A Fairytale Forest: Family Day Trip to Nami Island
When you think of Nami Island (Namiseom), you might think of the K-drama Winter Sonata. But for a mom, it is a massive open-air playground where animals roam free and nature becomes a classroom.
As an education specialist and mom of two (ages 8 and 5), I took a spontaneous train trip to this “Republic of Nami.” Here is my complete guide on how to book the 2nd-floor train seats (and avoid my mistake!), costs, and the best activities for kids.
- Related Post: [Check out my review of the Hyundai Motor Studio] (Internal Link)
📍 Essential Info (2026 Update)
- Location: 1 Namiseom-gil, Namsan-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do ([Google Maps Link])
- Ferry Wharf Address: 1024 Bukhangangbyeon-ro, Gapyeong-eup, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do
- Hours: Open 365 days a year (Ferry operates daily)
💰 Entrance Fee (Round-trip Ferry Included)
- Adults: 16,000 KRW (Foreigner Discount price is usually applied, bring passport just in case!)
- Standard Price: 19,000 KRW
- Kids (36 months – Elementary): 13,000 KRW
- Free: Under 36 months.
🅿️ Parking Tip
- There is a large parking lot at the wharf.
- Cost: 4,000 ~ 10,000 KRW.
- Discount: Use the Kakao T app for mobile payment to get a 4,000 KRW discount.
🚆 How to Get There: The ITX-Cheongchun Train Adventure
My son suddenly said, “Mom, I want to ride a train!” So, we booked the ITX-Cheongchun from Yongsan Station (Seoul) to Gapyeong Station. It takes exactly 1 hour.
⚠️ IMPORTANT: How to Book the “2nd Floor” Seats
The ITX train is famous for having double-decker cars (Car No. 4 and No. 5). Kids love sitting on the 2nd floor for the view.
- My Mistake: I booked “Car No. 5” thinking it was all 2nd-floor seats. I was wrong.
- The Reality: Cars 4 and 5 are split into “2nd Floor” (Upstairs) and “Semi-Basement” (Downstairs).
- Lesson: When booking on the Korail Talk App, you must specifically select “2nd Floor” seats. If you book late, only the basement seats might be left (which happened to us… my kids were so disappointed 😭).
🚕 Gapyeong Station to Nami Island
- Once you arrive at Gapyeong Station, take a taxi to the wharf.
- Time: 10 minutes.
- Cost: Approx. 5,000 KRW.
“💡 Tip: You can book discounted tickets online here: [Klook Link]”
⛴️ Entering “Naminara Republic”
Nami Island calls itself a “Republic.” You pass through “Immigration” before boarding the ferry.
- The Ferry Ride: It takes about 10 minutes. The boat is adorned with flags from all over the world.
- Tip: The outside deck is fun but can be very cold in winter. Hold your child’s hand tight!
🌲 Top 3 Things to Do with Kids
1. Animals in the Wild (Nature Classroom)
This was the highlight. Unlike a zoo, animals here roam freely.
- Peacocks: Have you ever walked right next to a peacock? They are everywhere!
- Rabbits, Ducks, and Geese: My kids spent hours following a goose swimming in the pond.
- Educational Value: Observing animals in their natural habitat is far better than seeing them in cages. It’s a living biology lesson.
2. Roasting Marshmallows by the Fire 🔥
Scattered around the island are warm bonfires. You can buy marshmallows to roast.
- Cost: About 5,000 KRW per bag.
- Tip: The bag contains too many big marshmallows for one family. If you see another family eyeing them, ask to split the cost and share! (We did this and saved money).
- Safety: Don’t put the marshmallow directly in the flame (it will burn). Roast it slowly over the embers.
3. Photo Spots Everywhere
Nami Island is beautiful in every season.
- There are funny statues (like goblins) and fairytale-like forests. Even if it’s crowded, the island is huge, so you can always find a quiet spot for a family photo.
🌏 An International Atmosphere
I was surprised to see so many foreign tourists! Hearing different languages and seeing diverse cultures made us feel like we were the ones traveling abroad.
- Taxi Driver’s Note: “Nami Island is packed with international visitors even on weekdays.”
Final Verdict
- Adventure: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Train + Boat + Hike)
- Nature: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Cost: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Reasonable if you bring snacks)
It was a perfect day trip from Seoul. My kids are already asking to go back (and sit on the 2nd floor of the train next time)!
This article is based on the real experience of Lyra, an education specialist in Korea.
댓글 남기기