Nami Island & Eobi Ice Wall Day Trip from Seoul with Pickup

Summary

Day trip from Seoul to Nami Island Eobi Valley & garden lights

You’ll start your day leaving Seoul behind for icy Eobi Valley before crossing by ferry to wander Nami Island’s tree-lined paths with free time for lunch. As night falls, explore the glowing Garden of Morning Calm Light Festival at your own pace before heading back — it’s a day full of small surprises and moments you’ll want to remember.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely left the city behind when our guide, Minji, started telling stories about Eobi Valley — something about fish that used to leap out of the water here because no one fished them. I didn’t expect the drive out of Seoul to feel so quick; one minute we were dodging traffic near Hongdae, and then suddenly there was frost on the windows and those blue-grey mountains in the distance. When we finally stepped out at Eobi Valley, it hit me how cold it really was — that sharp, nose-tingling kind of cold. The ice wall looked almost unreal, like someone had pressed pause on a waterfall. Minji pointed out a spot for photos but honestly, I just wanted to stand there for a second and listen to the water moving under all that ice. It smelled clean — like snow and pine needles.

Nami Island came next. There’s this little ferry you take across (the ticket’s included), and I remember my hands going numb holding onto the rail. The island itself is quieter than I thought it would be — tall trees lined up like soldiers and these little pockets where people were eating lunch or just wandering around. We had free time here, so I grabbed some hot tteokbokki from a stall (spicy enough to make my eyes water) and just walked until my feet hurt. There was this couple taking wedding photos under bare branches; they looked freezing but happy. I tried saying “thank you” in Korean when someone handed me directions — probably butchered it because she laughed but smiled anyway.

The Garden of Morning Calm was our last stop, right as dusk started creeping in. Minji handed us tickets at the gate and told us to take our time — “don’t rush,” she said, “the lights are better after dark.” She was right. The whole place glowed: blues and pinks tangled in tree branches, soft music playing somewhere off in the distance. My phone camera couldn’t really catch it; sometimes you just have to stand there and let your eyes adjust. I still think about that quiet walk back toward the bus with my breath fogging up in front of me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Eobi Valley, Nami Island, and Garden

• Pick up at Hongik University Station
• Travel to Eobi Valley
• Explore Eobi Valley with guide
• Travel to Nami Island
• Receive ship tickets and board ship
• Free sightseeing and lunch at Nami Island
• Travel to The Garden of Morning Calm
• Enter and enjoy night view at Garden
• Return to Seoul

Top questions

How long does the Nami Island & Eobi Ice Wall day trip take?

The tour is a full-day trip departing Seoul in the morning and returning in the evening.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

No hotel pickup, but there are three central meeting points in Seoul: Hongik University Station Exit 4 (9:50), Myeongdong Shinsegae Duty Free (10:20), Dongdaemun History & Culture Park station Exit 10 (10:30).

Are entry tickets included for all attractions?

Yes, admission tickets for Eobi Valley, Nami Island ferry, and Garden of Morning Calm are included.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

No set lunch is provided; you have free time on Nami Island to buy your own lunch.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?

The tour requires moderate physical fitness; not recommended for those with poor cardiovascular health.

Can I bring service animals on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

What should I wear for visiting Eobi Valley's ice wall?

Dress warmly with good shoes as it can be very cold and icy at Eobi Valley.

How much free time do we get at each stop?

You’ll have free time at both Eobi Valley and Nami Island; timing varies depending on group pace but is enough to explore each area comfortably.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transportation from central Seoul meeting points, entry tickets for Eobi Valley’s ice wall, Nami Island ferry crossing, admission to the Garden of Morning Calm Light Festival after dark, plus a professional guide throughout — just bring warm clothes and some cash for lunch on Nami Island before heading back together in the evening.