KR · Gangwon · 37.79°N 127.53°E

nami island

Tree-lined Winter Sonata island, golden with ginkgo in autumn and snowy in winter.

Best time
Late October to early November for golden ginkgo and red maple leaves. Spring has cherry blossoms, and winter brings snow. Weekends get very crowded.
How long
Half a day
Getting there
Fly from KL to Incheon, about 6.5 hours. From Seoul, take the ITX-Cheongchun or the Gyeongchun Line to Gapyeong Station, then a short taxi or bus ride to the wharf and a few minutes by ferry. Shuttle buses and day tours run from Seoul too.
Save postcard
KR · Gangwonnami island37.79°N 127.53°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Tree-lined Winter Sonata island, golden with ginkgo in autumn and snowy in winter.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingNami IslandKR, Gangwon
KLnami island
≈ 4,664 km from KL, as the crow flies
Winter Sonata

Photo: Penmerahpenbiru · CC BY 3.0

1 / 5

Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

A small, half-moon-shaped island on the Bukhan River, about 1.5 hours from Seoul. Its tree-lined avenues became famous from the K-drama Winter Sonata, and it has been a favourite with Malaysian visitors ever since.

Makan

  1. DakgalbiSpicy stir-fried chicken from nearby Chuncheon, cooked at your table on a big iron pan.Map ↗
  2. MakguksuChuncheon's buckwheat noodles, served cool and tangy.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. The tree-lined avenuesWalk the metasequoia, ginkgo and pine avenues the island is known for.Map ↗
  2. The ziplineFly across the river to the island on a zipline from the Gapyeong side.Map ↗
  3. CyclingRent a bike or a tandem and loop the island.Map ↗
  4. Winter Sonata spotsPhoto spots and statues from the drama dotted around the island.Map ↗
  5. Gapyeong side tripsPair the island with the Garden of Morning Calm or Petite France, both a short drive away.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Go on a weekday morning to beat the tour groups.
  • The island has prayer rooms for Muslim visitors.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.