7D Korea Golden Rama Tour: Nami Island Part 1
After filling ourselves with dakgalbi goodness, it's time for us to do a bit of walking. The location of the ferry terminal which will take us to Nami Island is located within walking distance from the dakgalbi restaurant. Within 5 minutes, we have reached the ticketing counter for ferry ticket to Nami Island. One thing did catch up my attention though, why is Nami Island also named as Naminara Republic? Hmm, I wonder if it's for fun/ tourism purpose.
But there is immigration and the word "VISA" is also there on the notice board. Is Nami Island really a stand-alone-country and since Indonesia passport holders need visa to a lot of places in the world, do we really need visa to enter the republic? O_O!
Visa fees for visitors which includes round-trip ferry fare & tax. Turns out this is for real. The Naminara Republic declared its cultural independed from the Republic of Korea and hence, has its own diplomatic and cultural policies. Okay if this is the case, who are then the citizens of Naminara Republic?
Mr Minn Byeong-do, the founder of Nami Island, and the person who had planted and cultivated the island is regarded as the citizens of Naminara Republic, the Naminarian. I don't know why but the whole arrangement makes me thinking of an adventure in One Piece manga series. Anyway, we were directed at the waiting area for the ferry after Jenny has purchased the tickets for all the tour participants.
This is how the ferry looks like. It has the flags of most of the tourist countries. The ferry trip to Nami Island only takes around 10 minutes but it can get a bit windy so if you don't like to be slapped by the wind, it's best to stay inside.
However, if you are the type of traveller who like to enjoy the surrounding, you should definitely stand at the outside area of the ferry.
Since we came in the summer, there is no cold wind slapping our face while we were making our way to the island. There is a zip line which looks like electrical cable but turns out it's a cable for Namiseom Zip Wire where riders start from 80-metre high tower and zoom down along the wire cable to Jareseom (640 metres away) and Namiseom (940 metres away). It really looks like a fun attraction to ride but admission fee of 38,000 KRW is applicable. Weight restriction of 35 - 120 kg is also applicable for the ride.
Welcome to Nami Island. Oh right, a brief history lesson. Nami Island was formed as a result of the construction of Cheongpyeong Dam. It is basically a half moon-shaped isle and there is the grave of General Nami on this island. He led a great victory against the rebels in the 13th year of the 7th kind of the Joseon Dynasty, King Sejo.
While the above historical background of Nami Island may not be known worldwide, Nami Island is definitely known outside Korea as the shooting location of the famous drama, Winter Sonata. The snowmen are here to welcome us. Hahaha.
Nami Island seems to be a perfect location to have picnic as there are many tables and seats available for public. If you are travelling with the elderly or young kids, they can also easily sit down to take a break when they visit Nami Island. A lot of drink and food stall are scattered on Nami Island as well.
The walking path whereby there is a row of trees on your right and left side is the most famous spot on Nami Island. It is called Metasequoia Lane after the name of the tree. This has become a global symbol of Nami Island after being filmed for Winter Sonata. I believe it looks so beautiful even in winter when there are no leaves left on the trees. It is, however, very difficult to take picture here without other human being photobombing your picture. Oh gosh.
Since this island is associate a lot with Winter Sonata, there are so many spots from the TV series that we can check out here. Let's do that in the next post, shall we? Anyeong!
