.jpg) A couple ride a bicycle along the white birch road. / KoreaTimes Photos by Shim Hyun-chul |
By Shim Hyun-chul
Staff Reporter
A 10-minute ferry ride from Gapyeongnaru in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, will lead you to an island _ with its welcoming gate looking like a secret access to Alice’s Wonderland. Next to the entrance, a long path greets lovers and families walking in the fresh air.This is Nami Island _ 63 kilometers north of Seoul along the Bukhan River. The place was named after Gen. Nami, who lived in King Sejo’s era of the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910). He was wrongfully accused of treason and executed at the age of 28. He was buried on the island.
This six-kilometer-round island is free from the noise and smells of the crammed and busy city, instead offering up a little room for romance and relaxation. Walking along the long central nut pine tree road you can get all the meditation you need. Camels eating fallen tree leaves will be spotted in your camera viewfinder on the famous metasequoia road.
You can lease bicycles or take a small train to look around the island. Staying at a condominium or a hotel built with mud and Korean traditional paper will add more character to your travel.
The island became an internationally renowned resort after it became known that the smash hit TV drama Winter Sonata was filmed there in 2001. Visitors come from as far away as Japan, China and other Southeast Asian countries. On Mar.1, 2006, it changed its name to Naminara Republic and provides tailored leisure packages to visitors.
The first boat to the island from Gapyeong leaves at 7:30 a.m. and the last one to return is 9:45 p.m.
For more information on the island, visit http://www.namisum.com or call 031) 580-8114, 580-8080.
shim@koreatimes.co.kr
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