SOUTH KOREA 

NAMISEOM ISLAND 

1024, Bukhangangbyeon-ro, Gapyeong-eup, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do   

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. In the middle of the isle, there is a grass field about 316,320 square yards. It is composed of education and training facilities, camping sites, swimming pools and water-sports facilities for motorboats and water skiing. There is also a theme park with merry-go-rounds, a shooting range, roller skating rink, and there are lodging facilities such as resort villas and bungalows.

Recommended time of visit: May, July-August, October

Operating Hours

Ferry Schedule 07:30-09:00 (30min intervals) 09:00-18:00 (10-20min intervals) 18:00-21:40 (30min intervals) Directions From Gapyeong Bus Terminal or Gapyeong Station, take a taxi to Namiseom  parking lot. (Travel time: 10-15min) Take the ferry from Namiseom Dock to Namiseom Island. (Travel time: 5-6min)

FALL SEASON

SPRING SEASON

 

WINTER SEASON

2. Ulleungdo Island (울릉도)

Ulleung-eup, Ulleung-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do 

Ulleungdo is a pentagon-shaped island located 92km away from Dokdo Islet. 

The island was made from a series of volcanic eruptions. Its highest peak is called Seonginbong Peak, and there is a village along the coastline on the slope. On the north side is a caldera crater which collapsed to create the Nari Basin and the Albong Basin. 

Level ground is difficult to find here and the shores are mostly cliffs. There are a lot of snow in the winter. About half of the people work in the fishing industry. Corn, potatoes, wheat and beans were cultivated here, but nowadays mountain plants and medicinal herbs are mostly grown instead. 

There are dongbaek trees and some 650 other plants and trees thriving on the island. The neighboring waters is the junction line between two cold & warm ocean currents, where many squids, saury and pollacks are caught. The Ulleungdo squid is especially famous for their outstanding quality. It has been said that there are no thieves, pollution or snakes on Ulleungdo Island. On the other hand, there are many aromatic trees, wind, beautiful women, water and rocks. This is why it is called the island of The Three Mu (The Chinese character meaning ' have nothing') and Five Da (The Chinese character meaning 'have many of'). 

You can enjoy the scenery by taking a cruise around Ulleungdo, Gwaneumdo Islands, and a natural tunnel. Elephant Rock, Samseonan, and Lion Rock are some of the other tourist attractions praised by tourists.

TOURIST ATTRACTION

1. Nari 'Bunji' Basin north of Seonginbong, it is a caldera basin and the largest flat area on the island. Residents earn their income by cultivating medicinal plants.

2. Bongnae Falls 25 metres high, it is the only source of drinking water for the island. Next to it is Punghyeol, natural air vents that blow cool subterranean air.

3. Jugam Mongdol Beach there are no sandy beaches at Ulleungdo but this beach boasts of the clearest waters and the most incredible scenic views. It should take a little over an hour to get there from the port.

4. Dokdo Museum in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the independence of Korea it was built in 1995. It holds ancient documents recording the history of Dokdo. 

5. Songgot-bong near the Chusan Harbour on the north shore, is the name of the mountain whose steep cliffs rise from the water. From here you can also spot the interesting rock cropping sticking out from the ocean, Gongam. 

ACTIVITIES

§  Haengnam Seaside Walkway this is the highlight of a trip to Ulleundgo. The walkway travels 2.6km along the rugged cliffside coastline from the town of Dodong to the port village of Jeodong. It begins on the northern side of the Dodong port. It is not difficult, but includes some steep stairways, bridges over the water, and a long spiral staircase. The Haengnam Dodong lighthouse has an offshoot trail. The walk is beautiful and best done from Dodong to Jeodong. You can catch a local bus from Jeodong back to Dodong.

§  Nari-bunji or Nari basin is at the center of the island and the center of the ancient volcano that formed the island. It is a circular valley about 1 mile in diameter that includes two historical Korean homes to see. This is also the start or end of a trek up over Mt. Seonginbong. The local bus #1 will take you around the island from Dodong to Cheonbu where you can catch a second bus up to Nari.

§  Yaksu Park directly translated, 'yak' means medicine and 'su' means water. The mineral spring is supposed to have healing properties. It is a short 10 minute walk uphill from the ferry terminal and is also where you can find the local temple, the Ulleungdo historical museum, the Dokdo Museum and ride the cable car.

§  Cable Car Ride this is a must-do activity. From the car you can get a panoramic view of the island. It goes up to the nearby Manghyang Peak and on a clear day, you can see Dokdo.

§  Seonginbong is the large mountain in the middle of the island. At the foot lies rare plants found only there. It is a good 5 to 6 hour (coming and going) hike from Dodong-ri or a similar 5 hour hike back to the Nari 'Bunji' Basin.

§  Dodong Lighthouse north of the Dodong Port, it is also called the Haengnam lighthouse. On a clear day you can see Dokdo from the top. You can have a leisurely 1 hour walk up a staircase from the ferry terminal.