Nami Island

Nami Island, also called Namiseom Island (Korean: 남이섬, namiseom), sits in the middle of the Bukhan River, in Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do. It is one of the "100 must-visit tourism" locations selected by the Korea Tourism Organization (2017-2018). Nami Island has been holding various cultural events, concerts, and exhibitions under the concept of "Fairytale Country, Song Island", and is a natural ecological cultural space that provides dreams and hopes for children, love and memories for lovers, and a foundation for creation for cultural figures. == Understand == === History === Nami Island used to become an island only during floods, but in 1944, when the Japanese colonial rulers built Cheongpyeong Dam, the water level of the Bukhangang River rose and became a complete island. Namiseom Island got its name because General Nami, an armed man from the early Joseon Dynasty, was buried in a pile of stones on the northern hill of Namiseom Island. In the early days of the construction of Nami Island amusement park in Story of Minbyeong-do and Minbyeongal, Minbyeong-do built a memorial stone around rubble to console General Nami's soul and commemorate the general's spirit in 1965, and "Nosan Lee Eun-sang" wrote a memorial article and "Iljung Kim Chung-hyun" wrote it. Located on Nami Island is Heomyo, and General Nami's administrative tomb is located in Namjeon-ri, Bibong-myeon, Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do. During the Joseon Dynasty, when executed for treason, the descendants were prohibited from making mausoleums. Therefore, the actual cemetery was secretly built on Mountain 145, Namjeon-ri, Bibong-myeon, Hwaseong-gun, and if the tomb was officially revealed, the tomb could be damaged and, in some cases, the officials could die. Therefore, it was intended to protect the original cemetery by creating a family tomb. In modern times, Nami Island became famous as a tourist destination. Since the 1970s, it has been in the spotlight as an amusement park along the Bukhangang River along with Cheongpyeong Amusement Park in Gapyeong-gun and Chuncheon Jungdo Amusement Park, especially MBC Gangbyeon Song from 1979 to 1989I was held at Nami Island. In the 2000s, thanks to the drama Winter Sonata being filmed on the island, it became famous as a tourist destination for Hallyu fans and became a place where not only Koreans but also foreigners visit. Along with Jarasum Island in the north, the North Korean River serves as a base tourism resource, and it has become the only place that can be accessed only by ships except Jarasum Island, which can be accessed by car. === Read === The concept of Naminara Republic is a special tourist destination that advocates the concept of a country built on Nami Island. As of 2016, Nami Island attracts 3.3 million tourists, including 1.3 million foreign tourists annually. It is the second place where foreign tourists can be seen the most after Seoul, Jeju Island, and Busan. Strangely, it is a Korean tourist destination where foreigners are more interested than Koreans. Nami Island has the largest number of foreign visitors among the nation's single tourist destinations. == Get in == The ferry runs from the Nami Island dock at 1024 Bukhangangbyeon-ro, Gapyeong-eup, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do. Parking is available: small car ￦6,000, large car ￦10,000 by credit card (Nov 2023). By subway to Gapyeong Station (Nami Island is about 1.5 km or 20 minutes on foot away): take the Gyeongchun Line (from Sangbong Station about 50 minutes, from Chuncheon Station about 28 minutes) take ITX Youth (take Yongsan Station, about 60 minutes, from Cheongnyangni Station approximately 42 minutes, from Chuncheon Station about 20 minutes). Ktourstory provides a direct shuttle bus from Seoul for ₩30,000 round trip (Nov 2023), leaving from Hongik Univ. Station Exit 4 at 08:20, and from Myeongdong Station Exit 2 at 09:00. It returns to Hongik Univ. Station at 18:50, and to Myeongdong Station at 18:10. It takes about 5 minutes by boat from the Gapyeong Nami Island dock to Nami Island. 08:00–09:00: 30 min intervals 09:00–18:00:10-20 min intervals 18:00–21:00: 30 min interval The ferry schedule is subject to change depending on circumstances. It has longer opening hours during the spring blossom season, summer vacation season, and fall foliage season. == Fees and permits == Reserve tickets online from ₩10,000. A ticket at the site costs ₩16,000. (Nov 2023). You can buy a "passport" for the Naminara Republic for ₩58,000 per year (2023). == Get around == Nami Island is small and very much walkable in a day (or half a day). You can also rent bicycles (single bicycle ₩7,000/hour, tandem bicycle ₩14,000/hour in 2023) and cycle around, and there is a blue train to the UNICEF Hall in the center which costs ₩3,000 one way. If you really want to circle the island as fast as possible, there is a train that costs ₩7,000, starting and ending at the arrival wharf. The train in question consists of chained-up electric buggies. 20 minutes for the whole trip. == See == Nami Island is best known for its tree-lined boulevards, being the filming site of the famous Korean drama Winter Sonata. They have a particularly romantic feel when it is snowing in the winter. Changgyeongdae (창경원): A platform at the southern end of the island where you can see the mountain scenery hugging the river. Open 09:00–18:00. The Song Museum (남이섬노래박물관): Shows history of Korean music from past to present, information mostly written in Korean. There is a cafe in the building where you can enjoy tea or coffee with the scenery. Free of charge. Open 09:00–18:00. == Do == There is an ostrich park, you may be tempted to get up close and pet them, but they are fenced up for a reason - they will bite anything on your hand such as your smartphone. Other than ostriches, cute animals such as peacocks, squirrels, and rabbits roam around the island, try spotting them! Nami Island Handicraft Studio - you can try making various handicrafts such as painting on a soju bottle, making pottery or creating a personal stamp. Reservations required. ₩10,000-₩20,000 depending on package. In the center of the island where all the restaurants are located, there are pavilions with bookshelves on top, although it is not much use if you don't know Korean. In winter you can experience sledging. There's a small hill where all the snow will be piled up. == Buy == Gift shops are located in the center of the island and near the wharf. == Eat == Restaurants are located in the center of the island. Seomhyanggi (섬향기), +82 31-581-2189. Korean grill and stew, famous for their spicy grilled chicken. Nammoon (남문), +82 31-580-8055. Traditional Korean restaurant. Dishes include bibimbap, bulgogi or beef noodle soup. Dongmoon (동문), +82 31-580-8099. Restaurant specializing in Asian cuisine. You can either go for Korean food or try out cuisine from other countries, such as Vietnamese noodle soup and Indonesian fried rice. All dishes are completely halal. == Drink == No bars or pubs, but there are cafes. Swing Cafe, +82 31-580-8020. Cozy cafe with soft music and a beautiful scenery to wind down. From 11am-2pm they sell freshly-baked pastries. Do try out their peach smoothie! Chadam (차담), +031-580-8023. Teahouse where you can try out traditional Korean tea and desserts. It overlooks a quaint garden. Open 09:00–18:00. Sonata Cafe (소나타까페), +031-580-8131. Cafe in a traditional Korean house, selling both coffee and tea. People queue up for their hotteok and sweet potato latte. Open 09:00–18:00. == Sleep == Hotel Jeonggwanru (호텔정관루는), ☏ +82 31-580-8000. The main building, Jeonggwanjae, is an illustration art hotel decorated with works from the world's leading artists and winners of Asia's largest international picture book illustration contest. Villas from ₩159,000 per nights on weekends, 20% less on weekdays. (updated Nov 2023) == Connect == == Go next == Although most people come here from Seoul as part of a day trip or tour package stop, if you have more time and flexibility, Gapyeong itself is scenic and boasts many natural attractions.