Thanks largely to the relentless Korean Wave promotions linked to the legendary hit television drama "Winter Sonata," Nami Island is widely expected to get crowded on the weekend. It is true. The problem is that it is fairly crowded even on a week day.
But it's still a refreshing haven for those who want to find a getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. Only a 10-minute ferry ride from Gapyeong opens up a new world, which is not as big as one might expect, but nevertheless cozy and versatile in its own way.
Passing behind the well-known female sculpture slightly submerged in the lake at the main gate, one is ushered into the mostly grassy island that boasts a famously serene atmosphere, with more than 300 species of trees decorating the area.
Walking along the main road toward the heart of the island appears the favorite plan for most tourists, but some prefer other options, such as renting bicycles or electric two-wheel carts, or a taking a guided tour of the island.
In fact, it takes about 10 minutes to walk to the very center of the island, where all the major restaurants and shops are located. All the key roads converge on the central square, where traces of "Winter Sonata" are still visible (well, there is still a poster where Bae Yong-joon and Choi Ji-woo embrace each other). Walking or slowly riding a bike in and around the central square is a good idea because the scenery is quite different from other parks in Seoul and elsewhere. The birch tree-lined path is also highly popular among visitors because it is the place where Bae and Choi rode a bicycle on their date. Meanwhile, a lesser known fact among bicycle lovers is that personal bicycles are not allowed on the island.
Great scenic spots for people taking photos are also concentrated near the central square. One path is known for its great pine trees, the other for a spectacular tunnel of tall meta-sequoia trees. Picnic benches are also scattered about the island, making it an ideal place for a family outing.
What is notable is that one can see Cheongpyeong lake through the trees and bushes, where some adventurous tourists enjoy water sports.
Despite the famous attractions, commercialization seems to have impacted the island to some extent. Originally, Korean visitors used to particularly appreciate the island's natural and idyllic setting, but a growing number of commercial shops are encroaching into every precious corner of the island.
Then again, both foreign and Korean tourists want to have some special memories about the island and the entertainment facilities like Movieland Wax Museum add more flavor to the island's otherwise uniformly serene atmosphere.
Although it remains to be known whether the constant repairs and renovations to the island will please more visitors, what's certain is that Nami Island remains a key tourist attraction for both Koreans and foreign visitors. Admission to Nami Island, which includes the round-trip ferry ride, is 5,000 won for adults and 2,500 won for children. For further information, visit www.namisum.com
By Yang Sung-jin
(insight@heraldm.com)
2007.05.19