Now that Fall has officially hit Seoul in full swing, this is probably the best time of the year to pull out your camera and go for a walk outside. Why? Because if you look around, you’ll notice the wonderful colors emitting from the trees as they call for your attention!
Needless to say, Fall is that time of year that everyone loves. It’s not to hot and it’s not to cold, making it perfect for sweater weather and multiple cups of hot chocolate or lattes if you prefer. As the temperature continues to change in Seoul – some days it’s cold and some days it’s warm – the scenery outside continues to change and everything becomes more beautiful with every passing day. I’m lucky enough to attend Yonsei University. Its campus is amazing as it is but it looks even more incredible now that all the trees are changing colors.
Fall Foliage is the phenomenon where autumn leaf colors take affect on normally green leaves of many deciduous trees and shrubs. These trees and shrubs take on, during a few weeks in the autumn season, various shades of red, yellow, purple, black, orange, pink, magenta, blue and brown.
Because Seoul – mainly South Korea in general – is made of hills, mountains and trees at every turn, its easily to spot colorful trees everywhere you go. It amazing to see how such a modern city like Seoul, with countless buildings, shops and city lights, is still holding onto nature by preserving and taking care of its beautiful landscape. Instead of tearing everything down to build apartments and big department stores, Koreans have found a way to stay in tact with the industrial evolution all while still maintaining its own backyard.
And this can be seen at a place called Nami Island. It is a half moon-shaped 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). A special feature of the 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 island is 553,560 square yards with chestnut trees and poplar trees throughout. In the middle of the isle, there is a grass field about 316,320 square yards.
With a two hour bus ride from the city down to the docks where a ferry is needed to get to the island, the entire trip was worth the wonderful sight of the island. It is really like a park within a park, if that makes any sense! But walking around, you’ll see countless tourists all with cameras trying to get pictures of the wonderful and beautiful changing landscape. Its truly a sight to see and they even have a little zoo of their own!
Nami Island is a wonderful day time trip for anyone that is looking for a peaceful walk with nature. Without the distractions of busy city lights and speeding buses and cars in Seoul, the island was truly a little getaway that everyone needs! Come and enjoy mother nature’s pure beauty to the fullest!