Nami Island & Rail Bike: Private Day Tour with Local Guide

Summary

Private tour to Nami Island with rail bike and local stories

You’ll drift from Seoul to Nami Island with a local guide sharing stories along the way, walk under towering trees and snack on roasted chestnuts, pedal a rail bike beside the river (yes, it’s as fun as it sounds), then wander through either Petite France or peaceful gardens before heading back—feeling lighter than when you left.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled out of Seoul just after breakfast, still half-asleep, but our guide—Mr. Kim—had this easy way of chatting that woke us up more than the coffee did. He pointed out little things as we drove northeast: the way the mountains folded into each other, old villages tucked behind rice fields. I kept catching glimpses of the Han River flashing silver between trees. The drive to Nami Island isn’t short (maybe 1.5 hours?), but it didn’t drag at all—there was always something new outside the window or some story about Korean dramas being filmed nearby.

Getting to Nami Island itself felt like stepping into a postcard, but not in a cheesy way. There’s this hush when you first walk under those tall metasequoia trees—just wind in the leaves and a faint smell of roasted chestnuts from one of the food stalls (I caved and bought some; no regrets). Mr. Kim showed us where couples hang little locks on the bridge, and he laughed when I tried to read one out loud in Korean. We wandered for ages, stopping for photos and just watching families picnicking by the water. Honestly, I didn’t expect to feel so relaxed there.

After that, we headed over to the rail bike park—not something I’d usually pick, but it was weirdly fun. You pedal these four-wheeled bikes along an old railway track right by the river, legs burning a bit but mostly just laughing at how off-sync we were. The air smelled like pine needles and river mud, which sounds odd but felt fresh after Seoul’s traffic. At one point, a train passed on the new tracks above us and everyone waved—it was such a small thing but made me grin.

Depending on your mood (and maybe how tired your legs are), you can finish at Petite France or the Garden of Morning Calm. We picked Petite France because my friend is obsessed with K-dramas—she kept pointing out filming spots while I mostly watched kids chasing bubbles in front of pastel houses. The whole place has this slightly surreal vibe; French music playing somewhere in the background, bright blue shutters against cloudy skies. On the drive back, I realized I hadn’t checked my phone for hours—which almost never happens—and I still think about that.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Nami Island and Rail Bike

• Visit Nami Island
• Ride Rail Bike

Day 2 — Visit Petite France or Garden Calm

• Tour Petite France
• Explore Garden of Morning Calm

Top questions

How long does it take to get from Seoul to Nami Island?

The drive from Seoul to Nami Island takes about 1.5 hours depending on traffic.

Is hotel pickup included in this private tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for tourist hotels in Seoul.

Can I choose between Petite France or Garden of Morning Calm?

Yes, after visiting Nami Island and riding the rail bike, you can choose either Petite France or Garden of Morning Calm for your final stop.

Are entrance fees covered in this day trip?

All entrance fees are included in the private tour price.

Is lunch provided during this tour?

No traditional lunch is specified as included; however, there are food stalls available at stops like Nami Island.

Is this tour suitable for families with young children?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed.

What language does the guide speak?

The driving guide speaks fluent English throughout the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation with air conditioning, hotel pickup and drop-off at your tourist hotel in Seoul, all entry fees for Nami Island plus either Petite France or Garden of Morning Calm (your choice), tickets for the riverside rail bike ride—and plenty of stories from your English-speaking local guide along the way.