Have you seen Winter Sonata ? The Korean drama starring by Bae Yong Jun (BYJ) and Choi Ji Woo was very famous in that time ( about 10 years ago ). I remember that I was one of BYJ fans, because of his gorgeous acting ( especially in Hotelier ). I have joined the BYJ fans club in the mailing list and I collected the Asian Glitz magazines. But it was 10 years ago...when the time goes by, I realized that I even don't want to know about BYJ and other Korean stars, even K-Pop is very very happening nowadays. I even don't watch any Korean/Taiwanese/Japanese drama anymore. For me, they're as powerful as drugs, make me addicted and forget about the real world (lebay :P)..
So, if I visited Nami Island 10 years ago, maybe I will write a different story. For me now, Nami Island is just a tiny half moon-shaped "island" with a very very good promotion, packaging, romance stuffs and facilities for tourist. We're still enjoying our time there while grumbling why we didn't come in autumn or winter. In summer, it felt like we were in Taman Cibodas :). Taking pictures on the trees-alley and Winter Sonata's stuff were a proof that you weren't in Cibodas :P
We took the Naminara Shuttle Bus in front of Tapgol Park, near Insadong area. It departed at 9.30 am and returned at 4 pm. It charges 23.000 KRW/person ( Bus Ticket plus Ferry PP15.000 KRW + Entry Visa Naminara Republic 8000 KRW ). In the peak season, I suggest you to book the seat or buy the ticket earlier.
We arrived at Tapgol Park about 5.30 pm, so we still had time to explore Insadong (across the Tapgol Park). Insadong is one of the famous street in Seoul with numerous traditional antique shops, art galleries, souvenir shops, street snacks and restaurants ( It reminded me of Ubud Bali ). We're attracted with a booth that sell a dragon's beard candy because their presentation was very interesting. They convert the maltose solution to somewhat flexible and elastic to candy in white cocoon / pillow shape. The candy's price is about 6000 KRW for 8 pieces. In my advice, it's better for you to see the demonstration only because the taste isn't as good as the price.
Thanks to summertime and friday's night, we still had time to explore Seoul. We decided to enjoy night view at NSeoul Tower. We preferred walking to taking the MRT or bus because we wanted to feel the local people activities. And then, we found a wonderful creek ever...The Cheonggycheon Stream is the modern public recreation in the heart of Seoul. This creek was unique and adorable, perfect place for recharging energy after tired and hectic work in big city.
 |
| soothing our tired feet |
On the way to the tower, we passed Myeongdong and surprisingly we met one of our best friend Pao & Kin who stayed 1 night transit in Seoul before leaving to Canada. What a small world. A day has 1440 minutes and Seoul has 60.525 km2 area, and we met in the same minutes on the same alley :)
 |
| Meet Kin, Pao & Kelly |
We finished our journey that day with a crowded-full of Seoul's couples-Namsan Tower. It was weekend, so NSeoul Tower was the perfect spot for romance rendezvous. It has Teddy Bear Museum, Love Padlocks Trees, Love Pond where you could throw love coins into, Love letter and postcard service, and and another "love-things"....so creative :)
 |
| Love Padlock wish for our love :)) |
