The last two weeks of October are prime time to see and photograph Korea's gorgeous fall foliage. There is a small moon shaped island in the middle the Han River to the east of us called Namisum or simply, Nami Island. Because it is supposed to be one of "the" places to go in the fall, it is an extremely popular place for "Seoulites" to go. It is smaller than Yeouido Island to the west, with a circumference of 5 km, and is named after a young Korean General by the name of Nami. It has become somewhat of a tourist trap in recent years due to the filming of a Korean drama there by the name of "Winter Sonata". The one and a half hour drive to Nami actually took us about three hours each way. As usual, we were one of thousands who had the same idea last Saturday! (Note to self: Don't drive anywhere around Seoul on Saturday ever again!) To get onto the Island, you take a 5-minute ferry ride for 8,000 won, or you can soar across the river on a zip line for about 38,000 won. We opted for the ferry and were greeted by a "mermaid" and some dramatic autumn colors.
It didn't take long to walk the perimeter of the island and take in some of the sights, including General Nami's burial mound, swan paddle boats, grass huts, and a variety of artwork.
The most predominate work of art was an amusing statue found in the center of the Island. The artist also had a small studio nearby exhibiting an array of humorous characters that made us laugh out loud.
There were bikes of all kinds, including a pedal powered roller coaster ride, and couples and families were everywhere enjoying a perfect fall day at the park.
Nami Island featured several tree-lined lanes, including majestic pines, to yellow leaf ginkgo and colorful maples.
We just enjoyed lying on the grass, watching the crazy looking squirrels, and witnessing mother nature clothed in her finest colors.
"How beautifully leaves grow old. How full of light and color are their last
days."
~John Burroughs
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