, it was later transformed into an eco-cultural park after the creation of the Cheongpyeong Dam flooded the surrounding area.

Today, Nami Island stands as a symbol of creative renewal — a sanctuary where art and the environment coexist in perfect balance. Sculptures rise among pine trees, children’s laughter mingles with music from outdoor speakers, and local cafés serve as resting spots for travelers seeking inspiration.

Must-See Highlights

🌲 Metasequoia Lane
Perhaps the most iconic view of Nami Island. This perfectly aligned lane of tall redwood trees became world-famous after its appearance in the drama Winter Sonata. Each season paints the path differently — from fiery red in autumn to snow-dusted silence in winter.

🍁 The Central Korean Pine Road
Less crowded and softly golden at sunset, this trail offers a quieter experience for those who prefer reflection over photos.

🎨 Nami Island Art Gallery & Story Museum
A small but fascinating space that explores the island’s cultural mission and features works by Korean and international artists.

🎶 Song Museum
A charming building dedicated to music from around the world. Its exhibits include interactive installations that invite visitors to “hear” the island’s spirit.

🌼 Eco Art Garden
A rotating open-air exhibition space that changes with the seasons — from colorful floral art to wooden installations and recycled sculptures.

 

 

A Cultural Concept: “The Naminara Republic”

Nami Island proudly calls itself the Naminara Republic, a self-declared “imaginary country” celebrating culture, creativity, and coexistence. Visitors are welcomed with a mock passport stamp, and the island even issues its own “currency.”

Throughout the year, the site hosts numerous international art events, music festivals, and exhibitions, emphasizing ecological awareness and cultural exchange.

 

 

🎬 On Screen

Nami Island is a beloved filming location for K-dramas and movies. The iconic Winter Sonata brought it global fame, but more recent productions such as Hi Bye, Mama! and Twenty-Five, Twenty-One have also captured its poetic landscape.
The combination of natural beauty and emotional atmosphere makes it one of Korea’s most recognizable cinematic settings.

⚡ Nami Zipwire – The Most Scenic Way to Arrive

For thrill-seekers, the Nami Zipwire offers a unique way to reach the island — flying 940 meters over the Bukhangang River at speeds up to 80 km/h. It’s one of Korea’s longest and most scenic zip lines, connecting directly from the tower at Gapyeong Wharf to Nami Island’s dock.

The ride lasts just about a minute, but the view of the river and mountains is unforgettable. It’s the perfect mix of adrenaline and beauty — and a fun way to start your visit before slowing down to explore the island’s tranquil paths.

🎟️ Zipwire Ticket: 50,000 KRW (includes Nami Island admission + ferry return)
🔗 More info: Nami Zipwire Official Page

 

Visitor Information

📍 Address: 1 Namisum-gil, Namsan-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do

⛴️ Access: Take the ITX train Cheongchun from Cheongnyangni Station to Gapyeong (about 40 min ), then a 5-minute taxi, bus 10-04  or walk to Gapyeong Wharf. The ferry to the island runs every 10–15 minutes.

Tickets are available on the official website or at the station

The ticket machines don’t accept foreign cards, so you’ll need to buy your ticket at the counter — they’re used to this situation!
If tickets aren’t available online, don’t hesitate to ask at the counter; some trains offer standing tickets at a reduced price.

💸 Admission: 16,000 KRW (includes round-trip ferry ticket)

🕒 Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM

🔗 Official website

Insider Tips

• Best seasons: spring (cherry blossoms) and autumn (golden leaves).

• Time needed: plan at least half a day to explore at a relaxed pace.

• Photography: early morning or late afternoon gives the softest light on the tree lanes.

• Food: cafés and restaurants on the island serve Korean comfort food — hotteok, tteok-galbi, and makgeolli are must-tries.

 

 

 

 

Why Visit

Nami Island is not just a tourist attraction — it’s an experience in slowing down. Between the rustling trees and riverside wind, it offers visitors a sense of peace that’s rare so close to Seoul.
It’s where nature, art, and emotion meet — and where many travelers rediscover why they fell in love with Korea in the first place.