Mt. Seorak & Nami Island Day Trip with Optional Rail Bike

Summary

Tree-lined walks, mountain air and a rail bike ride near Seoul

You’ll feel mountain air on your face at Mt. Seorak, pedal along riverside tracks if you pick the rail bike option, and wander under golden trees on Nami Island—all with pickup from Seoul and an easygoing local guide who knows every shortcut. Expect small surprises: wildflowers in stone cracks, laughter echoing over a railway bridge, maybe even roasted chestnuts if you’re lucky.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was the way the morning light bounced off those jagged rocks at Mt. Seorak—almost too sharp to look at straight on. Our guide, Minji, handed us tickets with a grin and pointed out some wildflowers I’d never seen before (she called them “dallae,” I think). The air smelled like pine needles and cold stone, and there was this hush except for a few hikers chatting in Korean behind us. We had the choice to hike or take the cable car up—my legs said cable car, but honestly, even just standing there watching clouds snag on the peaks felt like enough.

We piled back into the minivan (air conditioning on full blast—thank God) and headed towards Gapyeong for the rail bike option. That part’s totally up to you, but I’d say do it if you like feeling a breeze in your face while pedaling past rice paddies and river bends. There was this moment crossing the railway bridge over Bukhan River where everyone just went quiet for a second—except for one guy who let out a whoop that echoed down the valley. Kind of broke the spell but made me laugh.

Nami Island came last, but it’s what I remember most clearly. You step off the ferry and suddenly it’s all tall metasequoia trees in perfect lines and couples taking selfies under yellow ginkgo leaves (even saw someone filming what looked like a K-drama scene). The smell of roasting chestnuts drifted by every now and then. Minji showed us where “Winter Sonata” was filmed—she seemed proud, even though she admitted she’d never watched it all the way through. By then my feet hurt but I didn’t really care; I just kept wandering until it was time to meet up again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Mt. Seorak and Nami Island

• Visit Seoraksan National Park
• See Shinheungsa Temple
• Hike or take cable car
• Ride rail bike at Bukhan River
• Visit Nami Island

Top questions

How long is the Mt. Seorak & Nami Island day trip?

The tour lasts about 14 hours including travel from Seoul.

Is pickup included for this day trip from Seoul?

Yes, pickup is included from Hongik Univ. Station Exit 8 or Myeongdong Station Exit 4.

Can I choose to skip the rail bike part?

Yes, the rail bike is optional—you can select it when booking.

Are entry fees for Mt. Seorak and Nami Island included?

Yes, entrance tickets for both Mt. Seorak and Nami Island are included in your tour price.

Is lunch provided during this tour?

No lunch is included; you’ll have time to buy food at stops.

What happens if weather affects the cable car at Mt. Seorak?

The cable car may not operate in bad weather; an alternate hiking route will be offered during fall foliage season.

How physically demanding is this tour?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; hiking is optional.

Are infants allowed on this day trip?

Infants (0-2) can join free if they don’t occupy their own seat.

What’s included

Your day includes shared transport by air-conditioned minivan from central Seoul pickup points, entrance tickets for both Mt. Seorak and Nami Island, ferry ticket to Nami Island, plus an English-speaking guide who keeps things relaxed throughout—and if you want more adventure, shared seats on the Gapyeong rail bike are covered when you select that option at booking.