Autumn in South Korea – Nami Island

This is definitely the highlight of our Autumn Trip here in Korea. It would not be complete without making a trip here to Nami Island. As for Malaysian, Nami Island’s popularity really zoomed up after the popular K-Drama, Winter Sonata dated way back in the year of 2002. If you just wondering whether we did watched the drama or not? We have not. We’re not a K-Drama fan as well as K-Pop too!

Oh ya, Nami Island is located 63 kilometres away from Seoul town, right in the middle of the Han River. It was mentioned that the island looks similar to a floating leaf on top of Cheongpyeong Lake and it was formed by the rising water of the North Han River as the result of the construction of Cheongpyeong Dam in 1944. Nami Island was actually name after General Nami, a notable figure in Korean history who courageously fought in battles and died at a very young age of 26 years old.

There’s a few way of getting yourself to Nami Island. You can get there with a direct shuttle bus from Insadong or even Jamsil with the price of KRW 15,000 for a round trip. The bus stop is located nearby the West Gate of Tapgol Park and right in front of Lotte Mart located at Jamsil Station. As we’re running out of time and could not commit to a fix bus schedule, we opt to use the subway which goes directly to Gapyeong Station. The only setback is that the train are normally full of locals especially in the morning. You might not get a seat all the way to Gapyeong. But it’s cheap. Real cheap! Just bare with it.

You will reach Gapyeong Station approximately in 1 hour and 15 minutes. Just a rough estimation. Again, it all depends on the train waiting time. From Gapyeong, a 10 minutes taxi ride will cost about KRW 3,000 which bring you all the way to the Jetty Terminal. Or you can actually opt for a shuttle bus with the price of KRW 5,000 that bring you to some other location such as The Petite France.

The friendly taxi driver

The Jetty Terminal. It’s time to get your ticket. A foreigner visa will cost about KRW 8,000 per person including a round trip ferry and tax too.

It was so cold at that time where everybody tried to squeeze in to the internal compartment of the ferry.

The beautiful view of Han River

You know that you are arriving in Nami Island when you see this. Welcome to Naminara Republic.

With a maps in hand, we decided to walk through the Central Korean Pine Tree Lane which covered The Song Village and also the location of the Winter Sonata first kiss. You’ll be welcomed with rows of trees together with the flags from all around the world. There’s always an immense feeling of proud seeing Malaysia’s flag outside the country.

Winter Sonata First Kiss, Opsssss!

This is gonna be the highlight of this trip to Nami Island where this is the best place to experience autumn in Korea. You’ll get to see the beautiful autumn foliage in yellow, orange and even red colors if you here just right in time. In 1965, thousand of trees were planted by Mr. Byeong-Do Minn and that’s the reason why we can see this rows tree today. As for us, some of the best location are The Lane of True Lane and Ginkgo Tree Lane.

The Lane of True Lane, smaller trees compared to the Gingko Tree Lane

The beautiful Ginkgo Tree Lane. We spent most of time here.

Just to get some break from the overdose autumn foliage, we decided to hop in to some of the exhibition hall, stages, art shop and facilities around the island.

Art Shop and Gallery

UNICEF Exhibition Hall

The N Gallery is attached with the Nami Library and this is where the Musolla is located.

Can you spot us?

The Unique Nami Library

On our way back to the Nami Wharf, we decided to take another route which covered the Namipungwon Garden and the White Birch Grove too. You’ll get to see more people having their own sweet time by having picnic and playing games on the field.

Another best spot is definitely the Riverside Walking Course area. One word – PICTURESQUE! It’s one of the best scenery ever here in Nami Island. Feeling blessed to see this beautiful Allah S.W.T. creation. Subhanallah. And the best part is that, it’s quiet and calm here. It came to the extend that it’s actually hard for us to get people to snap a photo for both of us.

As what we can see, today, Nami Island is definitely a place for local and tourist come to rest and relax. It’s also a place where human beings, animals and trees share peace, love and harmony far away from the crowds, hustle bustle and civilization. It comes to an end and it’s time to bid farewell. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

We will continue our journey on N Seoul Tower (Namsan Tower).

Simply us,
Zara AB & FF
The Province of Chroma