How To Go To Nami Island From Seoul Station, Myeongdong And Incheon
Want to go from Seoul to Nami Island? Can’t figure out how to go to Nami Island from different locations in Korea? Are you planning on taking the Nami Island shuttle bus? Read on to find out more about how to get to Nami Island from Seoul & other locations in Korea.
Nami Island is one of the most popular day trips from Seoul and is famous for its beautiful tree lined roads which turn yellow during the autumn season. The island first became popular after being featured in the Korean drama ‘Winter Sonata’ and has attracted many K-Drama fans over the years.
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What To Know About Visiting Nami Island
- What To Wear – deciding what to wear in Korea depends on the season in which you’ll visit South Korea. In summer, temperatures can reach 40°C and in winter they can drop to -20°C. Make sure to dress appropriately for the season.
- Tips – tipping in Korea is usually not done and many places won’t accept tips. It is only acceptable for tour guides and taxi drivers.
- Itinerary – Nami island is a must to include in your Korea itinerary. Check the best 4 day, 5 day and 7 day itinerary for Korea and Seoul here..
- Day Trip – Going to Nami island is one of the easiest day trips from Seoul. It is very accessible and affordable.
Nami Island is a charming tourist destination located in Chuncheon, South Korea. It is a small, crescent-shaped island in the middle of the Han River, which is famous for its beautiful natural scenery, cultural attractions, and recreational activities. The island is known for its breath taking landscapes, including dense forests, picturesque waterways, and colourful gardens. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities such as biking, hiking, picnicking, and enjoying the cultural shows and festivals. Nami Island is a popular attraction among both locals and tourists and has become one of the most beloved places in South Korea.
Where Is Nami Island?
The stunning Nami Island is located in Gangwon-do province and lies 63 km away from Seoul towards the east. It is a 30 minute drive away from Chuncheon. As it is so closely located to Seoul, it is a perfect day trip from Seoul, to escape the busy city life. Not only is Nami Island popular among foreigners, many Koreans enjoy spending time of this picturesque island.
1. Package Tours To Nami Island
Want to visit all the highlights of Gapyeong and don’t want to bother figuring out how to go Nami Island and the other touristic sites in Gapyeong like Petite France, Garden of Morning Calm and Gangchon rail bike? Then why not join a package trip that brings you to all different tourist attractions. Listed below are different trips available which include transport, entrance fee to Nami Island and other attractions in the area.
- Nami Island, Petite France, Garden of Morning Calm, & Gangchon Rail Bike.
- Nami Island, Petite France, & Gangchon Rail Bike
- Nami Island and Petite France Photoshoot Experience
- Nami Island + Everland 1 Day Tour
How To Go To Nami Island
Nami Island is easily accessible by subway, ITX train, private van or shuttle bus from Seoul or Chuncheon. Listed below are all the possible different ways of how to go to Nami Island. Pick your way of transport based on your location, budget and the amount of time you have.
| Transportation Time | Transport Price + Nami Entrance Fee | Book Tickets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nami Shuttle Bus | 1h30 | 24 000 krw pp (Nami Entrance Included) | Buy Here |
| ITX Train From Yongsan Station | 1h + 20 min walk | 12 000 krw + 13 000 krw = 25 000 krw pp (ITX + Nami Entrance) | Buy Here |
| Private Van | 1h30 | 160 000 krw (max 7 people) + 13 000 krw pp (Nami Entrance) | Buy Here |
1. Seoul To Nami Island
There are different ways of getting to Nami Island and the mode of transport will depend on the amount of people you are traveling with, where you are located in Seoul and what budget you are traveling on.
1.1 Nami Island Shuttle Bus
There are daily shuttle buses leaving from Seoul (Namdaemun, Myeongdong or Insadong) going directly to Nami Island. This is by far the easiest and fastest way of getting to the Island. The bus ride takes only 1h30 and leaves every morning at 9:30 AM (8:30 AM on Saturday and Sunday). The bus arrives at Nami Island around 11 AM, from then you have free time until 4 PM when the bus will make its way back to Seoul. The ticket costs 24 000 krw but includes the entrance fee to Nami Island. More info here.
- 9:30 AM (8:30 AM Saturday/Sunday) depart from Insadong/Namdaemun/Myeongdong
- 11:00 AM arrive at Nami Island
- 11:00 AM – 3:30 PM free time on Nami Island
- 4:00 PM depart from Nami Island to Insadong
- 6:00 PM arrive back in Insadong
1.2 ITX Train To Nami Island
From different locations in Seoul you can get on the ITX train to Nami Island. The most popular stations are Yongsan station and Cheongnyangni station. With train running every hour and the ride takes around 1 hour from Yongsan station. Tickets can be bought at the train station or online. If you are traveling on weekends or during peak season it is recommended to buy tickets online in advance. Tickets for the ITX-Cheongchun from Yongsan to Gapyeong cost around 5900 krw. Buy tickets online here.
Use the Seoul Subway app to check how to get to Yongsan or Cheongnyangni station. When taking public transport in Korea, make sure have a T Money transport card. The Discover Seoul Pass can also be used as a T Money Card.
Upon arrival at Gapyeong station you have to make your way to Nami Island. Check how to get from Gapyeong station to Nami Island here.
1.3 Private Van Seoul To Nami Island
Do you prefer comfort or are traveling in a big group? Then renting a private van from your hotel in Seoul to Nami Island is recommended. The van + driver can be rented for 9 hours and will pick you up at your hotel in Seoul. Up to 10 people can be accommodated in the private van. The ride will take around 1h30, depending on where you are located in Seoul and the driver will drop you off at the parking of Nami Island. From here you can get straight onto the ferry and spend an enjoyable day on the stunning island. More info here.
1.4 How To Go To Nami Island By Subway
The closest subway station to Nami Island is Gapyeong station which lies on the Gyeongchun Line (cyan colour). The line starts at Sangbong station and this is where you have to board the train. From Sangbong to Gapyeong it takes 53 minutes and the train runs approximately every 30 minutes. Use the subway app to find how to get to Sangbong station.
2. Myeongdong To Nami Island
Myeongdong is one of the most popular areas in Seoul to stay in for foreign visitors. It has everything one needs during a Seoul trip, like lots of delicious food, a night street market, a wide shopping street and much more. Listed below are all the best ways of going from Myeongdong to Nami Island.
2.1 Nami Island Shuttle Bus
There are daily shuttle buses leaving from Myeongdong to Nami Island. The bus leaves from Shinsegae Duty Free Myeongdong at 9:30 AM (8:30 on Saturday and Sunday) and arrives at Nami Island at 11:00 AM. The shuttle bus costs 24 000 krw, but it includes the entrance fee to Nami Island (value of 13 000 krw). This is a very convenient and affordable option as you don’t need to figure out how to go Nami Island from Myeongdong. More info here.
2.2 How To Go To Nami Island By Subway/ITX
From Myeongdong it is also possible take the subway and transfer to the ITX train to Gapyeong. The total travel time takes 2 hours and is much less convenient than taking the Nami Island shuttle bus.
- Take the subway from Myeongdong to Dongdaemun on line 4.
- At Dongdaemun station transfer to line 1 and go to Cheongnyangni station.
- In Cheongnyangni station transfer to the ITX to Gapyeong station.
For the first part of the journey you’ll need a T Money card. At Cheongnyangni station you will have to purchase an ITX ticket at the ticket office. Check how to go from Gapyeong to Nami island here.
Another option is to go by subway only. This is cheaper than taking the ITX, but takes longer. This takes around 1h40 and costs 2250 krw with a T Money Card.
- Take the subway from Myeongdong to Dongdaemun History & Culture Park on line 4.
- At Dongdaemun History & Culture Park station transfer to line 5 and go to Gunja station.
- In Gunja station transfer to line 7 and go to Sangbong station.
- From Sangbong station change to the Gyeoungchun line and go all the way to Gapyeong station.
3. Gapyeong Station To Nami Island
Upon arrival at Gapyeong station there are 3 options: bus, taxi or walking. The taxi fare will be around 5000 krw and is a good option when traveling in group. During weekends it can get really busy, so taxis might not be available.
3.1 Gapyeong Tourist Bus To Nami Island
The bus from Gapyeong station to Nami Island comes once an hour, starting at 9:10 AM until 18:10 PM. It is only a 5 minutes ride from the station but if you are unlucky, you can end up waiting a while.
If you are planning on visiting multiple sites in Gapyeong, then waiting for the Gapyeong Tourist bus might be worth it. A ticket for the hop on hop off bus costs 6000 krw and is valid all day. The bus stops at the following locations. Gapyeong Intercity Bus Terminal -> Gapyeong Station (Train Station) -> Jarasum -> Gapyeong Rail Park -> Nami Island -> Petite France -> Cheongpyeong Bus Terminal -> Cheongpyeong Station -> The Garden of Morning Calm
3.2 Gapyeong City Bus To Nami Island
Once or twice an hour the Gapyeong city bus stops at Gapyeong Station. The bus ride only takes 5 minutes and a fare costs 1300 krw one way. Get off at Gapyeong Wharf. Check bus timetable here. If you don’t want to wait for the bus you can easily walk from Gapyeong station to Nami Island. It is a nice and easy 15 minute walk. Use Kakao maps to navigate.
4. Incheon To Nami Island
Want to go instantly to Nami Island after arriving at Incheon Airport. The easiest way is to take the bus from Incheon Airport (bus stop 9C) to Gapyeong Intercity Bus Terminal (towards Chuncheon). The ride takes over 2 hours and costs 21 300 krw. At Gapyeong bus terminal, take a taxi or bus to Nami Island.
At Gapyeong bus terminal purchase a ticket for the Gapyeong Tourist Resort (Course A). A ticket costs 6000 krw and is valid all day. This is a hop on hop off Gapyeong city tour bus and it stops at the following locations: Gapyeong Intercity Bus Terminal -> Gapyeong Station (Train Station) -> Jarasum -> Gapyeong Rail Park -> Nami Island -> Petite France -> Cheongpyeong Bus Terminal -> Cheongpyeong Station -> The Garden of Morning Calm
5. Gapyeong Wharf To Nami Island
Getting from Gapyeong Wharf to Nami Island is the final part of the journey and there are 2 options: by boat or by zip line. Most people take the boat to Nami, but if you want to have a big adventurous entree then opt for the fun zip line.
5.1 Getting To Nami Island By Boat
The entrance fee to Namison is 13 000 krw and includes the boat ride (go and back). Tickets can be bought at the ticket office in Gapyeong Whart and boats go every 10 to 20 minutes. The boat ride takes around 10 minutes.
5.2 Getting To Nami Island By Zip Line
The Gapyeong to Nami Island zip line is located at Gapyeong wharf, just next to the boat terminal. Taking the zip line into Nami Island is a fashionable one way entrance and includes a one way boat ride back. The tickets for 44 000 krw can be bought on site and include the Nami Island entrance. Special tickets for 70 000 krw include ticket to the Story Tour Bus or UNICEF Charity Train, 5 free bike rides (sky ride & electric tri-way) and access to forest adventure treego. More info here.
Where To Stay Near Nami Island
There is so much to do in Nami Island and the Gapyeong Area that staying the night would be a good option when looking to take it slow and relax in the stunning nature of Gangwon-do.
- Moonlight Blue Pension – One of the most beautiful places to stay close to Nami Island. The pension is located at the lake and looks out onto Nami Island. The stunning pension has hot tubs and spa bath for guests to use during their stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
To get to Nami Island from Seoul, you can take the subway to Gapyeong Station and then transfer to the local shuttle bus or take a taxi to the ferry terminal. From there, you can take a ferry to Nami Island. Alternatively, you can take a direct shuttle bus from Seoul to Nami Island.
The travel time from Seoul to Nami Island varies depending on the mode of transportation you choose. By subway and shuttle bus, it can take around 1-2 hours. By direct shuttle bus, it can take around 1.5-2 hours. However, travel times may be longer during peak tourist seasons.
The best time to visit Nami Island is during the spring and autumn seasons. In spring (March to May), the island is covered in beautiful cherry blossoms. In autumn (September to November), the island is adorned with colorful fall foliage. However, if you prefer warmer weather, summer (June to August) is also a good time to visit Nami Island, although it may be crowded with tourists.
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