Having found the bus terminal yesterday, we walked with confidence and ease to the trip meeting point. We spotted ‘Joe’ our guide, who very quickly told us where to go in heavily accented English. He rushed off the gather the others on the trip. We had found it, we were on time, we got on the wrong bus!
Frosty looks, then a woman demanded to know what we were doing sat there. I thought that seats were allocated and we had made a huge faux pax. We are going to Nami, we are waiting for Joe. In a very withering tone she said she wasn’t Joe, she wasn’t going to Nami Island and we had to get off the bus! Unbeknownst to me, Joe had been ringing me, texting me and altogether having a quite contained meltdown.
Doing the walk of shame off the bus, spied by Joe, who gesticulated wildly from the bus we should have been on, we then did the walk of shame onto the proper bus. I looked downwards, suitably embarrassed.
Joe,his English name, was very jolly, a typical tour guide. He gave a quick rundown of his skills for being a guide, fluent in Korean, majored in Chinese literature,so fluent in Chinese. Then he said he could speak some English, that no one had ever complained, but possibly he ventured it was because he was so good looking. I would say not. He spoke all languages very quickly, so the English was a blur, it was hard to tell what he was saying. Thankfully he backed it up with diagrams and photos.
This was lucky as we had to select our lunch option for later in the day, there were a few vegetarian options, so all was good!
Our first stop of the day was the longest cable car in Korea, going over a lake by Samaksan Mountain in Chuncheon, Gangwon-do Province. Going over Uiamho Lake and travelling for 3.6 km before nearing the summit of the mountain at an altitude of 440 m. There was an option to have crystal cabins, with floors made of fortified glass. That really would have been a bridge too far!
We had another 200 metres to climb to the viewing platform, which was partially made of glass.
As we climbed up classical music piped from each corner of the woodland, perhaps to subdue the snakes.
When we travelled up we saw a different side to Korea, homes with pools, clamping pods, and water skiers zig-zaggimg across the lake.
After this, Joe went into a full on sales pitch, when we got back on the bus. His company had diversified, realising that they had a captive audience on their numerous trips. Five large packets on seaweed was passed to us and another couple, five different flavours, including Earl Grey! They seemed wildly expensive, and I am not certain any one bought any packs. They were very tasty though. He has two massive bags full to the brim, all of which he had to lug off the coach when we got back to Seoul.
Our next step off was the Gangchon Rail Park. I wasn’t certain what to expect. I had booked to go to Alpaca World, but there was some confusion, so we had to go to the Rail Park, which in hindsight was a fun experience.
Joe was really good, he didn’t go on and on, he just gave us directions of what to do, with timescales. When we got to the Rail Parl we were given 10 minutes for a toilet break.
Another place with piped music, although this time is seemed to be completelyat odds with the experience. There was something very strange and surreal to be having a wee, accompanied to a very loud rendition of Land of Hope and Glory!
Despite Joe having given us a long health and safety chat, we then had to sit through another one, by one of the workers, who took no prisoners, and wasn’t adverse to admonishing any childen talking over him.
We opted for a two seater rail bike. 4km and then 4km back. We felt very giddy.
As we were waiting to head off we could see the birdlife below along the river bank.
I had thought it would be ridiculously ardous, but it wasn’t as some bits were electrified. We passed through mountain scenery, woodland and past quirky houses. We laughed alot!
We passed a field and a tree stood out, covered in yellow ribbons and bits of paper. Later I googled it to see what it meant, as undoubtedly it meant something. The yellow ribons I found out are linked to the Sewol ferry disaster, which claimed the lives of over 300 students who had been on a field trip. The ribbons symbolising solidarity with the missing teenagers families, and a show ofh ope.
After 4km we were given a 10 minute break, I opted for little pearls on flavoured ice, a bit like a frozen version of sherbet pips.
After all that excitement it was time to return and go to the restaurant. We were ushered to the back of the restaurant, passing three large modern kimchi making canisters. Kimchi is ominpresent in Korea, not just a food stuff but a symbol of national pride.
All the other fellow travellers had opted for the Korean BBQ option, each table set up with a DIY bbq as well as ventilation above it. We have buckwheat noodles, a type of miso soup, cheese fondue, potato pancake and rice. No meal here is complete without rice!
Because our meal was in no way as elaborate as everyoneelses, we have finished sooner, so we headed off seperately to the next activity, a ferry to Nami Island. Sensing another photo opportunity at the entrance to the ferry, I can my phone out. Only to get it snatched out of my hand by a smiling Korean man. `
Who insisted on taking our photo.
Why oh why did I pack a white T shirt for the holiday. Did I think that by travelling to Korea I would break habit of a lifetime, and not spill food down my front! For the rest of the day I clutched my wide brimmed hat to me, to hide the bright orange splashes of chilli sauce.
Onto a short ferry ride to Nami Island otherwise known as Naminara Republic, is a picturesque, half-moon-shaped island located in the Bukhangang River.
Nami Island, or Naminara Republic, is a picturesque, half-moon-shaped island located in the Bukhangang River, about 63 km from Seoul. It is famous for its stunning seasonal landscapes, tree-lined paths, and cultural attractions. It is referred to as a Republic because it became a self declared micronation in 2006. Having what it described as cultural independence from South Korea. It has its own flag, passport and currency. A tranquil island full of natural and man made beauty.
We had two hours to amble around but could have done with much much more!
Random Acts of Travelling 