Nami Island in Autumn: A Must-Do Day Trip from Seoul

Just 63 km from Seoul, Nami Island (남이섬) is a must-visit destination for landscape lovers and nature enthusiasts. It’s the perfect day trip from Seoul, especially in autumn, when the island transforms into a breathtaking display of fall colours. I recently had the chance to visit during the autumn season, and I was truly amazed by the glowing reds and golden leaves. It’s no surprise that Nami Island draws so many visitors each year, all coming to admire its spectacular fall foliage.

les arbres de île de Nami en automne
les arbres de île de Nami en automne
Ginko arbres de île de Nami en automne

Like many seasonal destinations, Nami Island gets especially popular in autumn. Thanks to its close proximity to Seoul, it’s an ideal getaway, whether for a full day or just a half-day trip. In this guide, I’ll share my tips and personal experience to help you make the most of your visit to Nami Island in autumn.

What is Nami Island?

Nami Island, also known as Namiseom or the self-declared Naminara Republic, is a small 4-square-km island located in Chuncheon, South Korea. It’s not very big, which makes it perfect for a day trip or even a half-day visit.

Nami Island has been developed as a tourist attraction, it feels a bit like a miniature theme park. In 2006, it even declared itself culturally independent from South Korea and created its own flag and passport. Of course, it’s still politically part of South Korea, but to keep with the theme, visitors must go through a playful “immigration” checkpoint before entering. No actual passport is required, you just need to show your ticket before boarding the ferry or zipline to the island.

General Nami

Nami island was named after the general Nami (Nam-Yi),  a 15th century soldier. His body is believed to be buried in the pile of stones on the Northern hill of Nami Island. While he faithfully served King Sejo (1455-68), the 7th ruler of the Joseon Dynasty, he was Ffalsely accused of treason and was sentenced to death

immigration, île de Nami en automne
pont, île de Nami

Must-See Spots on Nami Island

Nami Island is full of picture-perfect spots in autumn. The fall colors are absolutely stunning. The weather was warm and sunny during my visit, just cool enough for a light sweater. I really enjoyed the vibrant scenery, which reminded me so much of the beautiful autumns I’ve experienced in Japan.

The Poplar and Ginkgo Tree Lanes

The ginkgo tree, originally from China, is known for its unique fan-shaped leaves that turn a brilliant golden yellow in autumn. On Nami Island, these iconic tree-lined paths transform into a golden tunnel, making them one of the island’s most photogenic spots, perfect for fall photos.

allées de ginkgos, île de Nami en automne
allées de ginkgos, île de Nami en automne

The Winter Sonata Statue

For K-drama fans, this spot is a must-see. The popular series Winter Sonata, which aired in 2002, played a major role in spreading the K-drama craze across Asia. The statue commemorates the show and its iconic scenes filmed right here on Nami Island.

statue de Winter Sonata, île de Nami

These little cute snowmen are actually Nami Island’s mascot 🙂 The reason behind it is the famous Korea drama Winter Sonata.

Biking Around the Island

You can rent a bike to explore Nami Island, but when it gets crowded, biking might not be the most convenient option. Since the island isn’t very big, it’s also easy to walk around at your own pace. Bike rentals are available near the main entrance, close to the ferry dock.

Why Visit Nami Island in Autumn?

Autumn (October to November) transforms Nami Island into a stunning palette of colours. The weather is perfect for walking around and enjoying the scenery. The Visit Korea website usually shares fall foliage updates starting in September, which is a great way to plan your visit at the peak of the season.

couleurs d'automne, île de Nami
couleurs d'automne, île de Nami
couleurs d'automne, île de Nami
couleurs d'automne, île de Nami

Practical Tips

Opening Hours: The island is open daily from 7:30 AM to 9:30 PM.

Entrance Fee: Around 13,000 KRW, which includes the round-trip ferry ride.

Things to Keep in Mind

Nami Island can get very crowded, especially in autumn! If you’re planning a day trip, keep an eye on the ferry schedule and try to line up early for your return. When I visited, I had to wait a good 30 minutes to leave the island. Thankfully, I’d planned ahead so I wouldn’t miss my shuttle back. The best time to visit is early in the morning, before the crowds arrive from Seoul.

How to Get to Nami Island from Seoul

By Subway: Take the Gyeongchun Line to Gapyeong Station, then hop in a short taxi or take the Gapyeong City Tour Bus to the ferry terminal.

By ITX-Cheongchun Train: A faster and more comfortable option, the ITX-Cheongchun train gets you from Seoul to Gapyeong in under an hour. From there, it’s a short taxi or bus ride to the ferry dock. Tickets range from 8,000 to 15,000 KRW, and trains run frequently throughout the day.

By Direct Shuttle Bus: Several companies offer direct shuttles from Seoul to Nami Island. However, I wouldn’t recommend this option due to frequent heavy traffic, especially near Nami and when returning to Seoul. Travel time can easily double, particularly on weekends or during peak season.

Getting to Nami Island from the Ferry Dock

Nami Island is located in a semi-autonomous zone, which gives it a special status. To enter the island, you’ll go through a small “immigration” checkpoint before boarding the ferry.

The entrance ticket includes round-trip ferry transport and admission to the island, and costs around 13,000 KRW for adults. Ferries run regularly, with departures every 10 to 20 minutes.

Operating hours: 7:30 AM to 9:30 PM (last return trip).

Alternative: Zipline to Nami Island

For adventure lovers, there’s also the option to reach Nami Island by zipline! This thrilling ride connects the mainland to the island and offers a stunning view over the river, a fun and scenic alternative to the ferry.

How Much Time Do You Need to Visit Nami Island?

Nami Island is quite small, so you won’t need much time to explore it. A half-day visit is usually enough. Personally, I spent the whole day there, I took tons of photos and also wandered around the surrounding area after exploring the island.

couleurs d'automne, île de Nami
couleurs d'automne, île de Nami