Seoul Korea, Day 3 - Nami Island!

Ok, we're on day 3. Monday. Sept 12. We woke up early because we'd be going to Naminara Republic or Nami Island which became popular during the Winter Sonata drama series rave.

We went Nami Island Seoul Center in Insadong to buy tickets for the Tour Bus which departs everyday at 930 am. As early as 9am we were at Insadong which is surprisingly quiet and all the stores are closed. We waited until 10am and decided to go to Pagoda Park where the terminal of the Tour Bus is supposedly at.

There were other tourists waiting there and since it's already past 10am we all assumed that there will be no Tour Bus that would drive us from Seoul to Nami Island. Oh! It's Mid-autumn Holiday, that's right. No wonder. Being determined to go to Nami Island and so as not the ruin our itinerary, together with three Filipinas, the husband and I took an alternative route. via Subway. It took us 2 looong hours to get there. Urgh!

Nevertheless we arrived whole and excited.

From Jongno-go,3 station we went to Gapyeong station and took a taxi from there to Nami Island wharf.

The lovely girls we met at the Pagoda Park.

Waiting for the taxi in front of Gapyeong station.

At the Ferry terminal.

This is a standing-only ferry.

After about 30min, Nami Island!

Happy Garden sculptures greeted us as we enter the island with elation.

The captivating Winter Sonata drama series shooting locations.

They even made a gallery out of it.

There are also a lot of things that can be done here. I took advantage of my injured foot and took a UNICEF train going around the island.

Glass making lessons.

Biking.

Encounter with the squirrels!

Laze around with your beau. (sayang, the couple is too washed out.)

Of course eat!
We were served with marinated chicken, lettuce, bean sprouts, kimchi, big green chili, and steamed rice.

A pure Pinoy that we are we ate the grilled chicken with rice and the rest separately. When we looked at the other table this is how the Koreans eat.
You put a little of everything together with a chili sauce.

Roll it.

And go!

This place is just amazing!

I want to go back!

Some tips:

1. Check out the updated Nami Island website for the schedule of the tour bus and the ferry. Namisum.com

2. If you can finish touring Nami Island by mid noon you can go to the Petite France which was the shooting location of Secret Garden via Gapyeong Tourist Sites Circulation Bus.

3. You can take the Gapyeong Tourist Sites Circulation Bus near Gapyeong station to go around the Gapyeong province. First bus leaves as early as 8:20am. You may call for more info: Gapyeong (031) 582 0239

4. Try the zipwire/line going to Nami Island if you're brave enough!