Seoul Searching | Nami Island.

After visiting Petite France, we boarded the 3:50 pm ride of the Gapyeong Tour Bus using the same tour ticket that we purchased earlier. About thirty minutes later, the bus took a stop at the Nami Ferry Terminal for those who will visit Nami Island, and to pick up passengers for its next destination, the Garden of the Morning Calm.

Nami Immigration (aka Ferry Terminal).

Tickets to Nami Island are purchased at the ferry terminal, otherwise known as the 'Nami Immigration'. Regular rate is 10000 Korean won, but foreigners can avail of the discounted rate at 8000 Korean won. Kids between 3-13 years old have a special rate of 4000 Korean won. Rates include taxes and the round-trip ferry fare.

The ferry.

From the immigration area, we took a short walk to the Gapyeong Wharf and waited for the ferry to arrive. If you're a bit more adventurous, there is another way to get to Nami Island - via Zip Line. We didn't consider this option, though. Haha!

Yue's first ferry ride! :)

After a brief ride on the ferry, here we are, basking in the beauty of Nami Island. :)

Nami, finally!

Lots and lots of pictures after the jump! :)

Situated 63 kilometers from Seoul, in the middle of Han River, Nami Island looks like a leaf floating gracefully on top of the Cheongpyeong Lake. The island has an area of 460,000 square meters and a circumference of 5 kilometers.

Lovely Nami.

Map of the Naminara Republic.

Famous for its tree-lined roads, Nami Island is also the resting place of General Nami, a notable figure in Korean history who courageously fought in battles during the reign of King Sejo, the 7th king of the Joseon dynasty. 

Poem by General Nami.

A special feature of Nami Island is that there are no telephone poles. This is because all electric wires were built underground to keep the natural feeling of the landscape.

The famous tree lanes of Nami Island.

Warming up at the fireplace by the Nami Kiln. 

Hamming it up for the camera.

Ice blocks lined up on one side of the Island. I guess they're building an igloo or something? :)

Animals also roam freely in Nami Island, such as these ostriches which kids particularly love. Squirrels, deer, rabbits, and ducks can also be found in Nami Island, but I didn't have the chance to take photos of them. It's so hard to take photos when your hands are freezing from the cold!

Yue loves these ostriches!

Here's a bit of trivia: In 2010, Nami Island became the 14th park in the world to be designated as a UNICEF Child-Friendly Park - a first in Korea.

UNICEF Child-Friendly Park.

UNICEF Charity Train.

UNICEF Hall.

The playground located next to the UNICEF Hall.

There are lots of small themed gardens scattered all over Nami Island, but I guess the most popular of all is the Lover's Woods - made famous by the 2002 Korean drama 'Winter Sonata'.

First Kiss. :)

The Glass Sequoia Bridge, made from recycled materials.

If you're a fan of the drama, or Kdrama fans in general, you shouldn't miss the chance to visit this place and take lots of photos while you're at it. :)

The filming location of Joon Sang and Yoo Jin's First Kiss.

The famous snowman couple.

The Winter Sonata statue, located at the far end of Nami Island.

Nami Island

1 Namisum-gil, Namsan-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do
Telephone No. +8231-580-8114

Nami Immigration (Entry Wharf)
1024 Bukhangangbyeon-ro, Gapyeong-eup, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do
Telephone No. +8231-580-8153