I visited Nami Island in autumn on my first solo trip from Seoul. See beautiful fall foliage and get tips for planning your trip.
Nami Island has been on my South Korea travel bucket list for the longest time. As someone who grew up watching Korean dramas, I’ve always wanted to visit the island made famous by Endless Love (Winter Sonata). And since autumn is my favorite season in South Korea, I knew I wanted my first visit to Nami Island to be during fall foliage season.
I finally made it happen on a solo trip to Korea! I booked my visit through Klook and spent the day walking around the island, taking photos of the beautiful autumn colors, and enjoying the scenery at my own pace. Seeing the island covered in shades of red, orange, and yellow made the long wait worthwhile.
If you’re planning your first Nami Island day trip from Seoul, especially during autumn, here’s a look at my experience and some practical travel information to help you plan your visit.
IN THIS ARTICLE
- My First Visit to Nami Island
- Autumn Foliage at Nami Island
- Walking Through the Island
- How to Get to Nami Island
- Tips for Visiting Nami Island in Autumn
QUICK FACTS:
| Destination | Nami Island (Namiseom) |
| Location | Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea |
| Best known for | Autumn foliage, tree-lined paths, and Winter Sonata |
| Recommended trip | Day trip from Seoul (booked mine via Klook) |
| Getting there | Train or shuttle bus to Gapyeong, followed by a ferry or zip wire |
My First Visit to Nami Island
Some places stay on your travel bucket list for years, and Nami Island was one of them.
I’ve always associated the island with Endless Love, also known as Winter Sonata, the classic Korean drama that helped make Nami Island famous among international visitors. Even though I had seen countless photos of the destination over the years, finally being there in person felt different.
I visited Nami Island for the first time on my own and booked my trip through Klook. Traveling solo gave me the freedom to explore at my own pace, stop whenever I wanted to take photos, and spend more time appreciating the scenery without worrying about keeping up with anyone else.
It was also the perfect destination for my autumn trip. South Korea is beautiful in every season, but autumn will always be my favorite. The colorful trees, cooler weather, and carpets of fallen leaves make exploring outdoors so much more enjoyable.
Autumn Foliage at Nami Island
If there’s one reason I wanted to visit Nami Island during autumn, it’s the foliage.
The island was filled with beautiful autumn colors, from bright red and orange leaves to softer shades of yellow and gold. Some trees were still full of colorful leaves, while others had already started shedding them, covering the ground with fallen foliage.
I loved how different the scenery looked depending on where I was standing. Some areas had wide-open views of the autumn landscape, while others were framed by colorful branches stretching overhead. Even the simple paths and grassy areas looked beautiful with the changing leaves.
One of my favorite things about visiting South Korea in autumn is that you don't need to plan every moment around a specific attraction. Sometimes, walking around and enjoying the scenery is already enough.
Nami Island was exactly that kind of place for me. I could spend time admiring the trees, taking photos of the different colors, and appreciating the seasonal scenery without feeling like I needed to rush from one attraction to another.
If autumn foliage is your main reason for visiting Nami Island, plan your trip around the fall season. However, the timing of peak foliage changes each year, so check current foliage updates closer to your travel dates rather than relying on a fixed calendar.
Walking Through the Island
One thing I enjoyed about Nami Island was the variety of scenery along its walking paths.
There were open areas where I could take in the wider landscape, stretches of trees with colorful leaves, and quieter-looking paths surrounded by taller trunks and fallen foliage. The contrast between the red-orange trees and the green evergreens also made the autumn scenery even more interesting.
I especially liked the views where the trees formed a natural frame around the path. They made the landscape feel almost like a painting, and I naturally found myself stopping to take photos along the way.
There were also open grassy spaces where the colorful trees stood out against the sky and distant mountains. These views gave me a different perspective from the more enclosed, tree-lined sections of the island.
Of course, I couldn't resist photographing the autumn leaves themselves. Some of the brightest red foliage made a striking contrast against the sky, while the golden leaves on the ground added to the overall autumn atmosphere.
For me, these little moments were what made the visit special. I wasn't there to rush through a checklist of attractions. I wanted to experience Nami Island, take photos, and enjoy one of my favorite seasons in Korea.
HOW TO GET THERE
Nami Island is a popular day-trip destination from Seoul. Although the island is officially located in Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, most visitors reach it through Gapyeong in Gyeonggi-do.
Location:
Nami Island, 1 Namiseom-gil, Namsan-myeon,
Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Ferry terminal:
Nami Island Gapyeong Wharf,
1024 Bukhangangbyeon-ro, Gapyeong-eup, Gapyeong-gun,
Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Nami Island Gapyeong Wharf,
1024 Bukhangangbyeon-ro, Gapyeong-eup, Gapyeong-gun,
Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Location links:
Option 1: Book a Day Tour Through Klook
This is the option I chose for my visit. Booking through Klook is worth considering if you prefer to arrange your transportation and itinerary before your trip.
This activity I booked via Klook is perfect for solo travelers, but also couples, families, and groups to enjoy. Check out this video to know more about the tour.
Depending on the package, you may find options that include round-trip transportation from Seoul, Nami Island admission, or visits to other nearby attractions. Check the exact inclusions, meeting point, departure time, and return arrangements before booking, as packages differ.
For solo travelers and first-time visitors, an organized day trip can make planning easier because you won't have to coordinate every leg of the journey yourself.
Option 2: Take the Train and Ferry
If you prefer to travel independently, you can take the train from Seoul to Gapyeong Station.
ITX-Cheongchun: Services run from Yongsan or Cheongnyangni to Gapyeong Station. Travel time varies depending on your departure station and train.
Gyeongchun Line: You can also take this railway line to Gapyeong Station.
From Gapyeong Station: Continue to Nami Island's ferry terminal by local bus or taxi. Walking is also possible, but allow extra time.
From the ferry terminal: Take the ferry across to Nami Island. The crossing takes approximately five minutes.
The train journey and ferry crossing are separate parts of the trip, so make sure you allow enough time for transfers and waiting.
Check the current railway timetable and ferry schedule before leaving. If you're visiting during peak autumn foliage season, expect more visitors and potentially longer queues.
Option 3: Take a Direct Shuttle Bus
Another option is to book a round-trip shuttle bus from Seoul. I booked mine via Klook, and the communication with the tour guide was via WhatsApp.
Depending on the operator, pickup points may include popular areas such as Hongdae, Myeongdong, and Dongdaemun. This can be a convenient alternative if you want to avoid changing trains and arranging separate transportation to the ferry terminal.
Check the operator's current schedule, pickup location, and return departure time before booking.
Tips for Visiting Nami Island in Autumn
1. Plan your visit around the foliage.
Autumn colors change every year, so check recent updates before choosing your travel date.
2. Book ahead during peak season.
Nami Island is a popular autumn destination, and transportation and day tours can get busy. Reserve your preferred option early.
3. Wear comfortable walking shoes.
You'll want to spend time exploring the island's paths and open areas, so comfortable footwear is essential.
4. Dress in layers.
Autumn temperatures can vary throughout the day. Bring a light jacket or coat, especially if you're visiting in late autumn.
5. Allow enough time to explore.
Don't schedule your visit too tightly. Give yourself time to walk around, take photos, and enjoy the scenery without rushing.
6. Check your return arrangements.
If you're taking the train or a shuttle, confirm the departure time and leave enough time to get back to the ferry terminal or your meeting point.
7. Solo travelers, don't be afraid to go!
Nami Island is a lovely destination to explore at your own pace. If you're booking a tour, just make sure you understand the meeting and return arrangements before the day of your visit.
Nami Island is a lovely destination to explore at your own pace. If you're booking a tour, just make sure you understand the meeting and return arrangements before the day of your visit.
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My Take
Visiting Nami Island for the first time, especially during autumn, was one of those little travel milestones that felt good to finally check off my bucket list.
I've wanted to see the island ever since watching Endless Love, and getting to experience its autumn scenery in person made the visit even more meaningful. The colorful foliage, tree-lined paths, and open landscapes gave me plenty of reasons to stop and take photos throughout the day.
I also loved being able to explore on my own. Traveling solo meant I could take my time, enjoy the scenery, and appreciate the little details without feeling rushed.
Would I recommend Nami Island to someone visiting South Korea for the first time? Absolutely, especially if you love autumn as much as I do. Just remember that the island's appeal isn't limited to one famous drama or a particular photo spot. Sometimes, the best part is simply walking around and enjoying the season.
For me, Nami Island was worth the wait. And yes, I'm glad I finally got to see it with my own eyes.
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