Another popular tourist site brought about by a distinguished Korean drama, Winter Sonata, in the early 2000s! Winter Sonata is the Korean drama that kicked off the Korean wave in Asia and the rest of the world.
I was very young but I do remember my mother watching the drama on television and I can recall bits and pieces of soundtrack even though I don’t remember what the story is about.
The drama’s immense popularity has attracted millions of visitors to Nami Island, the primary filming location of Winter Sonata.
An interesting fact:
Naminara (Nami Island) declared independence and became a self-governing country in 2006. It is a micronation in South Korea (meaning its not actually recognized by world governments even though it declares itself independent) and a visa issued by Naminara is needed before you can enter.
Getting a visa is simple. It’s a two-in-one payment together with the ferry ticket. It’s almost like an entrance fee to Naminara.
I have visited Nami Island 4 times since 2012. While Naminara is gorgeous in its own way any day you visit her, I find her the most beautiful during winter when its grounds are covered in a blanket of snow. When the sun shines, it makes the whole of Nami glisten!
That is the most prettiest moment in my opinion! The only thing I didn’t like is the bitter cold that seeps through your bones! Fortunately, there are many fireplaces around Naminara so we could easily warm up in between our exploration of the island.
Visit to Naminara would be more meaningful if you’re a nature enthusiast or a Winter Sonata follower. Why? I feel that it’s more of a place where you should visit only when you don’t feel like doing anything in particular. There are activities but most are meant for kids – such as a train ride around Nami Island. Adults would just walk around and have a chill day. It’s like chilling out at a park.
Winter Sonata fans however, will be greeted with numerous filming mementos! There are statues of its characters, photographs of scenes that were shot and the list goes on! When I visited Naminara with my friends in 2014, we had an incredible time reenacting scenes from the drama with the help of photographs around the island! Even though we had tons of fun, it’s the kind of visit that you would better cherish if you only visit it once. After visiting it more than once, the excitement dies down slowly and I found myself wishing I hadn’t done that. It takes away that special first feeling you have I suppose.
Nur
Travel & Come Back 
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