Journey To Nami Island

*This notes are based on my visit to Nami Island on December 2012*

It has been more than 2 years since my 1st and last visit to the  Island. I had intention to share the experience right after I came back but I was busy at that time and the will just disappear like dust in the air… But for the sake of some of my friends who wants to visit the small island soon, this is the chance for me to overcome my laziness and finally writes about the journey to share with  everyone. First of all, there are a few ways on how to get there. My method was using ITX to Gapyeong, and took taxi to the ferry terminal. It was manageable and I like it that way! Pretty scenery and I’m “healed” throughout the journey with beautiful landscape outside the train window.

From Cheongnyangni, I purchase the ticket from the machine inside the station. It cost me krw4000

The journey takes about hmm… 45 minutes? The scenery was pretty rewarding. Snow covered the mountain 🙂

Arrived at Gapyeong 45 minutes later and waited for taxi at the taxi/bus stand in front of the station. My partner in crime and I stopped by the tourist center booth to get additional info about the island.

This is meant to show what the stand looks like. hehe and hey! The scenery is just amazing I was overwhelmed.

Taxi ride to the ferry terminal lasted about 10 minutes with KRW 1000-3000. I am honestly don’t remember how much it cost. But I believe it’s not more than 3000 won.

Upon arriving at the terminal, I saw a tall tower called zipwire. Well, if using ferry is not adventure enough, you could try a zip wire ride! It’ll take you to the island in no time. It’s like a flying fox (the only name I knew and have tried) or something. It was in winter so I don’t want to freeze to death hanging between the river and sky. Nahhh we took the traditional ride. You can buy the ferry ticket at the counter (it cost me hmm.. krw 8000 if I’m not mistaken) line up and wait for your turn! 😀

Yeay! The first thing I did when I stepped out from the ferry was taking picture at the huge calligraphic-stone. hehehe My partner in crime and I went to the island at noon. So we spent half of the day exploring some part of the island. We took the last ferry at 5 or 6pm (during Winter, it’s getting dark early). Get back to the station and buy ticket back to Cheongnyangni. We did everything on the spot. No booking online or what-so-ever. It was a pleasant trip for me. If only it’s not freezinggggggggg….

So that’s it, my simple diary on how to get to the island, from my experience. In summary:
※ Buy a ticket from Cheongnyangni station to Gapyeong. Cost 4000won. Approximately 45 minutes ride [Please note that you also can go to Gapyeong from Yongsan Station. Check the map yeah)
※  Arrived at Gapyeong, walk to the taxi/bus stand located in front of the station. Just tell the driver you want to go to the ferry terminal for Nami Island. [I told this to my taxi driver] Cost around 1000-3000 won.
※  Arrived at terminal about 10 minutes later, walk to the counter, purchase ticket and line up for the ferry.
※  Please be mindful to check your schedule so that you’ll not miss your ferry back and your train back to Seoul. You can ask the counter what time is the last ferry.

BUT!! What if you are afraid no more train ticket to Gapyeong if you buy on the spot. No more train ticket back to Seoul etc. ottohke!! Okay. Here it is. Book your ticket online. You can purchase your ticket early (according to the website it says up to 1 month before travel date). You can also go by other type of transportation. Don’t worry 🙂 HERE is the additional info of how to get to Nami.