Spring Sonata

It takes 2 weeks of planning and 5 hours to barely tour the whole of Nami Island. Nami sounds like some Japan island but many know this place as the Winter Sonata filming place. Best to go during Winter and Autumn but for me it's best to go when Cousin Rain is around. Else who is going to take my photo?

It rained the day we went. Not the best weather for outdoor activites. But since we bought the tickets, just have to make do. We were quite lucky as there is a direct bus to Nami Island from Insadong which is just next to my apartment. Just have to walk about 15 mins to end of the road (yes, that's consider near.). Entire trip took about 1.5 hours with the last 0.5 hour on a ferry to the island. Sounds very far away? No... people, Nami island is just an island on a river. YES, river. I didn't travel to the sea. So get your mind off Butterworth-Penang kinda thoughts. No, I didn't plan to mislead you all in the first place. Ha ha ha.

The beauty of this island lies on the carefully planted rows of trees which gives you a kinda natural pathway. There are many types of such trails made of many different types of trees. Birch and...birch. I believe there are some red woods too. The stark scenery, void of leaves serve to show you just how big these trees are. Though I had hope there are some leaves or even snow to soften the scene but that's just nature. You just make do with what you have.

One of the many ways to enjoy the island

 I had also hope to rent a bike and go on a bicycle tour but we were too busy walking and capturing the beautiful scenery we forgot. By the time we remembered, it's 5pm and time to go home. Anyway the walk around the island is itself a wonderful experience. The best thing is you never ever get lost cause it's round and it's small. Sooner or later you end up where you start. My kind of place.

Where Korea tourism started

The good thing from all the rain, it leaves the whole island shrouded in fog. I am not sure my pictures look blurry because of my shaking hand or because of the fog. We got a couple of really good shots that look magical. Unfortunately the same cannot be said for the food here, therefore you are advise to bring own food.

When you get back to mainland, remember to drop by the shops opposite the harbour. They sell a kind of chicken on grill that you must try! The entire row sell the same thing so just hop in anyone.

For those who asked me how to get there, here is the link. A piece of advise to add, lookout for the Starbucks written in Korean. The building is just opposite it. You will thank me :)