
Learn Korean!
- 은행나무 (eun-haeng na-mu) means Gingko Tree
- 섬 (seom) means island
Fun Facts
- The island was formed as a result of the construction of Cheongpyeong Dam in 1944 and later transformed by Sujae Minn Byeong Do, who purchased and cultivated the land in 1965.
- The island is named after General Nami, a historical figure known for his bravery and leadership on the battlefield who died at the age of 28 after being falsely accused of treason. The specifics of his life are shrouded in legend and folklore and although his grave was not discovered, there is a pile of stones where his body was supposed to be buried. It is believed that if someone takes even one stone from there, it will bring misfortune to their house.
- Winter Sonata, a Kdrama filmed mainly on Nami Island, is credited with contributing to the Hallyu wave, extending it to Japan and the Philippines. It improved the image of South Korea among the Japanese and set fashion trends throughout East Asia. The series was a huge commercial success contributing to tourism on the island. A statue of the main characters can be found on the island at the spot where they first kissed.
Nami Island, an international tourist destination, can be visited year-round and offers a retreat from the city with its picturesque landscapes and cultural attractions. Famous for its appearance in the Korean drama Winter Sonata, tourists can explore and take photos along the iconic tree-lined path where many of the romantic scenes were shot, as well as marked filming locations across the island. In its own right, the island is very pretty with tree-lined lanes, including pine, gingko, and redwood trees, and scenic pathways for leisurely walks or bike rides. The island also hosts cultural events and activities, art galleries, small museums, and a few shops. Among other wildlife, the island is home to a rare and elusive white peacock and has a beautiful waterfront where watersports on the Bukhan River can be enjoyed. Food options on the island range from Korean cuisine to brunch and BBQ, catering to diverse tastes. There’s even a lovely hotel on the island for those who might like to stay overnight. Nami Island’s management focuses on environmental sustainability and community support, collaborating with organizations for education, welfare, and cultural development.
Travel Tips
- Nami Island is about an hour drive from Seoul. Visits are best combined with a tour to Seorak Mountain and the Garden of Morning Calm.
- Adventure enthusiasts can arrive at the island by zipline. The zipline from the main gate to the island is one of the longest in Korea and will fly you over the Bukan River for amazing views. Alternately, you may arrive at the island by ferry which is also a nice ride across the river.
- Choose off-peak times and seasons to avoid the crowds. It’s lovely even in the cooler weather.
- The Chuncheon area of Gangwon province is particularly known for dak-galbi a stir-fried chicken and cabbage dish. There are some great options for enjoying this delicious Korean specialty at restaurants near the ferry departure point. Stop in before riding over to the island.
Address
English: 1, Namiseom-gil, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do
Hangeul: 경기도 가평군 가평읍 북한강변로 1024

Nami Island is super cute, albeit a little gimmicky in places, and is a great place to visit for families with children. Though the island is small, there is a lot to explore. I really enjoyed walking down the tree-lined paths, and especially along the boardwalk around the perimeter of the island. There is a lot of wildlife on the island including ostriches, peacocks, bunnies, and squirrels with pointy, fuzzy ears. In fall the gingko trees turn bright yellow but watch out they can be really smelly! On my next visit, I’m taking the zipline!
Nami Island is really pretty in both summer and autumn and I enjoyed spending just an hour or two taking photos on the tree-lined lane and walking to the far end of the island to view the water from the boardwalks. It is also really fun to try and find the white peacock which they say is not an “albino” bird but rather am incredibly rare (1 in 30,000) phenomenon. On both trips we found it before our tour guide (although he was in a super competition to find it first!). I also enjoyed having dak-galbi for lunch before ferrying over to the island. This is definitely a touristy destination but worth a trip for first-timers.













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