Autumn in South Korea: Part 4
NAMI ISLAND
To get to Nami Island, ride the Korail train and get off at Gapyeong Station. From there, there are buses and taxis that are willing to take you to the ferries and then to the Island. I've found this blog
budgettravel2korea that gives you other options when commuting especially if you're not part of a tour bus or just in for a quick day trip. However, be aware that I have not personally tried them out. It would always be best to always ask and research ahead of time to make sure all the details are up to date and correct. It would also be best to check the
Namisum hotel website that contains shuttle bus information or just call them up if you need directions even if you're not checking in.
Nami Island or Namisum Island which is also situated in the Gangwon-do province was not originally an island but was only formed when the water rose because of the construction of Cheongpyeong Dam in 1944 . It was named after General Nami who was executed, together with his mother and faithful followers, at a young age of 28 because of treason, which was later found out was based on false evidence.
Below is a poem supposedly written by General Nami when translated in English:
"I will cut the boulders of Mt. Baekdu until my sword is worn away,
I will water my horse with the waters of Duman River until it dries up,
If a man cannot subjugate an entire nation by the age of 20,
then no one will deem him a hero."
In 1965, Byeong-Do Min, donated two thousand trees to the island that included Cherry, Ginkgo, Redwood, Tulip, White Birch, and White Pine. The fascinating way the trees were planted and grouped plus the serene surrounding made it famous to tourists and artists. But the kick off for me was when I learned that this was the place where the Korean teledrama "Winter Sonata" was filmed.
On March 1, 2006, Nami Island was renamed Naminara Republic and declared it's cultural independence. An imaginary self governing country that embodies the hero General Nami's greatness. They issue and invented their own "passport" that serves us ticket to get to the Island, own currency, stamp and telephone cards.
The Island boasts of its tolerance for artistic people. You can see it when you go around the island. They have their own art gallery, area for concerts and events, museum and a music hall. Even the groundskeeper shares his artistic side by forming heart shaped lump of leaves on the park grounds. You can't miss it, it's everywhere. =)
Our stay at the Namisum hotel is actually very pleasant, we have a queen size bed over a wooden platform and a huge window that has a clear view of the lake outside. It also has internet connection too but no TV (which I think is good because Dennis and I are always tempted to just waste away in front of it whenever there's one around). Instead, they provided us books found in shelves that contains Korean literature and Haikus. The perfect "soul" book for the place.
There is a map available in the hotel that can serve you well when exploring the island. Not being able to speak Korean or communicate in English to non-speaking Koreans, it is hard for us to order food with a Korean menu. So we always look for restaurants with pictures on them and just point out what we like to eat. (which is what we did mostly in this trip). We opted to go out even though there is a cafe restaurant in the hotel because we find their price a little expensive for us.There is an area in the island with rows of small restaurants that has just that when we scouted for something to eat. There is also a convenience right at the port where we bought snacks and drinks. We were told that they don't have 24 hr stores or restaurants in the island so we made sure we had food to eat if we ever get hungry.
Now, as I mentioned in the beginning of this journey in Seoul, this was the trip where my "then" boyfriend and "now" husband Dennis proposed to me. And, he couldn't have picked a better place. The place is quiet, romantic, and the time ---perfect. =)
Sharing with you our engagement photos below.
To End, South Korea is actually a very pleasant country. Even if many people do not speak English, I would still come back and take the time to get indulged with its rich culture, learn it's history and get to know it's people and of course create more beautiful memories. Maybe someday, with our kids (?)
Icar
No comments:
Post a Comment