Nami Island Birthday Fun

November 2015 ended with a fun adventure in Seoul, celebrating a friend's birthday with my Gwagnju crew. Usually when I go to Seoul, I end up in the fun areas like Hongdae. This time, I ventured out of the big districts of Seoul to Namiseom (Nami Island). Before this weekend trip I didn't know anything about Nami Island.

Here's some information about this little island:
Namiseom Island was formed as a result of the construction of the Cheongpyeong Dam. It is a half moon shaped (462,809㎡) isle, and on it is the grave of General Nami, who led a great victory against the rebels in the 13th year of the 7th king of the Joseon Dynasty, King Sejo (reign 1455 ~ 1468). 

Namiseom Island is 63 km away from Seoul in the direction of Chuncheon, and is famous for its beautiful tree lined roads. The island is 30 minutes away from Chuncheon and an hour away from suburbs of Seoul. Since it is not far from Seoul, many couples and families come to visit. 

A special feature of Namiseom Island is that there are no telephone poles. This is because all electric wires were built underground to keep the natural feeling of the landscape. The complex is 553,560 square yards with chestnut trees and poplar trees around the isle. 

Walking around the island we saw snowmen eeeeverywhere. That's because the island's biggest claim to fame is being the filming location of an older but famous Korean drama called "Winter Sonata." In the drama the leads build little snowmen and have their first kiss. So pretty much it's supposed to be a romantic place for couples to go.

The island is just a short ferry ride away from the shore. We had a blast exploring the little island but it also seemed random and gimmicky. You take the ferry from a terminal where you go through "immigration" to an island with it's own currency and flag and "native" hut houses, and oh, ostriches. Yes, ostriches. Why? Well, why not? Maybe there's something Koreans know that I don't (probably) but I guess I just didn't "get" Nami Island hahaha.

Fresh off the ferry and ready for fun!

Ostriches in Korea??

Stopping for a snack

Native huts? Something from Korean history? Who knows?

We came to an art gallery center that had lots of old instruments from around the world.

Cute snowmen in the gift shop

This is the famous spot where the "Winter Sonata" first kiss happened

We went for a fun ride on these sky pedal cart things. It was a little unnerving at times but so much fun!

Next we rented three wheeled scooter things and raced around the island

On the ferry back

We were so hungry after we got off the ferry so we stopped for dak galbi.

Subway ride home. So sleepy. Zzzzzz

Took an hour to get back to Seoul Station area.

Happy birthday, Jolene!

We spent one night at a hotel and another night at Siloam jimjilbang in Seoul. Heidi and I love this place. It's my favorite jimjilbang and the best one to stay at overnight.

locker room in the jimjilbang

In the cold room. Brrr

Saunas! I love the saunas

Before leaving Seoul, we had to get some good Mexican food. We stopped by Gusto Taco in Hongdae. It was so, so delicious. 

Pork tacos, limeade, fried and guacamole

Last stop, a quirky cafe! This cafe will print your selfie on the foam of your drink. Ahhh, Korea. Never change.

We had a nice surprise at the Shinsegae department store on our way to the bus terminal--Star Wars and Christmas!

I've taken many more trips to Seoul this year than I did my last year in Korea and they've all been so much fun. Here's to even more Seoul trips in 2016!