I can't quite remember what happened that day. My alarm went off at 5 AM and it was still dark. I check my phone and found out it was - 4 degrees outside. Alright, let me sleep for 30 minutes... then another 30 minutes.. and another. 😅 When the weather is gloomy and it starts to drizzle, it's quite a challenge to get up and leave the comfort of your bed and a warm blanket, don't you think? After three failed attempts, I have finally succeeded. We quickly prepare, skipped the breakfast and head out, half-awake.



Nami Island or Namiseom is a half moon- shaped isle in Chuncheon formed as the result of the Cheongpyeong Dam in 1944, which was later on turned into a theme park featuring a picturesque scenery of beautiful arrays of trees, ponds, various animals and many more.



In 2006, The Naminara Republic declared its cultural independence from the Republic of Korea and had it's own diplomatic and cultural policies. They also invented a passport, flag, currency, stamp, a telephone card to promote the island, and a visa in order to enter Namiseom. Interesting.








Nami Island reached its huge popularity after the hit drama series, Winter Sonata. Though I haven't watched the said drama, this place gives a romantic vibe, almost like your watching a live movie scene especially when you're surrounded by a lot of couples. Ah, these is one of those times when I thought I made the right decision not to travel solo. Haha.

P.s. Don't travel here alone. You've been warned. 😄




Furthermore, Nami also features education and training facilities and camping sites. Lodging such as resort villas and bungalows are available for visitors to stay on the island. (visitkorea.or.kr)










I have always wanted to buy a clear umbrella and mimic a pose from one of those children's storybooks. But judging the photo above.. I think I need to try harder next time. 😁



We initially planned to take only a half-day tour to Nami Island and head to Garden of the Morning Calm for our next location. However, the weather that day was freezing, we're literally shaking and it drained all the energy we have for the entire day. We stayed in Nami and enjoy the rest of the day playing around the fallen autumn leaves and took plenty of photographs.

Beware: the next photos would comprise of a lot of our faces ✌️


















How to get there/ Sample of expenses (round-trip)

Via Subway:
[Vary] Mangwon Station vs Cheongnyangni Station (38 mins) – KRW1350 x2= KRW2700
Cheongnyangni vs Gapyeong Station via ITX (1 hour) – KRW6,000 x 2= KRW12000
Once you arrived at the Gapyeong Station look for the city tour bus and buy the one day pass. It will enable you to hop on and off to multiple stops and attractions like Nami Island, Petite France, and Garden of the Morning Calm.
Gapyeong Tourist Bus – KRW6,000 (Gapyeong Wharf stop)
Nami Ferry (Round-trip) – KRW8,000 for Foreigners inclusive of the entrance/visa fee. The ferry ride takes approximately 5 to 6 minutes.
Total: KRW 28,700 / PHP 1,323

Alternatively, you can take the shuttle bus to Nami Island for KRW15,000 round-trip (Adult)

It was a fine Sunday morning, the sun was high and the weather was warmer than the previous day. We decided to skip Ehwa Women's University as we need to catch up the 11 AM worship service at a local church. Upon arriving at the station, we got surprised at the number of Filipinos. There are stalls that sell sweet and savory snacks, an assortment of groceries, local cuisines, and supplies. It appears that this open-market is available every weekend from 12-4 in the afternoon to ease the homesickness of Filipino expats.

After a quick and sumptuous lunch, we head straight to the Ihwa Mural Village.




As much as I wanted to show you this Oppa's face, I have resolved to blur it as a respect to this beautiful stranger (and all the other). Sorry



To get there, take the subway Line 4 to Hyehwa station and depart at Exit 2. Walk further up to Naksan Gongson-gil until you reach the Naksan Park. You'll find a "Man and a Dog" mural, keep going and you'll see more of the street arts.

Tip: Do wear your most comfortable shoes and be prepared for a bit of a hike.





Aside from the cute and creative stuff, this village was also featured in numerous k-dramas and TV shows like Strong Woman Da Bong Soon, Rooftop Prince, The Girl who Sees Smells, She Was Pretty and the popular variety show, Running Man.





Ihwa Mural Village was actually set for demolition twelve years ago as it was seen as a slum and run-down neighborhood. But in 2006, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism launched the "Ihwa-dong Naksan Project" to revitalize the area. More than 60 artists participated in painting murals and art installations and now, this place has become a major attraction for both local and international tourist. Kudos to that!




Keep in mind that the village is also someone's home, people do live here. Please treat it like your own neighborhood. Respect the properties, do not throw trash on the ground and keep your voice at a minimum level.


You'll also find random art galleries, cafes and locally owned shops along the alleys. I think I've found my favorite place in Seoul. 💕



Set high on a ridge, Naksan Park or "Nakta" as what old Korean's calls it offers a stunning view of the Seoul city. It was a portion of the old fortress wall that runs through the park as a protection to invaders and enemies during the Joseon Dynasty.







I think I enjoyed so much here that I missed my bag. I sprint back to the trail and track were I possibly lost it. Allegedly, the incident happened 15 minutes ago just right after I took the photo on the top-left. Gladly, I found it still intact with my phone, passport, and wallet. Aigoo ~






Moreover, you can rent old Korean school uniforms and walk around the village in them. I'm not sure whether there's available Hanbok in the area, but we saw two beautiful ladies wearing them.








We spent roughly three and a half hours just roaming around the neighborhood. It was my first time in a Mural village and I had tons of fun. Hopefully, I'll get to visit the Gamcheon Culture Village in Busan next time. Fingers crossed.




We sat on one of the benches and ate the snacks we bought earlier. It suddenly gets colder but we opted to stay for another hour for the sunset.

The sky takes on shades of orange during sunrise and sunset, the colour that gives you hope that the sun will set only to rise again. - Ram Charan

Till the next post ♡