Nami-seom, a river island of stories near Chuncheon
Published on 08/22/2026 at 10:21 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
Nami-seom near Chuncheon in South Korea is a half-moon shaped river island where dense tree avenues, outdoor art and family-friendly attractions share a compact landscape. Formed when the Bukhan River was raised by the Cheongpyeong Dam in 1944, the island later became a privately developed resort and cultural park named for General Nami of the Joseon Dynasty.half-moon shaped river island
Trees, paths and the shape of the island
Nami-seom sits in the Bukhan River in Gangwon Province, separated from the surrounding mainland by a ring of water that emphasises its compact outline.sits in the middle of the Bukhan River The island’s plan is often described as half-moon shaped, a gentle curve of land that visitors trace on foot or by bicycle around its perimeter.half-moon shaped island
The core of Nami-seom is its long, straight tree-lined paths, with metasequoia, ginkgo and other species planted in deliberate rows to create green corridors through the island’s interior.metasequoia lane lined with tall trees Between these avenues, open lawns, small gardens and patches of woodland break up the space, so a walk around the island continually alternates between shaded paths and wider clearings. The river remains visible at many points, with views across to the surrounding hills of Gangwon Province.
From riverside hill to cultural park
The land that became Nami-seom was originally a riverside hill in the Bukhan River valley, turning into an island when the Cheongpyeong Dam elevated the water level in 1944.construction of Cheongpyeong Dam in 1944 In the mid-1960s Min Byeong-do purchased the island, and in 1966 Gyeongchun Tourism Development Co., Ltd. was established to develop it as a general resort.Min Byeong-do bought the island in 1965 Large-scale tree planting followed, turning formerly bare ground into a forested landscape laid out for leisurely walks.
The island takes its name from General Nami, a military commander of the Joseon Dynasty whose memory is honoured through a tomb and memorial space on site.tomb of General Nami Over the late twentieth century Nami-seom was developed into a cultural park operated under the playful name Naminara Republic, complete with its own symbolic “republic” identity and a mix of gardens, small museums and themed corners rather than a single dominant attraction.concept of Fairy Tale Village and Song Village
Fairy-tale corners, museums and film locations
Nami-seom’s present character is shaped by small-scale cultural spaces dotted through the trees, many of them aimed at children and families. Fairy Tale Village and Song Village bring together sculptures, play structures and references to stories and music, while the Imaginary Playground offers a cluster of playful installations in bright colours among the planting.Fairy Tale Village and Song Village Alongside these, the Song Museum presents material on Korean music, and picture-book themed spaces such as the Andersen Picture Book Center invite visitors into illustrated worlds.UNICEF Hall and Andersen Picture Book Center
The island has also become known as a filming location for the KBS television drama “Winter Sonata”, with specific spots such as the metasequoia-lined lane associated with scenes from the series.filming stage for Winter Sonata Contemporary art and sculpture are integrated into the landscape, from gardens like Choensatap and Choengyeongwon with traditional elements to galleries featuring works by invited artists.Choensatap Garden and Choengyeongwon Garden At the southern end, Hotel Jeonggwanru offers rooms designed by artists and looks out over the river, reinforcing the island’s dual role as a place to stay and a cultural park.
Visiting Nami-seom: what travellers from Western Europe should know
- Nami-seom lies in the Bukhan River near Chuncheon in Gangwon Province, reached from the mainland wharf by a short ferry crossing or other local transport across the water.
- The island is largely flat, with long level paths through the trees; walks between different themed areas and gardens cover a noticeable but manageable distance on foot.
- Nami-seom is outside the UK, Ireland and the EU. Entry requirements depend on your nationality; UK travellers can check the FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Irish travellers the Department of Foreign Affairs at ireland.ie.
Searching for Nami-seom on social platforms
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Frequently asked questions about Nami-seom
Where is Nami-seom located?
Nami-seom is a river island in the Bukhan River in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, in the northern part of South Korea.
What can visitors expect on a visit to Nami-seom?
Visitors encounter long tree-lined paths, themed gardens, small museums, playful art installations and river views within a compact island reached by ferry.
What makes Nami-seom distinctive among river islands?
Its half-moon shape, dense avenues of planted trees, and the mix of fairy-tale themed spaces, music museums and film locations give Nami-seom a strongly curated character.
