Nami Island

Nami Island is famous setting for the Korean drama "Winter Sonata". If you are a fan of Korean drama you will know what I mean. 

I have came back to Korea after living in the Philippines and it's been 10 years already but I have not traveled around Korea that much. But since my friend came to Korea for a visit, we decided to take a tour in Nami Island.

For the brief history of Nami:

The half-moon shaped island is 4 kilometers in diameter and approximately 400,000 square meters in size. It boasts wide open grassy areas suitable for picnics and recreation surrounded by chestnut and popular trees. For Koreans and international visitors the island is an oasis suitable for leisurely strolls or romantic dates. The name of the island derives from the fact that it is home to the tomb of General Nami (1441-1469), who was appointed minister of the Military Board at age 25 after suppressing Lee Shi-ae’s Revolt during the reign of King Sejo of the Joseon Dynasty but was later branded a traitor and executed at the age of 28.

Ferry ride from the Mainland to the Island

The entrance fee is KRW10,000 (appx US$10) for Koreans and KRW8,000 for foreigners (appx US$8). It included the ferry ride from the mainland to the Nami island.

Oh... before the ferry ride, first how to get to Nami Island. From the city, you have to take the subway (this is the only method I know), and get off at Sangbong Station. And from Sangbong Station, you have to take a cab, a  bus or walk to go to Nami Island. We waited for cab since we had no idea how to get to Nami Island but it's a long line and if you are unlucky, like there's some kind of event nearby, cabs are not easy to find. On our way back from the Island we walked, and it's about 20~30 minutes walk so not really bad if you enjoy walking and the weather is cool.

Once you enter the Nami Island, you are free to roam around the area and take pictures. According to the website, there are quite a few things to do in the island but for us, we had lunch, walked around, ate ice creams, bought souvenir and walked around taking pictures.

Famous spot (seen on the drama)

It was a Sunday, and a cool autumn day so there were a lot of people. AS IN A LOT! According to a friend who went there once before told me that it was better way back. Now it's too commercialized and there are too many cafes and shops. 

We walked around for I think about an hour or so and had to go back since my friend was going back home that night. One thing, if you have some appointment at night, make sure you give yourself enough time. Going back to the mainland was a disaster! The line to take the ferry was super long. I think we waited in line for about 30 mins. And couldn't catch a cab so walked back to the subway station.

It's a nice place, I guess. But not recommended for tourist though, unless you really want to see those pine tree ways. Or if you go there during the weekdays where less people are around, it would be a nice place to go with a loved one to take peaceful walks and enjoy the nature. I hope that the maintenance of the place would be better. There are some galleries where you will find a lot of vandalism. And dirty ponds. 

Anyways, this is just my opinion. I guess for me it wasn't worth the travel and the waiting.