Seoul, Day 5 - Nami Island

Day 5 - 20th March 2012, Sunday

It was drizzling when we left the hotel that morning. Due to last night incidents, we were late to reach the station where we supposed to meet my sister. I was feeling very sad as Nami Island is a place where I wanted to go with her. We went ahead with our plan to Nami Island hoping to see them there. To our disappointment they were no where to be seen. How sad. 

We had to change train at 3 stations to reach the the last station, Gapyeong to Nami Island. From the train station, instead of taking bus from Gapyeong Bus Terminal, we decided to get cramped in a small taxi to reach ferry location. As we reach the ferry site, we look around for restaurant for lunch. The 1 that we chose was very crowded as it was around lunch time when we arrived the dock. The meals again were wonderful as our family loves Korean food. We could stay here forever eventually. The kids really survived in Seoul and they said if given a chance, it's their wishes to study in Seoul.

The ferry's schedule @ interval time is 10-20 minutes from 9am to 6pm which can accommodate about 20,000 people in 1 ferry. Ticket to the island is fixed at Kr10,000 won/adult and Kr4,000 won for Nasrul (below 18 years old). It was an amazing trip, I mean being in a short ride ferry and could be more amazing if 2 teenager did not show a sour face. This awkward situation always happened in our holidays as seeing each other for 24 hours day and night is very tough. Someone has to pick up a fight somehow. It happened on day 5 when we were in Korea! 

Namiseom is actually a tiny half-moon shaped island located in Chuncheon, formed as it was inundated by the rising water of the North Han River as a result of the construction of Cheongpyeong Dam in 1944. Its name was originated from General Nami, who died at the age of 28 after being falsely accused of treason during the reign of King Sejo, the 7th king of the Joseon Dynasty. Although his grave wasn't discovered, there were a pile of stones where his body was supposed to be buried. It was believed that if someone took even one stone from there, it would bring misfortune to their house. A tour company arranged the grave with soil and then developed Namiseom into an amusement park.

Namisum is located 3.8 km from Gapyeong County, but belongs to Chuncheon. It is 430,000 square meters in area and approximately 4 km in diameter.

The creator of Namisum is Kang Woohyun, born in Danyang County in 1953, majored in graphic design and was the president of the design company until 2000. Inaugurated as Namisum CEO in 2001, he has worked as an illustrator, a fairy tale writer, a graphic designer, an environmentalist and civil activist, and has been preoccupied with the development of a theme park in Namisum. He has placed much value on culture and environment Namisum's nature. Since his inauguration, he has tried to eliminate the merry-making image of the amusement park where visitors just play and drink, and recreate the place where nature is in harmony with art and culture Namisum's art and culture.

In 1965, Min Byungdo purchased and started to reforest the island. In 1966, he founded Gyeongchun Tourism Development Inc. and developed it into a resort town. He changed the firm name to Namisum Inc. in 2000.

In 2001, Namisum Inc. started to invest heavily in environment and art and culture-related events. Non-profit organizations such as YMCA have participated in environment campaigns for recycling, environment monitoring and eco-friendly development. Furthermore, Namisum Inc. has been supporting various events ranging from paintings to applied art in cooperation with writers and international organizations such as UNICEF and UNESCO.

From 1960 to 1990, it was known as a location for a film "Winterreise" and "Riverside Song Festival". Since 2001, it has become one of culture tourist attractions as the number of Asian tourists’ increases due to the success of Korean dramas. Also it has been in the spotlight of the international resort town with natural environment many foreigners living in Korea desire to visit.

Namisum declared independence as the Naminara Republic on 1 March 2006. It has drawn 1.5 million visitors a year on average. It's quite funny to have a republic in Korea which were again separated in 2, North and South Korea. Will there be a reunification between the 2 country? Similarly, will there be a reunification of Pakistan and India? I bet it will not, ever .....

It was a perfect timing when we finished our tour. However, no taxi willing to put all 6 of us cramped in their taxi. Therefore, we rather take a bus than prolong debating with the taxi driver. But it was fun. Important to note that moving around South Korea is not a big issue. Rest assured that you wont get lost. If you do, just show a freaking face and smile pitiful, as witty as possible to the Koreans. They surely will help you. There's a roadside cleaner approached me when I was alone taking pictures in Dongdaemun. He was showing a sign asking whether I need his help.. Ouch, it was so sweet, I'm feeling so touch until now.

Falls in love with the shop decoration... beautiful!

In conclusion, the Koreans are the most nicest people on the universe. Now, Mr DS Park has to welcome us 1 more time to his country :)

To be continued....