Getting Around South Korea (Part Two)

This is continuation of Getting Around South Korea Part O-N-E.


Tips for travelers who don't know what to expect on a winter season. If you don't have much garments to keep you warm, you can always get tons of them in Seoul. It is going to be way cheaper than purchasing them from a tropical country and keeps you "in" style too...

NAMI ISLAND
It is a small but beautiful island that is almost 2hours away from Myeongdong. Literally breath taking. You are about to step your foot on an imaginary country wherein you have to purchase yourself an entry visa (simply means ticket).

So called Immigration



Begin your exploration with a 5 minute ferry ride. If this idea bores you, you can try the zip line. Choice is yours.  

  

Ferry ride Vs Zip line? What its gonna be?


Are you a fan of Korean dramas? Part of this island was where “Winter Sonata” was filmed. Now how is that for a starter?



You don’t have to worry where to get your food. They are all over the island -- hotdog stands; ice cream & coffee shops at your convenience. You can also find restaurants serving Korean barbeques with side dishes that are appealing to the taste buds.

 

 

 

Snowy island+ Icy lake + Beautiful art exhibits +  Brisk air  = SCENIC VIEW

 

 

 

    

 

 

DMZ (DEMILITARIZED ZONE)
 

This is the only tour that we’ve booked. This may not be for everyone.  To highlight:

 

• If my memory serves me right, children below 11years old are not permitted. I could be wrong so I suggest that you check this out before making any bookings.

• Be cautious on the dress code. Stay away from camouflage prints. This is not the place to be too trendy. If you are not sure what to wear, ask.

• For tourists who love to take photos, be mindful that there are prohibited areas. 

• We wanted to change to Panmunjeom Tour last minute but they told us that it must be done few days in advance. Missed the chance to step in the North Korea soil. Do you know that South Koreans are not allowed in Panmunjeom? Our tourist guide told us so.

 

                                                           Bridge of Freedom

DMZ package tour included hotel pick-up. Call time was 8am. Luckily our tourist guide can speak English well.  During the course of the trip she would share historical facts.

Impression: Inspiring & Heartbreaking.

First stop was at Imjingak Park then we ended up in Ginseng Center.
 

 

 

  

What is expected in the tour? 

 

You can have a sneak peek of North Korea and its flag that is known to be highest in the world through binoculars at “Dora Observatory.”       

 

Short-film watching wherein headsets are provided (translated in different languages). 

 

Up close view of the “Bridge of Freedom.” North Korea being near yet so far.  I was emotional while gazing at this.

 

One of the highlight is the “3^rd Infiltration Tunnel.” Hard hats will be provided for your safety. If you are asthmatic, claustrophobic or with health issues, you may want to skip this. Tunnel is steep. At first it was easy but it’s the going back part that makes it difficult due to inclined slope.

 

 

 

Last stop of the tour is the Ginseng Center. I bought some Ginseng sweets to bring home.


TOY MUSEUM at INSADONG
 

For toy collectors and enthusiasts there is a small toy museum located in Insadong. If this is your thing, you can check out their vintage collection.

  

 

 

Keep on Ronski Doodling!!!

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