By Korea.net Honorary Reporter Wendy Palomo from the Philippines

With all the photos coming out of Nami Island every autumn, it was tempting to head there, too. How different would it be from other seasons? Why is the island very popular with both local and foreign tourists? It seems to be every tourist’s must-go-to place as soon as the colors start changing and covering the islands with bright yellow, red, orange and brown leaves.

How did this small island become so popular not only here in Korea but all over anywhere there was an undeniable reach of the Korean wave?

Let's give credit to "Winter Sonata" for speed-balling the popularity of this small island (“Winter Sonata” is also credited with having started the K-drama phenomenon throughout Asia and eventually around the globe). But let's look at the present and give credit to the inherent beauty of Nami Island itself. It has transformed itself from a merely popular shooting location into a brilliant marketing success. The marketing gurus made this little island into "Naminara Republic" with its own "visa.”

Simultaneous with all the marketing efforts, the island’s management constantly and consistently maintain its natural beauty. I have seen the island in the late summer and winter. Autumn kept on inviting me and what a beauty, indeed! No wonder, visitors from all over kept on queueing up to catch its leaves in their full glowing glory!

Autumn weekends will find the island too packed. It is beautiful, nonetheless. But a weekday visit in the peak of autumn colors is just enchanting. A smaller crowd and more room to appreciate the natural beauty and the welcoming cool breeze isn’t something you can willingly pass up. Going to the island is definitely worth every minute on the road.

How to go to Nami Island?

By car:
Address: 1024, Bukhangangbyeon-ro, Gapyeong-eup, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do

By subway:
Take the ITX from Seoul Station. It's 54 minutes to Gapyeong Station. From Gapyeong, take the bus or taxi going to Nami Island Dock.

Or take the regular subway train using the Gyeungui-Jungang Line from Yongsan Station to Sangbong Station. Then transfer to Gyeoungchun Line from Sangbong Station to Gapyeong Station. From Gapyeong, take the bus or taxi going to Nami Island Dock.

Purchase your tickets to board the Nami-Maid or take the zipline. Yes, zipline! It is an exciting addition for the more adventurous visitors. An adrenaline rush on the zipline plus the scenery of the whole island, what could make your fall more magical than that?

wisdom117@korea.kr

* This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.