Korea 2016: Nami Island

“Namiseom Island was formed as a result of the construction of Cheongpyeong Dam. It is a half moon-shaped isle, and on it is the grave of General Nami, who led a great victory against the rebels in the 13th year of the 7th king of the Joseon Dynasty, King Sejo (reign 1455-1468).” -from Visit Korea website 🙂

After our amazing race-style tour in Petite France, Daniel our tour guide drove some 20 minutes to another popular tourist destination in Korea, the Nami Island. If Petite France is popular because of hit Korean TV show “My Love from the Star”, Nami Island was more popularized because of “Endless Love: Winter Sonata” (remember Jodi and Cholo?).

To get to Nami Island (or Naminara Republic, which implies itself to be a different country from Korea, for representation purposes only) we had to get our “visas” (a.k.a. tickets) and go through “immigration”.

Since it’s an island we have to board a ferry. It was just a short 5-minute voyage, so it’s okay to just stand and savor the view. There are very few seats inside, anyway.

“We’re all Naminarans.” Sweet

We have arrived! Hi there, sexy ladeh

Being in the right place at the wrong time kind of hurts. I thought it would be spring time on the travel dates I chose, but it turned out to be too early for spring (no cherry blossoms) and too late for winter (no snow). Though we saw some leftover snow upon arriving in Nami Island.

Mama: Anak nakahawak na ako ng snow Me: Mama may nag-defrost lang ng freezer

Nami Island is also famous for its perfectly straight tree-lined paths. Since we had limited time to tour the place, we bought tickets to 20-minute electric car tour with tour guide, which unfortunately spoke in Korean so we didn’t understand a word he said. Apart maybe from “Hello!”. Hello from the other side. It costs 5000 KRW (about PHP200). I just took a video of the whole tour.

We are really good at nailing awkward poses

Looks like a scene straight from Koreanovela – lovers biking around! Just where the heck is my Korean-looking boyfriend when I need him

They say the lake becomes frozen during winter. I wonder if they can skate there?

Some statues and a Hanok (little house) at the back, where the kids can comfortably fit. Probably me too, but didn’t try

So this is the secret to those perfectly upright trees!

There is no denying that this place is beautiful even when the trees are not in full bloom. I can only imagine the beauty of this place during the peaks of all the seasons. That gives me more reason to visit Korea again in the near future.

Look at this lonely bench

Which I occupied, because GGSS (Gandang Ganda Sa Surroundings)

Papunta pa lang kayo, pabalik na kami

Goodbye for now, Nami Island! I shall return 🙂