Nami Island in Chuncheon: Winter Sonata, Bicycles, and Accommodations

Hello everyone! Today, I want to strongly recommend a domestic travel destination to my foreign friends: Nami Island, located in Chuncheon. Nami Island is a beautiful place where the entire island is a park. It's especially famous as a filming location for the drama "Winter Sonata," which makes it very popular among foreigners. Let me introduce you to my personal travel experience at Nami Island!

Transportation

Since Nami Island is an island, you can only get there by boat. Boats operate from 7:30 AM to 9:30 PM, and the intervals between boats vary depending on the time of day. I went early in the morning and took a boat that runs every 30 minutes. Taking the boat to the island was a unique experience in itself. The scenery of Nami Island while crossing the blue lake was truly beautiful. The boat ride takes about 5 minutes, and as you approach the island, you'll be greeted by the sight of tall trees lining the shore. Once you disembark, you'll find yourself on a picturesque path leading into the island. The ferry terminal also has a ticket office, souvenir shops, and restrooms for your convenience. To get to the ferry terminal, you can take a bus or drive. If you're coming from Seoul, there are direct buses from Insadong, Namdaemun Market, and Myeongdong that take about 1 hour and 30 minutes. If you're driving, there's a large parking lot near the terminal where you can park your car for a fee. One tip I have is to check the ferry schedule in advance and arrive early, especially on weekends or holidays, as the lines can get quite long. Also, keep in mind that the last ferry back to the mainland leaves at 9:30 PM, so make sure to plan your itinerary accordingly.

Sights to See

Upon arriving at Nami Island, the first thing you'll notice is the Metasequoia Lane. The lush trees create a tunnel, making it a healing place just to walk through. My friends and I took lots of photos here. Another must-see spot on Nami Island is the filming location of "Winter Sonata." When I actually went there, it was exactly the same as what I saw in the drama. It felt like I had become the main character of the drama. In addition, there are various other sights to see, such as the Trigo Adventure Forest, where you can enjoy moving between the trees, and Yeonryeonji, a pond full of lotus flowers. The Central Korean Pine Tree Lane is also a beautiful spot, with tall pine trees lining both sides of the path. One of my favorite parts of Nami Island was the Ginkgo Tree Lane. In autumn, the leaves turn a stunning golden yellow, creating a magical atmosphere. There's also a Songpa Ginkgo Tree Lane, which is a bit quieter and less crowded than the main Ginkgo Tree Lane. For those interested in art, the Song Museum is a must-visit. It features a collection of works by Korean artist Song Sung-won, including paintings and sculptures. The museum building itself is also a work of art, with a unique design that blends into the natural surroundings. Other notable sights include the Ostrich Pen, where you can see these large birds up close, and the Riverside Stage, which hosts various performances throughout the year.

Things to Enjoy

On Nami Island, you can also rent bicycles. My friend and I rented a tandem bicycle and explored every corner of the island. It was nice to be able to leisurely look around the island while riding a bicycle. There are several types of bicycles available for rent, including single bikes, tandem bikes, and even four-person family bikes. The rental shop is located near the ferry terminal, and prices start at around 8,000 won per hour. In addition to bicycles, you can also rent electric scooters or take a tour on an electric shuttle bus. The shuttle bus runs on a set route around the island, stopping at major attractions along the way. It's a great option if you want to see the highlights of the island without too much walking. For those who prefer a more leisurely pace, there are plenty of walking trails throughout the island. The trails range in length and difficulty, so you can choose one that suits your fitness level. Along the way, you'll pass by scenic spots like the Baekyangsa Temple, Jeonggak Pond, and the Namiseom Aquarium. Speaking of the aquarium, it's another popular attraction on Nami Island. The aquarium is home to over 1,000 freshwater fish from around the world, including some rare species. There's also a hands-on experience zone where you can touch starfish and other sea creatures. When it's time for a break, head to one of the island's many cafes and restaurants. My personal favorite was the Swing Cafe, which features swings instead of chairs and offers lovely views of the surrounding nature. For a heartier meal, try the Dongmoon Restaurant, which specializes in Korean beef and pork dishes. There are also many cafes and restaurants on Nami Island, and a cafe with a tea theme was particularly impressive. The Haneul Garden Cafe, located in the middle of the island, offers a variety of tea and coffee drinks, as well as light snacks and desserts. The cafe has a cozy, vintage atmosphere with mismatched furniture and quirky decorations. My friend and I stayed at a hotel for one night, and it was the perfect place to relax and unwind. Nami Island has a variety of accommodations, from hotels to villa-style lodgings, so if you have the time, I highly recommend staying for a night. The Naminara Republic Hotel is a popular choice, with clean and comfortable rooms overlooking the river. There are also camping sites available for those who want a more rustic experience.