"The Era of Snap-and-Go Travel Is Over"... Nami Island Leads the 'Stay-Type Art Stay' Travel Trend
by Lee jonggu
Published 20 Apr.2026 13:17(KST)
Hotel Jungwanru Combines Exhibition and Accommodation
Gaining Popularity as an "Illustration Art Hotel"
Expansion of Pet-Friendly Infrastructure with Pet-Friendly Passport
Surge in Overnight Visitors Staying for Two Days
Abundant Cultural and Culinary Content Linked to the "2026 Nami Island World Book Festival" in May
Nami Island, one of South Korea's leading tourist destinations, is evolving from a simple day trip spot into a "destination to stay," where visitors can enjoy accommodations, gourmet experiences, and the arts all at once.
According to Nami Island on April 20, as the travel market's focus has recently shifted toward "stay-type tourism," the island is gaining attention by leveraging its unique on-island infrastructure to offer a variety of content that allows visitors to relax fully by staying for more than a day.
At the heart of the Nami Island stay experience is Hotel Jungwanru, which provides accommodation within the island. This space reflects the vision of being a "pure garden of culture, art, and natural ecology." A key feature is that the stay itself is designed to be the core experience of the trip. The main building, Jungwanjae, is an "illustration art hotel" decorated with award-winning works from Nami Concours-Asia's largest picture book illustration competition-as well as pieces by renowned artists worldwide. Each guest room is curated to be comparable to an exhibition space, allowing guests to naturally experience culture and art during their stay.
The annex consists of independent rooms along the riverside, offering a private space for complete relaxation. Some rooms are operated as pet-friendly accommodations where guests can stay with their dogs. The rooms are equipped with dedicated bowls, beds, and potty supplies to ensure both guardians and pets are comfortable. Notably, televisions are intentionally omitted from the rooms, encouraging guests to focus on the sounds of nature. This is Hotel Jungwanru's unique approach to providing true relaxation in a tranquil environment.
Gastronomy is also a key pillar of the Nami Island stay experience. The island features a variety of dining options, including Korean, Western, and cafes, each offering a differentiated experience with unique concepts and menus. Restaurants such as "Nammun," which serves lotus leaf rice set meals; "Seomhyanggi," where visitors can enjoy Chuncheon-style Dakgalbi; "Dongmun," which is halal-certified; and "Ddanje Pub," specializing in authentic wood-fired pizza, are all open to guests. Some establishments, like "Gomok," are pet-friendly. Most dining venues have outdoor terrace seating, allowing guests to enjoy relaxed meals surrounded by nature.
Additionally, cafes such as "Meta Lounge," "Swing Cafe & Bakery," and "Tea House Chadam," along with outdoor gourmet offerings like "Forest Glamping" and "Starry Night Romantic Barbecue," further enhance the experience. These elements elevate satisfaction with stay-type travel. In particular, on Nami Island, where cherry blossoms bloom slightly later than in the Seoul metropolitan area, visitors can enjoy double cherry blossoms in full bloom, adding to the island's seasonal charm in late spring.
Across the island, a variety of nature-based activities are available. Walking trails are centered around the Central Pine Tree Road and Metasequoia Road, making them ideal for leisurely strolls, especially with dogs. With transportation options such as electric bicycles and the Nanum Train, visitors can conveniently tour the island. There is also "Together Park," a dedicated 990-square-meter space for dogs, where they can roam freely off-leash-a feature highly appreciated by visitors traveling with pets.
Furthermore, the "Pet-Friendly Passport" service enhances both the convenience and experience of traveling with dogs. Offered in the form of an annual membership, this passport allows unlimited access to Nami Island for one year. Passport holders receive tangible benefits, including admission perks, special rates for one accompanying guest, priority reservation and breakfast discounts at Hotel Jungwanru, as well as discounts on dining and activities throughout the island.
A Nami Island representative stated, "There is a growing demand for travel experiences that combine accommodation, gourmet dining, and walking amidst nature," adding, "We will continue to enhance the environment to accommodate a variety of travel styles, including those accompanied by pets."
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