Mt. Seorak, Nami Island & Garden of Morning Calm Day Trip

Summary

Mt. Seorak’s misty peaks, Nami’s tree paths and secret garden lights

You’ll start in Seoul and wind through Mt. Seorak’s wild peaks, stroll tree-lined paths on Nami Island (yes, those ones), and end among glowing lanterns at the Garden of Morning Calm—all with a local guide handling tickets and stories along the way. Expect moments of quiet awe mixed with laughter and maybe a little surprise at how much fits into one day.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered if a place could really look like those old K-drama scenes? I did too, honestly. Our day started early in Seoul — still half-asleep at Hongik Station, clutching coffee from a convenience store (the kind that tastes oddly comforting when you’re nervous-excited). There were about ten of us in the van, all shuffling for window seats. Our guide, Minji, had this gentle way of explaining things — she pointed out how the city faded into mountains before I even realized we’d left the skyline behind.

Mt. Seorak was first, and it’s bigger than I expected — sharp rocks jutting up through clouds, air that smelled faintly piney and cold even in late spring. We skipped the cable car (it wasn’t running), so Minji led us along a trail toward Shinheungsa Temple instead. There was this moment where everything went quiet except for bird calls and someone’s jacket rustling — I caught myself just… standing there staring at the peaks. Not sure why that sticks with me now.

Nami Island came next after a short ferry ride — which was packed but somehow cheerful, everyone snapping photos over the railings. The famous metasequoia path is real; it’s not just Instagram magic. Couples walked hand-in-hand under yellow leaves (I went solo but didn’t feel out of place). There were art installations tucked between trees — some made me laugh out loud because they’re so random, like a giant book or rainbow benches. Minji told us about “Winter Sonata” filming here; she even hummed part of the theme song while we walked (I pretended to know it).

The last stop was the Garden of Morning Calm. It’s quieter than Nami but more colorful — winding paths with lanterns dangling from branches, little bridges over ponds where koi drifted by lazily. The light shifted as dusk crept in and suddenly everything felt softer, almost unreal. I tried to take photos but none really captured it right. We piled back into the van tired but kind of wired from all that beauty crammed into one day trip from Seoul. Still thinking about that hush in Seorak — you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Mt. Seorak, Nami Island, Garden

• Travel from Seoul to Mt. Seorak
• Visit Seoraksan National Park and Shinheungsa Temple
• Hike or take cable car at Seorak
• Travel to Nami Island
• Explore Nami Island walking paths and art
• Travel to Garden of Morning Calm
• Visit Garden of Morning Calm and enjoy scenery
• Return to Seoul

Top questions

How long does the Mt. Seorak, Nami Island & Garden of Morning Calm day trip take?

The tour lasts around 14 hours including travel time from Seoul.

Is pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, pickup is available at Hongik Univ. Station Exit 8 or Myeongdong Station Exit 4 in Seoul.

Are entrance tickets included for all sites?

Yes, entry fees for Mt. Seorak, Nami Island ferry ticket, and Garden of Morning Calm are included.

Can I do hiking at Mt. Seorak during this tour?

You can hike an easy trail or take the cable car if available; during fall foliage season you'll visit Jujeongol Valley for hiking instead.

Is lunch provided on this tour?

No lunch is included; you should bring your own or buy food at stops along the way.

Is this tour suitable for families with young children?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; infants can join free if sitting on an adult's lap.

Does this tour run year-round?

Yes, but some routes may change depending on weather or season—especially during autumn foliage season.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from central Seoul by air-conditioned minivan, entry tickets to Mt. Seorak (with access to Shinheungsa Temple), ferry ticket to Nami Island, admission to the Garden of Morning Calm, plus an English-speaking local guide who handles logistics so you can just enjoy each spot without worrying about details.