When visiting Seoul, South Korea, a day trip to Nami Island is a must. This half-moon shaped islet is a popular destination among tourists because of its beautiful scenery, peaceful environment, and as location of popular Korean telenovela such as Winter Sonata which became a hit in the 2000's. Located in Chuncheon, South Korea, Nami Island is about 1.5 to 2 hours away from the city of Seoul. But getting here is not a problem. Just join a group tour for easy and convenient Nami Island tour.
Joining a group tour to Nami Island is not just convenient, but also economical. The tour includes transportation from Seoul, an English or Chinese-speaking tour guide that will assist you with your needs during the tour, entrance fees, round-trip ferry tickets, a tour at Petit France, and transportation back to Seoul.
From a convenient meet-up point in Seoul's Myeongdong Station, we met with our tour guide and boarded the shuttle bus. We traveled for about 1 hour to our first destination which is Petit France located in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. Built in 2008, Petite France is a French-style theme park based on the popular novel "The Little Prince."
This French cultural village set in the Korean countryside, has a memorial hall dedicated to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the author of "The Little Prince." It also has many French-style buildings, shops, Antique Museum, French doll house, among many other interesting finds that will surely delight every visitor.
Kids and even adults will surely enjoy a day tour at Petit France for its many Instagram-worthy spots and interesting architectures. But if you want to stay overnight, Petit France also offers several accommodations. There are also gardens, French-inspired statues and a small Eiffel Tower. Also, there are daily shows held at the amphitheater, don't miss it during your visit.
When visiting Petit France it seemingly transports one to another place. No wonder K-dramas have used it as locations for several Korean dramas such as "My Love from the Stars," "Secret Garden," and "Running Man," to name a few.
After spending our time at Petit France, we boarded again our shuttle bus and traveled to Chuncheon where the ferry to Nami Island can be found. But first, we had our lunch at a Korean Barbecue Restaurant.
After our hefty lunch, we then went back to the ferry station and boarded the ferry which brought us to Nami Island. The ferry ride takes just about 5 minutes and the tour guide gave us hours of free time to explore the island on our own. I like it because we could take our time and just enjoy the place at our own pace.
Nami Island has been attracting many K-Drama lovers since the early 2000s. A favorite among Filipinos, this is the location for the popular K-Drama series in the 2000's where its most romantic scenes such as the lead characters' "first kiss" was shot. Remember the series Winter Sonata? This is the location where they shot those memorable scenes.
Majestically lined with beautiful tall trees, the "Forest of Sweethearts" is one of the popular spots you should not miss when on Nami Island. Of course, I wouldn't let this moment pass by without a photo.
Ostriches, rabbits, deer and other wildlife that roam freely through the forest of Nami Island can also be seen. It also has many gardens such as Gangneung Gyeongpo Garden, Happy Garden, Unchi Garden, Pitowan Garden, Hapyeong Butterfly Park, Dadamsambong Garden, White Birch Grove, Langkami Garden, Cheollipo Magnolia Garden, Memorial Gardens, Story Gardens, among many others. Aside from that, if you feel hungry, there are many restaurants and food kiosks that will surely satisfy your cravings. If you're looking for activities, there's a mini theme park with rides and there are also bikes that can be rented if you wish to roam around in a bike. If you just wanna "chill," there are also many picnic tables that you can use for free. Indeed, there are so many things to do and to enjoy on Nami Island and I'm quite sure you'll also enjoy your visit.
Nami Island is definitely a great place to visit as a day tour from Seoul. It's a place where one could relish a sense of peace and calmness amidst the lush forest and tall trees. Don't miss it when visiting Seoul, South Korea!
If you want to visit Nami Island and Petit France, I highly suggest that you join a group. For ease and convenience, we booked our tour using the Klook App. It's easy to use and we got instant confirmation. How cool is that?!
Nami Island + Petit France Itineraries
Nami + Petite France
- 07:20 am depart from Hongik Univ. Station exit 4
- 08:00 am depart from Myeongdong Station exit 2
- 08:10 am depart from Dongdaemun History and Culture Park Station exit 10
- 09:30 am arrive at Nami Island
- 01:00 pm leave for Petite France
- 01:30 pm arrive at Petite France
- 03:00 pm leave for Seoul
- 04:20 pm arrive at Dongdaemun History and Culture Park Station
- 04:30 pm arrive at Myeongdong Station
- 05:00 pm arrive at Hongik Univ. Station
Nami + Rail Bike + Petite France
- 07:20 am depart from Hongik Univ. Station exit 4
- 08:00 am depart from Myeongdong Station exit 2
- 08:10 am depart from Dongdaemun History and Culture Park Station Exit 10
- 09:40 am arrive at Railbike Station
- 11:30 am leave for Nami Island
- 12:00 pm arrive at Nami Island
- 03:30 pm leave for Petite France
- 04:00 pm arrive at Petite France
- 05:30 pm leave for Seoul
- 06:50 pm arrive at Dongdaemun History and Culture Park Station
- 07:00 pm arrive at Myeongdong Station
- 07:30 pm arrive at Hongik Univ. Station
For sample Korea DIY Itineraries, please visit my post: RECOMMENDED KOREA ITINERARY: DIY SEOUL - 3, 4, 5, 6 Days Tour 2019.
OTHER OPTIONS: Nami Island + Petit France Tours
- Nami Island, Garden of Morning Calm & More
- Nami Island and Petite France Tour (Join In/Private)
- Seoul Nami Island, Rail Bike + Petit France Day Tour
- Tailored Bus to Nami Island & Petite France Day Tour from Seoul
- Nami Island, Petite France, Gapyeong Railbike & Garden of Morning Calm Day Tour
ALSO READ: KOREA BUDGET TRAVEL GUIDE 2018 with an ₱8,000 Pesos DIY Itinerary
Cheap Flights to Seoul, South Korea
There are two major airports servicing passengers visiting Seoul. Gimpo Airport, which is nearer Seoul City is mostly for domestic flights and some international flights from China, Japan, and Taiwan. Most international flights going to Seoul arrive at Incheon International Airport which is the largest and the primary gateway to South Korea. Local airlines such Cebu Pacific Air, Philippine Airlines, Air Asia Philippines, and other international airlines have daily flights from Manila to Incheon, as well as direct flights from Kalibo to (Seoul Incheon).
To search for cheap flights to Seoul, South Korea, I highly recommend booking via Traveloka.com - one of Southeast Asia's leading travel booking sites. I've been using it in my travels and I can assure you that you'll always get the best deals and promos on flights! And don't forget to use their weekly promo codes to get more discounts!
Hotels in near Nami Island
As this is just a day tour, staying in Seoul is a good choice. But if you want to stay for a night or two near Nami Island, there are also many hotels in Chuncheon, South Korea to choose from. There's a wide array of budget, mid-range and luxury hotels that will certainly fit your budget and needs. So, finding the best hotel for you will never be a problem. More to that, you could save as much as 50% off on room rates when you book in advance online.
South Korea Travel Essentials
- 4G WiFi Device or a Korea 4G SIM Card for your Instagram moments and also for navigating the streets of Seoul.
- Travel in comfort from Incheon International Airport to Seoul City via AREX Incheon Airport Express Train, KAL Limousine Bus, or Incheon Airport Private Car Transfers.
- South Korea Railplus Transport Card Travel hassle-free with this integrated transportation card that can be used to pay for public transport and even taxis.
- Discover Seoul Pass Enjoy a discount ticket of 35 tourist attractions and exclusive discounts and freebies within 24/48/72 hours, all with just one card!
- Private Car Charter in Seoul Explore Nami Island, Everland, Rail Bike or other attractions in a private van.
- Discounted Korea Rail Pass Discover South Korea by traveling on over 80 routes and 600 stations. Enjoy unlimited rides on trains offered by KORAIL for 1, 3, 5, 7 or any flexible 2 and 4 days.
This trip to Seoul was made possible by Traveloka and Klook Travel.
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