Autumn Sonata @ Nami Island

I am sure many of us either heard or even watch one of the most popular Korea Drama of all times.

Winter Sonata (冬季恋歌) some of us can even sing or at least heard the song of this drama before. It is currently playing in my head. LALALALA~

Well some of the scene or I can say most of the scene are actually shoot at this very place Name Island (南怡岛). During our days in Korea my girlfriend and even my colleague were very much looking forward for this day. For this visit.

Namiseom Island was formed as a result of the construction of the Cheongpyeong Dam. It is a half moon shaped (462,809㎡) 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). Namiseom Island is 63 km away from Seoul in the direction of Chuncheon, and is famous for its beautiful tree lined roads. The island is 30 minutes away from Chuncheon and an hour away from suburbs of Seoul. Since it is not far from Seoul, many couples and families come to visit. 

A special feature of Namiseom 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 complex is 553,560 square yards with chestnut trees and poplar trees around the isle. In the middle of the isle, there is a grass field about 316,320 square yards. It is composed of education and training facilities, camping sites, swimming pools and water-sports facilities for motorboats and water skiing. There is also a theme park with merry-go-rounds, a shooting range, roller skating rink, and there are lodging facilities such as resort villas and bungalows.

(credit to visitkorea website)

Early in the morning we got up and head towards Gapyeong Station. Get a map on which station your homestay going to be as then you could try arrange on the route to reach Gapyeong. Check out my post on our accommodation during our Korea trip. 

Picture taken while waiting for train to Gapyeong. It was a long journey as we need to change to different lines just to get there. *thumbs up* for my friend who planned all these things.

Once you reached the station, there would be plenty of cab waiting at the taxi stand and the trip to the ferry wharf would take about 6 minutes costing KRW3,000. For those who like to venture into more places such as Petite France can take the Gapyeong tour shuttle. For more information can visit the tourism center when you reached Gapyeong station.

Found this cute little photo stop during our wait for our ferry. We bought out tickets and the ferry would be 30 minutes intervals. So you would not expect to wait long for your turn to be on the ferry. 

Having to be a tourism attraction, you would expect people from all over the world. See if you could spot Malaysia or your own country from here. They say that you will regret if you did not visit Nami Island if you were there during Autumn. The best place to enjoy and have a feel of Autumn is here in Name Island. Don't believe? Take a look at these photos.

Don't worry if you would get lost in the island cause there is a huge map when you reached the island.

Getting Here: 

Subway (cheaper but more transits)
Please go to Sangbong Station (line no.7) and take Gyeongchun Line. It takes about 45 minutes to reach Gapyeong Station (1800 won one way). Get off at Gapyeong Station, take a taxi to Namiseom parking lot (travel time: 10-15min, 3000 won). Take the ferry from Namiseom Dock to Namiseom Island. (travel time: 5-6min)

Shuttle Bus (From Seoul to Namiseom Island)
* Bus Stop
1) Insa-dong (Jonggak Station, Subway Line 1, Exit 3): Next to Tapgol Park
2) Jamsil Station (Subway Line 2, Exit 4): In front of Lotte Mart

* Shuttle Bus Schedule:
Insa-dong, Jamsil Station → Namiseom Island: 09:30
Namiseom Island → Insa-dong, Jamsil Station: 16:00
※ Advanced reservation required. (Inquiries +82-2-753-1247)

*Fare
7500 won one way trip
15000 won two way trip
23000 won round trip+entrance visa to Nami Island+ferry ticket.