Nami Island, Alpaca World & Garden of Morning Calm Day Trip

Summary

Stroll tree-lined paths on Nami Island meet alpacas and wander peaceful gardens

You’ll feed friendly alpacas in mountain air, pedal across rivers on the Gapyeong rail bike (if you choose), wander Nami Island’s famous tree-lined roads, and end your day surrounded by flowers at Garden of Morning Calm—all with easy transfers and entry tickets included. Expect laughter, quiet moments, and maybe a new favorite snack.

What’s the experience like?

Li, our guide, handed me a little cup of feed and said, “Don’t be shy—they’re gentle!” I was honestly more nervous than I thought I’d be about meeting alpacas at Alpaca World. Their soft noses brushed my palm, and one gave a tiny snort that made everyone laugh. The air up there in the woods smelled green—sort of damp earth and pine needles—and it felt like we were miles from any city. There were a few kids running around, chasing each other between the trees, but mostly it was just quiet except for the animals. Li told us these alpacas are actually pretty famous on Korean social media—I guess now I know why.

The Gapyeong rail bike was next (you can skip it if you want, but honestly, pedaling over that river bridge is something). The rails rattled under us as we crossed above the Bukhan River—my legs burned a little but in a good way. At one point we went through this tunnel lined with old zelkova trees; sunlight flickered through so fast it felt like blinking. Someone behind us started singing an old K-pop song—no idea which—but it just kind of fit. If you’re thinking about a day trip to Nami Island from Seoul, this part adds a bit of adventure before all the slow wandering later.

Nami Island itself was busier than I expected—lots of couples taking photos under those famous tree-lined roads. We took the ferry across (there’s also a zip wire if you’re braver than me), and the water looked silver in the afternoon light. There’s this hush when you first step onto the island—even with people around—and suddenly you notice how tall the trees are. Our guide pointed out General Nami’s grave (I’d never heard that story before), then let us roam free for an hour or so. I bought hotteok from a stall—sticky, sweet, still too hot to eat right away—and sat watching people try to recreate Winter Sonata scenes for their phones. Not sure I nailed my selfie.

The last stop was Garden of Morning Calm. It’s hard to describe without sounding cheesy—it really does feel peaceful though. The paths curve everywhere; nothing is straight or predictable, and every turn has some new color or scent (in June it was all green and little bursts of pink flowers). Li said they designed it to reflect Korean harmony with nature—I think I got that feeling just sitting by a pond for ten minutes doing nothing at all. By then my feet hurt but in that good way where you know you’ve seen something real. Still thinking about those alpacas though.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Alpaca World and Nami Island

• Meet and interact with alpacas
• Ride Gapyeong Rail Bike
• Explore Nami Island by ferry
• Visit Garden of Morning Calm

Top questions

How far is Nami Island from Seoul?

Nami Island is about 63 km away from Seoul.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

No, lunch isn’t included—you can buy snacks or meals at stops like Nami Island.

Can I skip the rail bike part?

Yes, the Gapyeong rail bike is optional when booking this tour.

Are entrance fees for attractions included?

Yes, entry tickets for Alpaca World and Nami Island are included in your booking.

Is there hotel pickup for this tour?

The tour includes pickup at designated meeting locations; check your option when booking.

Is this tour suitable for families with children?

Yes, it’s suitable for all ages—infants need to sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

How do you get to Nami Island during the tour?

You’ll take a round-trip ferry ride to reach Nami Island; zip wire is also available but not standard.

What’s special about Garden of Morning Calm?

The garden features curved paths and seasonal flowers designed to reflect Korean natural beauty and harmony.

What’s included

Your day includes shared transport by air-conditioned vehicle from Seoul, round-trip ferry tickets for Nami Island, entrance fees for both Alpaca World and Garden of Morning Calm (and Gapyeong rail bike if selected), plus plenty of time to explore each place at your own pace before heading back together in the evening.