Nami Island in South Korea

Pahoua Thao

Nami Island is a half-moon-shaped isle near Seoul. Featured on the

famous Korean drama, ‘Winter Sonata,’ this romantic destination is a
real charmer. Magic and unique, the islet of Nami declared cultural
independence from Korea, calling itself the Naminara Republic.

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© 2014-2021 KlOOK
Nami Island has been attracting many K-drama lovers since the early 2000s. It
was popularised by Winter Sonata 겨울연가 (2002), an iconic K-drama that
certainly ignited the Korean Wave worldwide. Nami Island is an hour’s drive
from Seoul city. It’s the perfect place for anyone who wants to escape from the
rapid city pace and just relax within nature. Nami is exceptionally beautiful
during Autumn. Rows of pine and maple trees turn red, and transform the
island into a huge pumpkin spice latte. We were there in early Autumn and the
foliages were still green. But in Nov, Nami Island comes alive in a sea of red and
gold. You should definitely try the hotteok ( 호떡 ) — a popular Korean red bean
pancake — from the Nami Island Sonata Cafe ($1.50/pc). The hotteoks are
freshly prepared, and make a great treat after the long walks around Nami
Island. Fun fact about Nami Island is that the island declared its “cultural
independence” on 1 Mar 2006. This imaginary “country” has invented its own
passport, currency, stamp, and even telephone card.
Getting There
1. Subway or Metro- From Yongsan Station ( 용산역 ) →
Sangbong Stn ( 상봉역 ), Transfer to Gyeongchun Line
Sangbong Stn ( 상봉역 ) → Gapyeong Stn ( 가평역 ) which
is where the entrance to Nami Island would be. This is the
cheapest way to get there, but also the longer way. It will
take about 93 min to get there and $2.35 in total.
2. ITX-Cheongchun-A more direct option that shortens the
travelling time is the ITX. T-money (card Korean citizens use
to get around with subway) does not pay for rides on the
ITX so you’ll need to purchase a separate ticket from Korail
counters. This option will take about 60 min and cost $5.20
for allocating seats and $4.90 for standing or non-assigned.
3. Shuttle Bus- For those who prefer a smooth, fuss-free
way of getting to Gapyeong from Seoul, this all-inclusive
tour would be your best bet. Get picked up from a central
location (Hongdae, Myeongdong or Dongdaemun), and
shuttle to Gapyeong. The private bus that will bring you to
attractions you’d like to cover. Entrance tickets are also
included, so you can head straight inside. For this option,
the cost is $8.00 for the trip.
When to Come
Summer- Nami Island is a summer holiday favorite. At this
time of year, the trees are vivid green and boast peak-shade
potential. Rent a bike at the Bike Centre beside the UNICEF
Hall. Choose your pedal power: a double rider or a family-
serve bike. With the wind in your hair, cruising on a bike is a
standout way to get around, and you can make a loop of the
island in around an hour. When the heat of the day starts to
sizzle, take a refreshing summer dip in the Water Garden
Swimming Pool in Hotel Jeonggwanru. Open from July 8 to
August 21, the pool is a great way to simmer down with a
swim. Just don’t forget your cossies. The average
temperature on the island is 69 Fahrenheit to 89.
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 Fall- A fab fall foliage destination, Nami Island delivers on all
things rainbow leaves. The autumn colours deck out South
Korea around late October, staying until early November. As
vivid shades of red and orange paint the island in bright hues,
you won’t want to leave. Baekpungmilwon Garden is a
magnificent foliage garden, home to over 300 maple trees.
While you wander around looking up at the lovely leaves, you
may come across some furry friends. Animals roam free on
Nami Island, so get camera-ready for next level foliage photos,
as well as a prized snap of a Naminarian ostrich or Korean
chipmunk (niche). Instead of tacky souvenirs, why not create
your own? The Nami Island Handicraft Studio runs workshops
like lamp or ceramic making, and even metal crafting classes.
These sessions are child and group-friendly; be sure to make
your reservation in advance, so you don’t miss out. The
average temperature is 41 Fahrenheit to 55.
Bicycle Riding Winter- During winter, Nami Island gets blanketed in pristine
snow. This is real snow globe scenery; a winter wonderland
with striking views. Recreate the famous ‘Winter Sonata’
poster as you meander down Metasequoia Lane; trees either
side, festooned with the fluffy white stuff. See the iconic
statues of the TV drama stars, Bae Yong Joon and Choi Ji Woo
at Gongsaengwon Garden. Embrace like these love birds and
get a wintery pic with this romantic snowy backdrop. If you’re
a ski or snowboard fan, join the tours that take in both Nami
Island and the nearby Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort. On Nami
Island, you’re well-cared-for in winter. All around the island,
you’ll find campfires to keep your hands and hearts warm. The
average temperature is 23-24 Fahrenheit.
Spring- When the cherry blossoms flourish in South Korea,
Nami Island is pretty much heaven. In front of the Water
Stages Swimming Pool, the Cherry Tree Lane is a stretch of
ravishing pink petals. The Sakura, aka cherry blossom season,
is so fleeting, you’ve gotta get your timing right. Bloom time is
typically around March and April and lasts just a few weeks. To
maximize your chances of catching these pink beauties, check
Night lights on out various bloom forecasts before your trip.
the island 3

Night Day
While Nami can be explored on foot, there are other modes of
transport that can save you some walking and time. There’s the
Story Tour Bus, UNICEF Charity Train, Sky-bike and Electric Tri-way
bikes. Adventurous souls can even get on an exhilarating forest zip-
line in Nami Island. There are a couple of food stalls around the
ferry terminal. However, if you’re looking for a full meal, there’s a
dakgalbi restaurant near the bus stop. It’s a blue building with two
big chimpanzees on it, hence it’s hard to miss. The dakgalbi ( 닭갈
비 ), or spicy stir-fried chicken, is known to be delicious and
reasonably priced.
You can also view the cherry blossoms in other areas near
Seoul. For theme park lovers, visit the Seokchon Lake Cherry
Blossom Festival next to Lotte World in Jamsil. For history
lovers, seek out these elusive flowers in Changgyeonggung
palace, circa mid-15th century. Missing the blossoms is a
bummer, but you can still flutter over to the Hampyeong
Butterfly Festival around April and May. The Hampyeong
Butterfly Garden attracts a wide variety of butterfly species and
spring flowers, so it looks and smells beautiful.
Accommodations
Jeonggwanru Hotel- This boutique hotel and Main Building of
the Hotel Jeonggwanru complex features guestrooms by
different artists including painters, craftsmen and craftswomen,
writers and even singers-each of whom added his or her own
distinctive touches. The hotel offers rooms for from two to four
persons with either beds or Korean-style heated
floor(ondol).On return visits you may also reserve your favorite
room. This is only hotel on the Nami Island for those who want
to spent a night on the island.
Food and Beverages
Nammoon- Nammoon is Nami Island’s premier Korean
restaurant. With carefully selected, local ingredients, Nammoon
is proud to present the best Korean cuisine.
Seomhyanggi- Local specialty food from Chuncheon, Dak-galbi
(Spicy grilled chicken)
Sonata Café- Offers seasonal “Comfort foods” for take-out
which includes Binsu (shaved ice top with sweets), soft ice
cream, and Hotteok (sweet pancakes).
Tea House Chadam- Within the serenity of the beautiful nature,
Tea House Nami Island provides a balanced well-being. A
variety of teas for purchase.
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 My name is Pahoua Thao and I am an individual
who loves the ocean and nature landscape, not just
because of the view but also because of the scent
of it and the relaxation feeling ocean and nature
gives you. Traveling is what makes me think life is
worth living. I will explore as much as I could
because there is just too much this planet is
offering us and we are not taking it. To get a hold of
me, please email me at
pahoua_thao97@yahoo.com or check out my
Instagram which is
https://www.instagram.com/pahoua_t123.
Two Snowman kissing
A very popular science that
happen in the hit drama “Winter
Sonata”
Swing café & Bakery- offers peaceful scenery, nice music, as
well as coffee and desserts to welcome all guests.
Bookcafe- a place to enjoy fresh coffee, sandwiches, and
desserts.
Snow café- offers popular snowman cakes and cooling ice
flakes sundaes.
May café- offers freshness and wellness. Its cozy atmosphere
coming from unique and vintage interior design is a great
match with home-made fresh juice, coffee drinks and snacks.
Shopping
Artshop Imagine Nami- Imagine Nami is a store specializing in
handmade crafts. Talented craftsmen based on Namiseom
Island began producing works, and Imagine Nami became the
place for selling their works, including various accessories
made of leather and natural stones, glass crafts, fabric
products, paintings, and other design works. Most artifacts
deal with natural themes and stories about Namiseom Island.
The recent collection features various handicrafts containing
the image of Snowman, the representative icon of Namiseom
Island, and artifacts include tea cups, candle holders, memo
holders, magnets, ceramics, and other decorative interior
items. At the entrance, the store sells snacks made by
Namiseom Island’s own brands; the other section displays
handicrafts from Namiseom Island and other handmade
artifacts made by external artists, toys, daily goods, and more.
The hanok-style store carrying the charm of the island has
served as a popular photo zone for visitors. Namiseom Island
is a small island that can be reached via boat, and the boat
fare is inclusive of admission to the island. To visit Imagine
Nami, visitors are required to enter Namiseom Island; while
there, they can enjoy various cultures and convenience
facilities. (+82-31-580-8012)