Winter Sonata Locations: Nami Island Day Trip

Morning fog on Nami Island has a quiet, ethereal quality that makes you feel as if you stepped straight onto a drama set from 2002. Long before high-definition streaming and global viral hits, a single show transformed this quiet river island into an international pilgrimage site. Winter Sonata (겨울연가), starring Bae Yong-joon and Choi Ji-woo, kickstarted the original Hallyu wave across Asia and beyond. The image of two young lovers walking beneath towering trees covered in fresh snow remains one of the most iconic visuals in Korean television history.

Located in the middle of the Han River near Chuncheon, Nami Island (Namiseom) is a half-moon-shaped river island that feels completely removed from the bustle of modern Seoul. While many newer shows have filmed in urban spots across South Korea, Nami Island remains the golden standard for classic K-drama nostalgia. Visiting today lets you walk the exact pathways where Joon-sang and Yoo-jin shared quiet smiles, held hands, and stole their first kiss. Here is how you can find every classic spot on the island and build a perfect trip around them.

Metasequoia Lane

This world-famous tree-lined walkway serves as the primary visual signature of Winter Sonata. In the drama, Joon-sang and Yoo-jin walk side-by-side between the towering, symmetrical trees, soaking in the quiet romance of their youth. It is also where key emotional walk-and-talk scenes were filmed throughout the series.

In real life, Metasequoia Lane is a grand pedestrian path bordered by towering Metasequoia trees planted in the early 1970s. The trees stretch high into the sky, creating a natural cathedral overhead. Depending on when you visit, the aisle looks completely different: lush emerald green in summer, fiery rust-orange in late autumn, and stark, snow-dusted charcoal in deep winter.

How to get there

To reach Nami Island from Seoul, take the ITX-Cheongchun train from Yongsan Station or Cheongnyangni Station to Gapyeong Station (about 55 minutes). From Gapyeong Station, take a local taxi (around 5 to 10 minutes) or the Gapyeong City Tour Bus to Gapyeong Wharf (Namiseom Ferry Dock). Board the Nami Island ferry, which runs every 10 to 20 minutes and takes roughly 5 to 10 minutes to cross the river. Once you clear the island entrance gate (Immigration), walk straight down the main path past the central plaza for about 10 minutes. Metasequoia Lane sits towards the eastern side of the island. Always double-check ferry operating hours before heading back to the mainland.

First Kiss Bench and Snowman Site

This adorable spot marks the location of one of the sweetest moments in classic Korean drama history. In Winter Sonata, Joon-sang and Yoo-jin sit together at a wooden table covered in snow, building tiny snowmen and gently pushing them together so they can kiss, before sharing a real kiss of their own.

Today, Nami Island honors this exact scene with a dedicated bench, replica snowmen made of resin that stay put year-round, and a small glass display. Nearby, you will also find the Glass Blowing Workshop and small art stalls. The site sits right along the scenic water route, offering panoramic views of the river in the background.

How to get there

From the main dock inside Nami Island, walk along the Central Korean Pine Tree Lane towards the southern portion of the island. Follow the signs directing visitors toward the riverfront trail near the Glass Blowing Workshop. The First Kiss Bench is located right on the outdoor wooden walkway beside the water. It takes roughly 15 minutes to walk here comfortably from the island’s entrance ferry terminal.

Ginkgo Tree Lane

This vibrant yellow pathway appears in several joyful autumn montages throughout Winter Sonata, where the lead characters ride bicycles together through carpets of fallen gold leaves. It represents the warmer, happier memories of their high school days before tragedy struck.

In reality, Ginkgo Tree Lane is one of Nami Island’s most visited autumn highlights. Planted in neat parallel rows, the ginkgo trees drop a thick blanket of golden yellow leaves around late October and early November. Walking along this path feels like stepping into a warm painting, with light filtering through the yellow canopy above.

How to get there

After entering Nami Island, head towards the central hub where the bike rental shop is located. Ginkgo Tree Lane runs parallel to the main central boulevard, just south of the main event lawn. If you rent a bicycle from the Central Information Center, you can ride directly down this path just like the characters in the show. Walk time from the ferry arrival dock is approximately 8 to 12 minutes.

Statue of Joon-sang and Yoo-jin

While not a filming location in the strictest sense, this dedicated bronze statue was erected directly on the island to commemorate the incredible cultural impact of Winter Sonata and its main characters. Countless fans stop here to stand between the life-sized figures of Joon-sang and Yoo-jin to recreate iconic promo poses.

The statue sits nestled in a peaceful grove surrounded by tall pine trees and soft manicured grass. It serves as a tribute to the actors and the story that turned Nami Island from a quiet local recreational park into a internationally recognized destination for romantic travel.

How to get there

Located near the center of Nami Island, the statue is situated just off the main Central Korean Pine Tree Lane, close to the First Kiss area and the central snack stalls. From the main ferry pier inside the island, walk straight up the central walkway for about 10 minutes. Look for the small pine grove signposted with Winter Sonata photo spots on your left.

Central Reed Woods and Riverside Walkways

The sweeping riverside walkways and tall reed fields along the edge of Nami Island featured prominently in atmospheric transition shots throughout Winter Sonata. The characters are frequently seen lost in thought while walking beside the wide expanse of the Bukhan River, framed by towering water reeds swaying in the cold wind.

These wooden boardwalks circle much of Nami Island’s outer edge, offering calm river views away from the busy central plaza. In autumn and winter, the dry reeds rustle in the river breeze, providing a quiet, contemplative atmosphere that perfectly captures the moody winter aesthetic of early 2000s K-dramas.

How to get there

From any point on the island, simply walk toward the water’s edge on the western or southern shores. The outer loop boardwalk connects seamlessly all around the island. Walking the full perimeter takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours at a leisurely pace, allowing you to enjoy the river breezes and quiet natural beauty.

Make a Day of It

Nami Island sits in Gapyeong County, right on the border of Gangwon State and Gyeonggi Province, making it extremely easy to combine with other fantastic local attractions and regional food highlights.

What to Eat

You cannot leave the Gapyeong and Chuncheon area without eating Chuncheon Dakgalbi (춘천닭갈비). This famous regional dish features marinated chicken stir-fried at your table in a huge flat cast-iron pan with cabbage, sweet potatoes, rice cakes, and spicy gochujang sauce. Outside the Gapyeong Ferry Terminal, you will find an entire street lined with traditional Dakgalbi restaurants. Order a side of Makguksu (chilled buckwheat noodles in tangy cold broth) to balance out the warm, savory spice of the chicken. Inside Nami Island itself, stop by the central food stalls for hot Hoppang (steamed sweet red bean buns), which hit the spot on chilly days.

Nearby Sights

Attraction	Distance from Wharf	Why Visit
Petite France	15 min by taxi/bus	French cultural village; filmed in *My Love from the Star* and *Secret Garden*.
Gapyeong Rail Park	10 min by taxi	Pedal along old train tracks crossing scenic bridges over the river.
Garden of Morning Calm	30 min by taxi/bus	Stunning botanical garden featured in *Love in the Moonlight*.

Photo Tips

To get that clean, dramatic Metasequoia shot without dozens of tourists in the background, take the very first ferry of the morning (usually departing around 8:00 AM). Walk rapidly directly to Metasequoia Lane before the tour crowds disperse across the island. Crouch low with a telephoto or portrait lens angle to frame the trees stretching upward while keeping your subject centered in the middle of the aisle.

For the First Kiss bench, shoot from a side angle with the river in the background to capture both the bench, the mini snowmen, and the water. Early morning light or soft late afternoon backlighting creates that exact muted, moody color palette seen in classic winter K-dramas.

FAQ

How long does it take to get to Nami Island from central Seoul?

Taking the ITX-Cheongchun train from Yongsan Station to Gapyeong Station takes roughly 55 minutes. A short 10-minute taxi ride to the dock, followed by a 10-minute ferry crossing, puts total travel time around 1.5 to 2 hours each way.

What is the best season to visit Nami Island for K-drama fans?

Autumn (late October to early November) offers breathtaking golden ginkgo and red maple foliage. Winter (December through February) provides the exact snow-covered aesthetic seen in Winter Sonata, though you should wear warm layers as river winds can be chilly.

Do I need to book ferry tickets to Nami Island in advance?

No advance booking is strictly necessary for regular ferry crossings, as ferries run continuously throughout the day. You can purchase round-trip entry tickets directly at the Gapyeong Wharf ticket booth upon arrival. Always confirm the departure time of the last return ferry of the day.

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