✧ Series Note – South Korea Trip 2024 ✧
Feels like coming home. Like flipping through a familiar chapter, this time with braver eyes and a bolder heart. 🇰🇷✨
📅 November 01–06, 2024
A Spontaneous Start 🚉
On my second day in Seoul, I returned to Nami Island—this time at my sister’s request. I didn’t have a fixed itinerary, and honestly, I prefer it that way. It gives me the freedom to fully immerse myself in each place, letting spontaneity guide the adventure.
I woke up at 5 AM, hopping on Line 4 (Incheon-bound), transferring at Ichon Station to the Gyeongui-Jungang Line, then again at Sangbong to the Gyeongchun Line bound for Gapyeong.
It was a long journey, but I made it—unlike last year, when I canceled my plan after getting lost in the train maze.
A Quiet Walk to the Wharf 🥾
Reaching Gapyeong felt like a quiet victory. Familiar sights greeted me: the Gapyeong Tourist Information Center, friendly staff, and the calm buzz of travelers.
A helpful lady at the desk explained how to get to Nami Island and mentioned the hop-on-hop-off Gapyeong Tourist Bus arriving around 10:00 AM. I had time to spare, so I grabbed a simple breakfast at a nearby CU convenience store.
A Walk Through Rural Serenity 🚶♀️
Back at the tourist center, I noticed a solo traveler asking for directions to the Nami Island Wharf on foot. Inspired, I decided to follow her path, checking Naver Map along the way.
The stroll turned into a peaceful detour through rural landscapes—simple, quiet, and far from the city’s pace. The only hiccup was a traffic jam near the wharf and the ache in my boots. Still, walking those serene roads left a lasting impression.
Nami Island, hello again! 🍁
With my online ticket validated, I boarded the ferry to Nami Island. Minutes later, I stepped into a storybook.
The calm lake mirrored the sky. Trees blazed in fiery autumn colors. Nami Island has a magical way of slowing time; every tree-lined path felt like a gentle pause in the world.
Though I never finished watching Winter Sonata, seeing the drama’s iconic benches and statues brought me back to the early 2000s, when the Korean Wave first swept into my country. Nostalgia settled warmly in my chest.
A Cozy Meal & Keepsakes 🥘
After wandering and soaking in the scenery, I stopped at a cozy local restaurant. The aroma of traditional Korean dishes pulled me in. Sitting by the window, I savored flavors of the season—comfort food at its finest.
Later, I wandered Nami Island’s souvenir shops. Handmade crafts, traditional snacks, and art lined the shelves. I sent a postcard, featuring a stunning landscape shot of the island—my way of freezing a moment in time. As I penned my message, gratitude for this quiet, magical place filled me.
Back to Seoul, Braver Than Before 🚄
Determined to challenge myself, I walked back to Gapyeong Station solo. No more following strangers—I knew the route now. Confidence in my stride, I bought a KTX ticket to Yongsan Station for just KRW 6,000. The high-speed train made fewer stops, and I savored the ride.
From Yongsan, I transferred to Line 1 back to Seoul Station. My feet were sore, the evening air crisp. Back at the guesthouse, I rested and reflected on the day.
Myeongdong Food Trip & Holiday Glow 🍢
For dinner, I headed to Myeongdong—a place I hold dear. Instead of pricier restaurants, I opted for a street food tour. Despite being slightly more expensive than Namdaemun, I left full and satisfied.
The area’s festive holiday lights added magic to the night. Myeongdong is more than a shopping district for me—it’s a feeling, a memory, a tradition.
Reflection 🌸
That day reminded me why I travel: not just to see beautiful places, but to feel them. To walk unfamiliar paths, make small choices that turn into lasting memories, and let nostalgia dance with the present.
Nami Island didn’t just offer autumn leaves and scenic views—it offered peace I hadn’t realized I needed. I arrived uncertain, tired, and nostalgic. I left with warmth, clarity, and a renewed sense of direction.
*** I wrapped up 2024 with a solo trip to South Korea as the finale. From visa anxieties to subway rides, cathedral quiet to Myeongdong chaos, I’m documenting the highs, lows, and everything in between. Thank you for reading, supporting, and walking this path with me—one step, one train, one heartwarming misadventure at a time. 💙 ***
