Pak LeeNami Island, at your own pace
Most tours give you ninety minutes on the island. I park and wait — stay two hours or five. On the way back most people add Petite France, or Myeongdong if there's light left.
How the day usually runs
- 08:00
Your hotel
I text when I'm downstairs. No meeting point and no waiting in a lobby — we leave from wherever you slept.
- 09:40
Gapyeong
About ninety minutes from central Seoul without traffic. Leaving at eight puts us ahead of the tour buses at the ferry pier.
- 10:00
Nami Island
I park and wait at the pier. The ferry and island entry are your own ticket, about ₩16,000. Stay as long as you like — I'm not going anywhere.
- 13:00
Lunch
I know which places near Gapyeong are actually halal and which only say so. If that doesn't matter to you, the dakgalbi here is worth the stop.
- 15:00
Petite France or the Garden of Morning Calm
Both are fifteen minutes from the pier. Pick one on the day — you'll know by then whether you want more walking.
- 19:30
Back — or not
Most people add Myeongdong on the way home. That's fine by me, as long as we're inside the ten hours.
From real trips
Short clips from days like this one.
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Questions people ask
Can we change the plan on the day?
Yes. People do it constantly and it costs nothing, as long as we stay within the ten hours.
Is the ferry ticket included?
No. The ferry and island entry are about ₩16,000 per adult and you buy them at the pier. I'll show you where.
Will eight people and luggage fit?
Eight people fit. Eight people with large suitcases do not — at six or more I'd bring cabin bags rather than full-size cases.
How long is the drive from Seoul?
About ninety minutes each way without traffic. Leaving at eight rather than nine usually saves half an hour.
Is it worth going in winter?
The tree-lined paths look best under snow, but the island is exposed and the wind off the river is cold. Bring more layers than you think.