A Day Trip to Nami Island (남이섬) : When Roles Reversed, a Mother's Wheelchair Walk Turned into Autumn Joy

Life often has a funny way of flipping the script.

Years ago, a severe car accident injured my legs and kept me in hospital beds for a very long time. Although I made a full recovery and can now walk freely, the lingering record left me officially registered with a mild disability status, which keeps me connected to a local welfare organization.

Today, that organization organized a beautiful one-day autumn outing.
My younger daughter had promised to accompany me, but just a few days ago, she suddenly developed an unexplained ache in her leg. 
We hesitated about whether to make the trip, but with the crisp early autumn breeze calling us, we decided to head out together toward Gapyeong.

Our destination was Nami Island (Namiseom), one of South Korea’s most enchanting island getaways.
We arrived from Seoul in about an hour and a half by an accessible group chartered bus. 

How to Get to Nami Island from Seoul by Public Transportation

Option 1 : Train (ITX-Cheongchun) — Faster & flexible

• Take the ITX train from Yongsan or Cheongnyangni Station to Gapyeong Station (takes ~40–60 mins).

• From Gapyeong Station, take a short 5-minute taxi or bus (No. 10-4) to Nami Island Wharf (or walk for about 20 mins).

Option 2 : Direct Shuttle Bus — Most convenient

• Daily round-trip shuttles run directly to the wharf from major spots like Hongdae (Exit 4), Myeongdong, and Dongdaemun.

• Tip: You usually need to book this in advance online!

Once you arrive at the wharf, you can take a short 5-minute ferry (or a zip-line if you're feeling adventurous) right into the island. 

A Delicious Start : Chuncheon Dakgalbi (Spicy Stir-fried Chicken)

Before boarding the ferry to the island, we had to honor the undisputed culinary tradition of the region : Dakgalbi (닭갈비).

The area surrounding Nami Island and Chuncheon is famous nationwide for this vibrant dish. Tender, marinated diced chicken is tossed onto a massive, round cast-iron skillet along with chunky cabbage, sweet potatoes, chewy rice cakes (tteok), and perilla leaves, all smothered in a rich, sweet-and-spicy red chili Gochujang paste.

Watching the steam rise as the chicken sizzled on the hot plate set the perfect tone for our day. We shared a hearty lunch, fueling up for the walk ahead.

Crossing the Water into "Naminara Republic"

After lunch, we took the short, picturesque five-minute ferry ride across the Bukhangang River.

Nami Island is a half-moon shaped isle that declared its cultural independence under the whimsical concept of the "Naminara Republic" (남이나라공화국). Upon arriving, visitors are greeted not just by trees, but by an imaginative fairytale realm filled with quirky statues, art installations, recycling craft pavilions, and sweeping tree-lined paths. It is widely celebrated worldwide as the iconic filming location of the classic Korean drama Winter Sonata, and walking under its towering metasequoia and ginkgo trees always feels like stepping onto a movie set.

what makes the island uniquely charming is its peaceful overnight village hidden among the trees.

Tucked away along the quiet riverside are quaint, cottage-style pensions and a small quiet hotel. Unlike modern high-rise hotels, these accommodations consist of cozy artistic guest rooms and independent riverside villas scattered peacefully along the riverbank. Once the day-trippers leave on the last ferry, guests staying in these riverside lodgings get to enjoy the entire tranquil island under the starry night sky and wake up to the poetic morning mist over the water.

Throughout the island, rustic restaurants serving warm Korean dishes, traditional teahouses, and open-air cafés are seamlessly integrated into the woods, offering resting spots wherever your feet take you.

Helpful Travel Tip : Ferry & Admission Fees

 Entering the island involves buying a symbolic "visa" to the Naminara Republic, which covers both the round-trip ferry ride and admission to the island

Adults : 16,000 KRW
Children (Elementary school & toddlers over 36 months) : 10,000 KRW (Free under 36 months)
Discount Rate (Seniors aged 70+, middle/high school students, and visitors with disability registration) : 13,000 KRW

When the Roles Reversed : Pushing My Daughter’s Wheelchair

Here was where our day took an unexpected, hilarious turn.

Because her leg was hurting, we rented a wheelchair on the island so she wouldn't have to limp across the vast grounds. And so, the scene unfolded:

I — a 76-year-old grandmother and technically the official member of the disability association — ended up pushing the wheelchair, while my healthy, grown daughter sat comfortably inside!

To everyone passing us along the scenic dirt paths, it looked entirely like a devoted mother accompanying her disabled daughter on an outing. It was a complete reversal of roles — what we call in Korean jugaek-jeondo (주객전도, the guest turning into the host).

Pushing a wheelchair across the island trails was certainly a solid workout for my arms and back. But under the clear, sunny early Autumn sky, surrounded by the gentle rustle of leaves, I couldn't help but laugh out loud.

There was something undeniably warm and joyous about it. Decades ago, I pushed her in a baby stroller ; years ago, I was the one who could barely stand on injured legs. Today, having the strength in my own two feet to push my adult daughter along this scenic trail felt like an unexpected gift and a testament to health, recovery, and enduring motherly love.

The Lingering Warmth of Early Autumn

Nami Island is lovely for its scenery, but travel is ultimately about the memories we weave with the people beside us.

We laughed through the awkwardness of our reversed roles, took deep breaths of fresh river air, and admired the quiet beauty of an island that makes everyone feel welcome. If you ever visit South Korea in the autumn, make time for Nami Island — and don't forget to savor both the fiery Dakgalbi and the laughter of unexpected moments.

                                            -   Written with warmth by K-Granny from Seoul