Nami Island is a half-moon-shaped man-made island on the Bukhan (North Han) River in Chuncheon, Korea, named after General Nam Yi, a Joseon-era commander. Famous as a filming location for the drama 'Winter Sonata,' it has been styled since 2006 as the whimsical 'Naminara Republic,' where your entry ticket is issued like a passport 'visa.' With its tree-lined lanes, four-season scenery, and free-roaming animals, it draws over three million visitors a year.
Metasequoia Lane, seen in the 'Winter Sonata' opening - the island's signature photo spot
Ginkgo Tree Lane and Maple Lane, stunning during autumn foliage (peak in early November)
Reach the island by a roughly 5-minute ferry, or fly in on the 940 m zip-wire
Ostriches, squirrels, rabbits and chipmunks roaming freely across the island
Four seasons of scenery - spring blossoms, summer greenery, autumn leaves, winter snow - along riverside walking paths
Good to know
SeasonDuring peak autumn foliage (late October to early November) and on weekends/holidays, queues for parking, the ferry and ticketing get very long; arrive before 9-10 a.m.
CautionA taxi from Gapyeong Station to the wharf takes 5-10 min and should cost about 5,000-6,000 KRW. If quoted much more, take the Gapyeong city bus (No. 10-4) from across the station instead.
RulesEntry requires a ticket (the 'visa') and a ferry crossing. ITX trains and round-trip ferries sell out in peak season, so book online in advance.
SafetyThe island is surrounded by the river. Do not enter the water or swim from the riverside trails, and keep children supervised near the banks.
MannersDo not chase or grab the free-roaming squirrels, ostriches or rabbits, and do not feed them human food beyond any designated feeding areas.
Practical info
Admission, hours and ferry times change, so confirm the latest on the official Nami Island website before you go. For reference, an adult ticket including the round-trip ferry is about KRW 19,000 (please verify current pricing), and ferries generally run from around 8 a.m. to about 9 p.m., year-round. From Seoul, take the ITX-Cheongchun to Gapyeong Station (about 55-60 min), then a bus (No. 10-4) or taxi to the wharf.
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