Nami Island (Namiseom)

Nami Island is a half-moon-shaped inland island formed when the Cheongpyeong Dam was built in 1944. It shot to fame as a filming location for the 2002 K-drama 'Winter Sonata,' attracting visitors from across Asia. In 2006, the island declared itself the whimsical 'Naminara Republic,' complete with its own entry stamps and currency. The island's main attraction is its tree-lined avenues — metasequoia, ginkgo, and pine tree paths that transform completely with each season. The crimson metasequoia leaves in autumn (October-November) are the most famous, but winter brings illumination festivals and snow-draped trees straight out of a fairytale. Spring has cherry blossoms, summer a lush green tunnel. From Seoul, take the ITX-Cheongchun train to Gapyeong Station (~1 hour), then a shuttle bus to the ferry dock (5 min) and a ferry to the island (5 min). Rent a bike to loop the island — it takes about 40 minutes. For a thrill, you can also enter via zipline.