What to Do on Nami Island

Nami Island (otherwise known as Naminara or Namiseom) is quite a large island which is covered with beautiful chestnut and poplar trees and has many art and recreation activities.  There are also many famous K-drama TV shows which have been filmed on the island. 

Pleasant Autumn Colours starting to emerge on Nami Island
Pleasant Autumn Colours starting to emerge on Nami Island

You can visit Nami Island all year round, with amazing cherry blossoms in Spring, lush greenery in Summer, fall foliage in Autumn and snow in Winter.

Walking along pleasant forested pathways on Nami Island
Walking along pleasant forested pathways on Nami Island

What to Do on Nami Island?

Nami Island History

Nami Island sits in the middle of the Han River and was formed when the Cheongpyeong Dam was built in 1944.  Nami Island is named after General Nami, who is believed to have died in this location during the reign of King Sejo (~1455 – 1468) in the Josean dynasty.  His remains have never been found.

Nami Island is quite large, with an area of approximately 114 acres or 462,000 square meters.  The island is covered with beautiful chestnut and poplar trees, and many art and recreation activities are available. 

You could easily spend a few hours, a half day or full day exploring Nami Island.  Fun things to do in Nami Island include the activities detailed below. You should plan out your Nami Island itinerary to make the most of your visit, so you do not miss out on any Nami Island attractions.

Playing with fun sculptures on Nami Island
Playing with fun sculptures on Nami Island

Nami Island Zipline

The Nami Island Zipline is one of the top adventurous activities to experience in South Korea!  I speak from personal experience that this is an amazing experience where you travel on the 940m long zipline from Nami Island Wharf to Nami Island from the top of an 80m / 262 ft high tower across the Han River at speeds up to 56 km/hr or 35 mph!

There is also a second zipline to Jara Island which is shorter but faster – it is 650 m long and can reach a top speed of 72 km/hr or 45 mph!  From Jara Island you can catch a ferry to return to Gapyeong Wharf – note that with this option you will still need to separately purchase your Nami Island ticket.

Our Youngest Son starting his Nami Island Zipline Ride
Our Youngest Son starting his Nami Island Zipline Ride
Anne arriving on Nami Island after a fun Zipline ride
Anne arriving on Nami Island after a fun Zipline ride

Story Train

The Story Train is an electric buggy which collects and drops off passengers at the arrival wharf and takes you on a Nami Island tour.  The Story Train will take you on a tour around the whole island and along the way you can hear more about the history of the island.  The Story Train information is shared in both Korean and English.

Unicef Train Ride

From close to the ferry dock on Nami Island you can catch the cute blue Unicef train to the centre of the island. 

Nami Island Mini Train
Nami Island Mini Train

Nami Island Forested Laneways

Nami Island is criss-crossed with beautiful tree lined pathways, with some of the top paths as follows:

  • The Central Korean Pine Tree Lane cross the whole island and is a beautiful path with beautiful pine trees.  This path is great for either walking or riding a bicycle.
  • Gingko Tree Lane is a great Autumn attraction with the beautiful yellow gingko leaves
  • Metasequoia Lane is a great location to walk through giant Redwood trees – they are still quite young but already spectacular!

Along each pathway you will experience a great variety of unique artwork and sights.

Sculptures on Nami Island
Sculptures on Nami Island

Gongsaengwon Garden (The Winter Sonata Statue)

Gongsaengwon Garden is located at the south eastern side of Nami Island and within this garden you can find the statue of Min-hyeong and Yoo-jin, the major characters from the Winter Sonata popular Korean drama show.

Nami Island River Views

From the riverside pathways around Nami Island you can see amazing views of the surrounding Han River and local mountains.

Nami Island Bike Rental

A great option to get around Nami Island is to rent a bike and then just explore.  The Bike Hire centre is located in the centre of Nami Island, and a large selection of bikes are available for hire.  Note that bicycle hire is weather dependant. 

Nami Island Bicycles for Rent
Nami Island Bicycles for Rent
More options to get around Nami Island
More options to get around Nami Island

Nami Island Rail Bike

There is a fun small railbike called the Sky Bike Nami Island  which is a great option for families to pedal along an elevated track. 

Not to be confused with the Gapyeong Rail Bike and Gangchon Rail Bike experiences which are much larger Korea Rail Bike options located close to Nami Island which run on actual disused train tracks.

Fun Pedal Coaster on Nami Island
Fun Pedal Coaster on Nami Island

Nami Island Animal Encounters

Nami Island is home to an interesting selection of animals and birds.  Roaming free around the island are peacocks, rabbits and squirrels. Inside an enclosure are also ostriches!  A long way from their home climate…

Nami Island Forest Adventure

The Nami Island Forest Adventure is a great rope course up high in the trees, which also includes a short zipline.

Nami Island Restaurants

A common question is what to eat on Nami Island.  You will be pleased to learn that there are a large selection of restaurant options on the island.  The selection of food ranges from traditional to modern Korean food.  They also have western and broader Asian food including Halal food options.  Meal options are available for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Restaurants on Nami Island
Restaurants on Nami Island

Nami Island Weather

A common question is when is the best time to visit Nami Island?  Nami Island weather varies all year around and can be visited in all four seasons.  Nami Island in Winter is covered in snow, and is a great option to explore and enjoy the winter weather and night time illuminations.  Nami Island in Autumn is glorious as the autumn foliage colours change creating a magical experience.

Spring brings the cherry blossom season and new foliage, whist is summer Nami Island has a great range of activities and water sports to cool down in the summer heat.

Hotel in Nami Island

You may not realise that there are several Nami Island hotel options, which are a great option to make the most of your visit and enjoy exploring the island in the quieter times in the morning and evening.

Click here to check out the local Gapyeong Hotel options through Booking.com

There are many other hotels and guest houses in the area, as Gapyeong is a popular weekend getaway option from Seoul.  Also, in winter Gapyeong has several ski resorts so also check out options to combine a winter visit to Nami Island with a skiing outing.

Nami Island Entrance Fee

The standard Nami Island ticket includes your round trip on the Nami Island Ferry as well as admission to the island and use if the free facilities.  All other paid activities on Nami Island will incur additional fees.  Nami Island is open 365 days of the year.

Alternatively if you choose to travel on the Nami Island Zipline your fee includes your Nami Island ticket and return Nami Island Ferry ticket.

If you purchase your entrance ticket on site, the Nami Island ticket prices are 13,000 Won for adults, 10,000 Won for students and 7,000 Won for infants.  (Prices correct as at June 2020).  Note that there is usually a queue to wait to purchase your entrance ticket.

If you select one of our recommended tour options your entry fee to Nami Island may be included so you will be able to quickly enter Nami Island without waiting.

The Nami Island Ferry - with the start of the Nami Island Zipline in the background
The Nami Island Ferry – with the start of the Nami Island Zipline in the background
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to make your trip planning easy, hassle-free and organized. Click here to download your FREE printable checklist, to help you to plan your trip step by step and tick off items as you finalise your preparations.

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