Searching my Seoul in Korea (II)

27 Nov 2011

Nami Island

Enough with the city, now heading to Nami Island as early as 7.30 am. I bought day tour package at the hotel which a bit costly - 100k won (i know) but i may lost some valuable time finding my own way there. I did goggled prior to the trip, and it will took about more than one hour journey by bus (not including the subway).

The island become famous due to the Korean drama series - Winter Sonata back in 2002. I do admit that i was also gaga over this drama. There were only three Korean drama that i watched - Autumn in my Heart and Full House. Now no more, even the K-PoP back into the scene.. ya. Wonder Girl and Rain.

Our guide - James looks really like those korean boy on TV. The hair cut, the eyes, the glasses which makes him looks nerd and the t-shirt. His English is good and pleasant to ears. He represent the younger generation of Korean - always melekat with gadget. Hardly seen these young people with small mobile phones. Its either iPhone or Samsung or tablet. The bus pick up six more people at the other hotel and off we go.

There are two options to enter Nami Island. Take ferry for seven minutes or ZipWire. Since its windy and cold, I don't think I want to be left out hanging on the wire :)

To get on the ferry and enter Nami Island or Naminara Republic, we need to have Visa  or actually ticket (8 k Won) at the Immigration Office. According to James, Naminara Republic is an imaginary country, but has invented its own visa, currency and stamp. The island is named after a brave General Nami, died at the age of 26 after being falsely accused of betrayal. Since its still early, everything was smooth. No long queue. 

The infamous Winter Sonata lane - remember?

There's nothing much to explained about the island. I did very much enjoy the walk even in the cold weather and a bit of rain. If you ask me, its worth to come here even you are not Winter Sonata fan. So enjoy the photos - Autumn in Nami Island.

 

The pancake is good

Accommodation for short stay is enough

 

Squirel

Enough la with the scenary kan :) Lunch at vegetarian Korean restaurant. If you realised, I hardly eat when I'm traveling. Me not that adventurous when it comes into food.

The Little Prince - Petite France

All of us decided not to go to all the Winter Sonata filming places so we decided to visit France settlement. I have yet to read the book. Ni ala-ala Bukit Tinggi but smaller scale.

The Writer

We had a quick stop at this place to see Seoul city. Unfortunately, battery flat. So this is the only acceptable photo that i can captured from my phone. Moral of story - don't be lazy, bring charger even for a short trip.

Final stop was at super expensive ginseng shop (compulsory tour - like China, government enforcement) before headed to the hotel. The good news was that, the tour cost me 70k won. James honestly returned the money :)

Nanta Show

I was looking forward to watch this show. The reception counter at the hotel had arranged for VIP seat since the normal seat sold out. Mengagahkan kaki menaiki subway to MyeongDong Theatre. Have to change line and station. I exit into wrong direction and ended up to walk a bit more. MyeongDong is a shopping area. Opens day and night, selling all sort of stuff. Apparently i just realised i didn't took any photos as i was rushing for the show.

The performance was good but not great, a bit of disappointment. Since this was my last night at Seoul, I walk and layan nite life at Itaewon street. I come across people of various races, various restaurant from Korean to Turkish, Indian, Italian and Vietnamese. But no more photo :) 

28 Nov 2011

Flight back to home at 8.35 am. I was damn tired and sleepy but i didn't slept even a bit. Had interesting conversation for more than five hours with elderly well educated and wise human being. Unlimited topic of conversation from family to politic to education to hijab and life. 

Home sweet Home :) Thank you Seoul. You have been Good.