Nami Island from Myeongdong, Nami Island to Petite France and the Garden of Morning Calm

Nami Island, or Namiseom, is one of the most popular day trips from Seoul for both locals and tourists. As the beauty of this island is not a secret, you will need to plan and book your trip ahead of time even though it is only a couple of hours away from the capital city of South Korea.

In this article, you will find how to go from Seoul to Nami Island (from Myeongdong), how to get from Nami Island to Petite France and the Garden of Morning Calm – the other Gapyeong attractions worth visiting, and other tips that help you come up with a solid plan.

If you would like to see how my day went in Nami Island and the Garden of Morning Calm, read this post: Enjoy my photos of the stunning autumn foliage!

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A Super Detailed Guide from Seoul to Nami Island: How to go to Nami Island from Myeongdong, Insadong, and Hongdae & Nami Island to Petite France and the Garden of Morning Calm | #NamiIsland #SeoultoNamiIsland #GardenofMorningCalm #PetiteFrance #Korea

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>> Pssst...Are you planning your first trip to Seoul? I've got a perfect Seoul itinerary for you here! Also, check out 7 awesome best day trip ideas from Seoul.

Seoul to Nami Island

It is not that difficult to reach Nami Island from Seoul, thanks to its popularity. And there are many means of transportation available. However, you need to research the best way for you and plan ahead before visiting this popular destination. 

No matter how you get there or which season/week of the day, I highly recommend book all your tickets well in advance

Here is the overview of how to go to Nami Island from Seoul, by your departing area. Scrawl down to the next section for more detailed information. 

Nami Island from Myeongdong

Myeongdong has the most diverse ways to go to Nami Island from Seoul.

Transport More Info Routes (Departure Time)
By Shuttle Bus (1.5-2 hours)
Nami Island Shuttle Bus (currently not available) BOOK Shinsegae Duty-Free Myeongdong (9:30 am) ⟲ Nami Island (4 pm)
The Ultimate Gapyeong Package BOOK Changes by the option. Myeongdong Station (8 am) → Petite France → Nami Island → Rail Bike → Garden of Morning Calm (7:40 pm)
By Shared Van (1.5-2 hours)
Shared Van Transfer (currently not available) BOOK Myeongdong Station (7:30 or 10 am) ⟲ Nami Island (5 or 6 pm)
By Private Tour (1.5-2 hours)
Day Trips from Seoul Private Tour - Class Route BOOK Hotel (10:30 am) → Strawberry Picking → Nami Island → Garden of Morning Calm OR N Seoul Tower (7:30 pm)
By Private Charter (1.5-2 hours)
Day Trips from Seoul Private Charter w/ Tour Guide BOOK Hotel (8 am) → Nami Island → customized itinerary (10 pm)
By Metro+Train (2 hours)
DIY ITX [Myeongdong Station] Take Metro Line 4 → [Dongdaemun Station] Transfer to Line 1 → [Cheongnyangni Station] Transfer to the ITX/Cheongchun train → [Gapyeong Station] Take a taxi, regular bus, or Gapyeong City Tour Bus → [Nami Island Ferry Terminal] Arrive.
By Metro (2-2.5 hours)
DIY TMoney [Myeongdong Station] Take Metro Line 4 → [Dongdaemun Station] Transfer to Line 1 → [Cheongnyangni Station] Transfer to the Gyeongchun Line → [Gapyeong Station] Take a taxi, regular bus, or Gapyeong City Tour Bus → [Nami Island Ferry Terminal] Arrive.

Nami Island from Insadong

Transport More Info Routes (Departure Time)
By Shuttle Bus (1.5-2 hours)
Nami Island Shuttle Bus (currently not available) BOOK Insadong Tapgol Park (9:30 am) ⟲ Nami Island (4 pm)
By Private Tour (1.5-2 hours)
Day Trips from Seoul Private Tour - Class Route BOOK Hotel (10:30 am) → Strawberry Picking → Nami Island → Garden of Morning Calm OR N Seoul Tower (7:30 pm)
By Private Charter (1.5-2 hours)
Day Trips from Seoul Private Charter w/ Tour Guide BOOK Hotel (8 am) → Nami Island → customized itinerary (10 pm)
By Metro+Train (1.25-1.5 hours)
DIY ITX [Jongno 3-ga Station] Take Metro Line 1 → [Cheongnyangni Station] Transfer to the ITX/Cheongchun train → [Gapyeong Station] Take a taxi, regular bus, or Gapyeong City Tour Bus → [Nami Island Ferry Terminal] Arrive.
By Metro (1.5-2 hours)
DIY TMoney [Jongno 3-ga Station] Take Metro Line 1 → [Cheongnyangni Station] Transfer to the Gyeongchun Line → [Gapyeong Station] Take a taxi, regular bus, or Gapyeong City Tour Bus → [Nami Island Ferry Terminal] Arrive.

Nami Island from Hongdae

Transport More Info Routes (Departure Time)
By Shuttle Bus (1.5-2 hours)
The Ultimate Gapyeong Package BOOK Changes by the option. Hongdae Station (7:20 am) → Petite France → Nami Island → Rail Bike → Garden of Morning Calm (7:40 pm)
By Private Tour (1.5-2 hours)
Day Trips from Seoul Private Tour - Class Route BOOK Hotel (10:30 am) → Strawberry Picking → Nami Island → Garden of Morning Calm OR N Seoul Tower (7:30 pm)
By Private Charter (1.5-2 hours)
Day Trips from Seoul Private Charter w/ Tour Guide BOOK Hotel (8 am) → Nami Island → customized itinerary (10 pm)
By Metro (2-2.5 hours)
DIY TMoney [Hongdae Station] Take the Gyeongui Jungang Line train → [Mangu Station] Transfer to the Gyeongchun Line → [Gapyeong Station] Take a taxi, regular bus, or Gapyeong City Tour Bus → [Nami Island Ferry Terminal] Arrive.

Nami Island from Dongdaemun

Transport More Info Routes (Departure Time)
By Shuttle Bus (1.5-2 hours)
The Ultimate Gapyeong Package BOOK Changes by the option. Dongdaemun History Culture Park Station (8:10 am) → Petite France → Nami Island → Rail Bike → Garden of Morning Calm (7:40 pm)
By Private Tour (1.5-2 hours)
Day Trips from Seoul Private Tour - Class Route BOOK Hotel (10:30 am) → Strawberry Picking → Nami Island → Garden of Morning Calm OR N Seoul Tower (7:30 pm)
By Private Charter (1.5-2 hours)
Day Trips from Seoul Private Charter w/ Tour Guide BOOK Hotel (8 am) → Nami Island → customized itinerary (10 pm)
By Metro + Train (2 hours)
DIY ITX [Dongdaemun Station] Transfer to Line 1 → [Cheongnyangni Station] Transfer to the ITX/Cheongchun train → [Gapyeong Station] Take a taxi, regular bus, or Gapyeong City Tour Bus → [Nami Island Ferry Terminal] Arrive.
By Metro (2-2.5 hours)
DIY TMoney [Dongdaemun Station] Transfer to Line 1 → [Cheongnyangni Station] Transfer to the Gyeongchun Line → [Gapyeong Station] Take a taxi, regular bus, or Gapyeong City Tour Bus → [Nami Island Ferry Terminal] Arrive.

Nami Island from Seoul: Tour vs. DIY Comparison Chart | ##NamiIsland #Korea #DayTripsfromSeoul #GardenofMorningCalm

Nami Island Tours vs. DIY

I ambitiously aimed to hit Nami Island, the Garden of Morning Calm, and Petite France in one day. After attempting to do a DIY tour, I quickly realized that I underestimated the time spent at each spot and transfers between destinations. I ended up spending most of my time in Nami Island and rushed through the Garden of Morning Calm. I never made it to Petite France. (The Garden of Mornin Calm was a priority for me.)

Once you continue reading more details of how to get from Seoul to Nami Island, you may better understand how easy it is to waste time in-between transfers.

Based on my experience, I recommend joining a tour, especially if you want to visit more than just Nami Island. (And you should be!)

How to go to Nami Island from Myeongdong: Seoul to Nami Island Shuttle Bus | #NamiIsland #Korea #Seoul

Nami Island Tours from Seoul (Recommended)

My recommendation is to take a tour to Nami Island. It’s the easiest and most convenient way to get to Nami Island from Seoul. As many tourists add Namiseom in their Seoul itinerary, these tours depart from tourist popular areas such as Myeongdong, Insadong, Hongdae, and Dongdaemun.

These selected tours are focused on the convenient transportation from Seoul to Nami Island and between other Gapyeong attractions. If you want to visit more than Nami Island, it makes sense to take the tour even more so.

1. Nami Island Shuttle Bus

 

Recommended for: Travelers who only want easy transportation from Seoul to Nami Island

Hop on a shuttle bus in Seoul to visit Nami Island. The round-trip bus ticket is available on Saturdays and Sundays. The tour departs from Gangnam and Jamsil metro stations.

>> Reserve your round trip to Nami Island here.

2. Nami Island Shared Van Transfer

 

Recommended for: Travelers who want the flexibility to book one-way transportation

Prefer more intimate and comfortable transportation? Take this spacious van that can fit up to 14 travelers. Departs from Myeongdong Station. You can book each way separately.

>> Reserve your shared van transfer to Nami Island here. (Currently unavailable.)

3. Nami Island & Chuncheon by ITX Ladies Tour

 

Recommended for: Travelers who want to eat Chuncheon Dakgalbi and visit Nami Island via ITX train so they can enjoy the scenic landscape along the way 

Travel with ease to Nami Island on this ladies-only tour via ITX train. Departing from Yongshan ITX Station, this day tour takes you to Chuncheon Dakgalbi Street. Then, stroll Nami Island’s picturesque tree-lined streets.

>> Reserve your first-class bus tour to Nami Island here. 

4. Day Trips from Seoul Private Tour – Classic Routes 

 

Recommended for: Travelers who want to visit Nami Island and the Garden of Morning Calm (or N Seoul Tower) in one day

Another excellent way to explore Nami Island is to take this private tour. You can choose from 7 favorite Seoul day trips, two of which include Nami Island and strawberry picking. You may also add either the Garden of Morning Calm or N Seoul Tower into your route.

This full-day private tour includes a hotel pick-up (and drop-off) within Seoul.

>> Reserve your private tour to Nami Island here.

5. The Ultimate Gapyeong Package

 

Recommended for: Travelers who want to check off Big 4 in Gapyeong – Nami Island, the Garden of Morning Calm, Petite France, and Rail Bike – in one day

If you don’t want to miss any of the four highly recommended sites in Gapyeong, this is the Ultimate Gapyeong Day Tour package for you. On top of the basic package (Nami Island and the Garden of Morning Calm), this tour lets you add on Petite France and/or Gapyeong Rail Bike into the package. 

Based on my experience, it’s not easy to do all four on a DIY day trip. With the logistical challenges I experienced, I would take this tour if I have to do it again for efficiency sake.

The tour departs from Myeongdong, Hongdae Station, and Dongdaemun.

>> Reserve your Seoul Day Trip to Nami Island and more here. 

6. Day trip from Seoul with Private Charter and Tour Guide

 

Recommended for: Family or group travelers who want to customize their itinerary with a tour guide

Looking for a full-service day tour with complete flexibility? Consider getting a private charter tour with a professional tour guide. Customer service can fully customize a day tour itinerary based on your interest. If you want to visit any sites in Seoul and the outskirt of Seoul – including Nami Island – without any hassle, this is an excellent option. Vehicle capacity ranges from 1 to 14 passengers.

>> Reserve your Private Charter Tour to Nami Island and more here.

Seoul to Nami Island from Myeongdong by ITX-Cheongchun or Gyeongchun | #NamiIsland #Korea #Seoul

DIY: Seoul to Nami Island By train

1. ITX-Cheongchun to Gapyeong Station

The ITX-Cheongchun line is an express train that connects between Yongshan – Cheongnyangni – Chucheon. This line hits up the popular destinations Korean college students often travel as a group for school orientations, summer camp, etc. (Cheongchun means youth in Korean.) 

If you use the ITX-Cheongchun line, you can choose to take trains from the following stations (examples):

  • From Yongsan (approx. 60 minutes)
  • From Cheongnyangni (approx. 42 minutes) 

 

Insider Tip 1: You cannot use the T-money card on the ITX-Cheongchun line. You must purchase a separate train ticket. Book your ITX ticket here

Insider Tip 2: ITX is a train that you get on and off at the metro platform. However, you go through a separate ITX gate, not the metro gate. If you go to a train platform by accident, you won’t be able to get on the ITX train. It’s confusing even for Koreans. Ask at the station if you need help.

2. Gyeongchun Line to Gapyeong Station

The Gyeongchun Line is a metro railway between Cheongnyangni and Chuncheon. There are two types of train: regular with more frequent stops, and express. 

You can choose to take trains from the following stations (examples):

  • From Cheongnyangni (approx. 64 minutes or 55 minutes)
  • From Sangbong (approx. 55 minutes or 46 minutes)

From Gapyeong Station to Nami Island

For both options 1 and 2, get off at Gapyeong Station. From here, Nami Island is approximately 1.5km away. It takes 20 minutes by foot or 5 minutes by taxi (₩4,000-6,000; there is a weekend surcharge). 

A regular bus costs ₩1,250 one-way and you can use a T-money card.

But if you plan to stop by Petite France or the Garden of Morning Calm later, it makes sense to hop on Gapyeong City Tour bus. More details and tips below.

Gapyeong City Tour Bus: Gapyeong Station to Nami Island to Petite France to Garden of Morning Calm |  #NamiIsland #Korea #Gapyeong

Gapyeong City Tour Bus

Gapyeong City Tour Bus day pass (₩6,000; pay cash) will let you use this bus all day – either direction. No booking necessary.

Prepare the fare in cash. You can pay cash directly to the bus driver. While he can give you changes, if you only have the ₩50,000 bill for one ticket, he may not have enough changes. Also, it is a cultural faux-pas.

From Gapyeong Station to Nami Island: Take either A or B courses.

From Nami Island to Petite France or the Garden of Morning Calm:

  • Before you go into Nami Island, check the bus stop. Make sure you are waiting for the bus in the right direction. The opposite direction will take you back to Gapyeong Station.
  • Check the bus schedule and decide which one to take. If you miss it, you would have to waste one full hour for the next one.
  • Calculate how long it would take for you to come to the bus stop from Nami Island. Factor in the ferry schedule and walking time across the parking lot. 
  • Both A and B routes go to the Garden of Morning Calm. From Nami Island to Petite France, you have to get on the A route.
How to go from Nami Island to Petite France | #NamiIsland #PetiteFrance #Gapyeong

Petite France in Gapyeong, Korea | Image Credit: Korea Tour Organization (Kim Jiho)

Nami Island to Petite France 

Since you are already in Gapyeong, your day trip could include two other popular destinations such as the Garden of the Morning Calm and Petite France.

If you consider visiting Petite France and the Garden of Morning Calm in one day, following Nami Island, I highly recommend joining a tour above for the best time management. But if you prefer to navigate on public transportation, it can be done.

Here are options are for DIY travelers.

Taxi: Petite France is about a 20-minute drive away from Nami Island. You can take a taxi. But it would cost you approximately ₩30,000 (one way), which is not cheap.

Gapyeong City Tour Bus: If you are neither driving a car nor taking the tour options I suggested above, Gapyeong City Tour Bus can take you to Petite France in 25 minutes. Note that only route A will take you to Petite France.

Nami Island to the Garden of Morning Calm

The Garden of Morning Calm is further away from Nami Island. As the Garden of Morning Calm sits on a mountain, the trip on a narrow and winding road can be a bit rough if you easily get a car sick.

Taxi: It takes about 40 minutes from Nami Island. A one-way taxi ride would cost about ₩40,000 and up.

Gapyeong City Tour Bus: It takes 50-60 minutes. Expect a longer trip on weekends. You can take both A and B routes.

***

What did I do? I will share how I did and why I later regret, so you don’t follow my mishap.

Being fluent in Korean and knowing how to navigate my home country, I was confident to navigate on my own. So I took the one-way shuttle bus from Seoul to Nami Island (Tour Option #1 above).

From Nami Island, I took the Gapyeong City Tour Bus to the Garden of Morning Calm. I did not realize how huge and gorgeous the Garden was until I got there! The garden closes at sunset. And the sun goes down super early on the mountain in late fall! Therefore, I had to rush through the highlights of the garden. 

Around the closing time, other visitors also rushed to take the Gapyeong City Tour Bus to go to a train station. The bus got full, and I had to stand. Instead of going all the way to the Gapyeong Station, I decided to get off at the nearest Cheongpyeong Station to take a metro back to Seoul. (I failed to go to Petite France due to the time limit.)

With better time management, you CAN visit Nami Island, Petite France, and the Garden of Morning Calm in one day. Perhaps you will have a better chance if you have a head start super early in the morning, take advantage of a longer daytime in summer, and plan your time to the T. Otherwise, I think it’s safer to join the tour options above, speaking from my experience.

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A Super Detailed Guide from Seoul to Nami Island: How to go to Nami Island from Myeongdong, Insadong, and Hongdae & Nami Island to Petite France and the Garden of Morning Calm | #NamiIsland #SeoultoNamiIsland #GardenofMorningCalm #PetiteFrance #Korea