Nami Island: Reasons to See Each Season

Nami Island is a half-moon-shaped isle near Seoul. Featured on the famous Korean drama, ‘Winter Sonata,’ this romantic destination is a real charmer. Magic and unique, the islet of Nami declared cultural independence from Korea, calling itself the Naminara Republic. Here, each season is a new experience: green, leaves, snow and blossoms. The perfect year-round day trip from Seoul, here are the seasonal shifts of this island paradise. 

Average Temperature: 21-26°C

Nami Island is a summer holiday favourite. At this time of year, the trees are vivid green and boast peak-shade potential. Rent a bike at the Bike Centre beside the UNICEF Hall. Choose your pedal power: a double rider or a family-serve bike. With the wind in your hair, cruising on a bike is a standout way to get around, and you can make a loop of the island in around an hour.

When the heat of the day starts to sizzle, take a refreshing summer dip in the Water Garden Swimming Pool in Hotel Jeonggwanru. Open from July 8 to August 21, the pool is a great way to simmer down with a swim. Just don’t forget your cossies!

If you’re on the island from July 9 to August 2, don’t miss the Traditional Korean Paper Exhibition. Featuring the works of skilled Joomchi artist, Yang Sang Hoon, the pieces are created by pasting multiple paper layers together with water. Feeling inspired? You can have a go at making your own heart-shaped Joomchi love note for your beloved!

Insider Tip:  Don’t miss treating yourself to Nami Island’s signature snowman cake and ice flake sundaes at Snow Café!

Photo Credit: 12am Flight 

Average Temperature: 5-13°C

A fab fall foliage destination, Nami Island delivers on all things rainbow leaves. The autumn colours deck out South Korea around late October, staying until early November. As vivid shades of red and orange paint the island in bright hues, you won’t want to… leaf! 

Baekpungmilwon Garden is a magnificent foliage garden, home to over 300 maple trees. While you wander around looking up at the lovely leaves, you may come across some furry friends. Animals roam free on Nami Island, so get camera-ready for next level foliage photos, as well as a prized snap of a Naminarian ostrich or Korean chipmunk (niche!)

Instead of tacky souvenirs, why not create your own? The Nami Island Handicraft Studio runs workshops like lamp or ceramic making, and even metal crafting classes. These sessions are child and group-friendly; be sure to make your reservation in advance, so you don’t miss out.

Insider Tip: Chuseok, the Korean Harvest Festival, typically falls around mid-September. While Nami Island is open year-round, read up on important things to know about visiting Seoul during Chuseok.

Average Temperature: -4-5°C

During winter, Nami Island gets blanketed in pristine snow. This is real snow globe scenery; a winter wonderland with striking views. Recreate the famous ‘Winter Sonata’ poster as you meander down Metasequoia Lane; trees either side, festooned with the fluffy white stuff. 

See the iconic statues of the TV drama stars, Bae Yong Joon and Choi Ji Woo at Gongsaengwon Garden. Embrace like these love birds and get a wintery pic with this romantic snowy backdrop. If you’re a ski or snowboard fan, join the tours that take in both Nami Island and the nearby Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort.

On Nami Island, you’re well-cared-for in winter. All around the island, you’ll find campfires to keep your hands and hearts warm. Nice touch!

Insider Tip: Be sure to dress for the harsh weather! The temperature hovers around 0°C, so if cold weather isn’t your thing, consider picking another season.

Average Temperature: 4-11°C

When the cherry blossoms flourish in South Korea, Nami Island is pretty much heaven. In front of the Water Stages Swimming Pool, the Cherry Tree Lane is a stretch of ravishing pink petals. The Sakura, aka cherry blossom season, is so fleeting, you’ve gotta get your timing right. Bloom time is typically around March and April and lasts just a few weeks. To maximize your chances of catching these pink beauties, check out various bloom forecasts before your trip; Korea Tourism Organization publishes travel news to provide a detailed forecast for visitors. 

You can also view the cherry blossoms in other areas near Seoul. For theme park lovers, visit the Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival next to Lotte World in Jamsil. For history lovers, seek out these elusive flowers in Changgyeonggung palace, circa mid-15th century.

Missing the blossoms is a bummer, but you can still flutter over to the Hampyeong Butterfly Festival around April and May. The Hampyeong Butterfly Garden attracts a wide variety of butterfly species and spring flowers, so it looks and smells beautiful! 

Insider Tip: Enjoy an idyllic picnic amongst the glorious cherry blossoms. Two of the best picnic spots on the island are Namipingwon Garden and White Birch Cove.

To be honest, there’s no such thing as a dud photo on Nami. But if you’re after a sure snap, the majestic Redwood trees of Metasequoia Road and Central Korean Pine Tree Lane seen above are popular photo spots, especially during autumn. 

Photo Credit: Harris Chai

Warm-up from the inside out. Grab some hot food from the street vendors: steamed red bean buns, syrup-filled pancakes and sausages. Or choose from a range of restaurant cuisine, ranging from traditional Korean dishes at Nammoon Restaurant to Italian pasta at Di Matteo Pizzeria. Whatever you do, visit Seomhyanggi, for famous Korean BBQ.

Admission fee to Nami Island is AUD 10.00 for foreigners, and there are three main ways to get there: subway, train, and shuttle bus.

Subway: The closest station to Nami Island is Gapyeong Station. To reach the station through the Seoul Metro System, get on the Gyeongchun line, which starts at Sangbong and ends at Chuncheon Station. The metro system covers most urban areas in Seoul, and you can pay for your ride using the T-Money Card or cash. It costs around AUD 2.50, and the subway trip is just over one and a half hours.

Train: For a more comfy method, take the ITX Train. Board at Yongsan station and exit at Gapyeong Station. You can book a seat online for AUD 6.00. Compared to the subway, on the ITX train, you’ll get to Gapyeong in just 55 minutes.

Shuttle Bus: The shuttle bus reaches Nami Island directly from Seoul’s city centre. Reserve a seat and get on the bus at Insa-dong or Namdaemun Gate. This service only comes once a day, and the ride is about one and a half hours. The shuttle bus costs AUD 19.00 for a round trip.

From Incheon International Airport or Gimpo International Airport, take the subway to Yongsan Station. From here you can ride the ITX train to Gapyeong Station; a 1-hour trip that costs around AUD 6.50.

City to Nami Island

A city bus travels from Gapyeong Station to Nami Island around every half hour. Take the 33-5 or 33-36 city bus, which costs AUD 1.50 and takes 5-10 minutes. Once you reach Gapyeong Station, you can choose to ride the ferry or the Zip Wire to Nami Island.

Ferry: Take a taxi from Gapyeong Station to Namiseom parking lot, where you can catch the ferry (every 30 minutes). The short taxi ride costs about AUD 4.00, and the ferry service is complimentary with your admission fee. It’s a scenic ride and a favourite for Nami Island visitors.

Zip Wire: For adrenaline junkies, you can ride the 940-metre-long Zip Wire to the island. The Zip Wire begins at the Zip Wire Tower, which can be reached by taxi or Bus 33-5 from Gapyeong Station. For ‎AUD 48.00, you’ll zip to Nami Island in less than two minutes. This fee also covers admission plus a return ferry ride.

Join A Tour: This hassle-free option arranges your transportation and expands your trip to include nearby destinations, like Petite France. Plan your trip to Seoul with Klook; find travel inspiration and discounted deals during any season.