On our second day’s itinerary of the (family) visit to Seoul, Nami Island was the chosen destination. The reason? The great drama of Winter Sonata was made and produced in that island. People knew and perhaps fall in love with South Korea from this popular drama, as well as this island. Both are synonymous.
Today, I had the opportunity to visit this island. To be honest, being a financial consultant, I have heard more of Jeju island as compared to Nami Island but the world population who are into TV dramas are so fanatic about the island and Winter Sonata. I just need to be appreciative of that hard fact. I was obliged today to follow the lead (of tourism industry) where it ends or alludes. Nami Island has been in the golden template of the script and narration of all tour guides in South Korea. Carved in stone.
It took about 45 minutes by bus from where we stayed to arrive at the check point. We took the ferry to cross the Han river to Nami Island. The ferry didn’t take that long to reach the island. I felt strongly that Nami Island welcomes everyone with open arms. It should, because it has put the name of South Korea up and shining since the last few decades – not because of its high technology credentials (as this only came about later) but because it has painted the face of South Korean people and culture so uplifting. Thanks again to Winter Sonata. No one, perhaps including its producer, would have ever imagined, back then, that Winter Sonata would had been the most and best performing ambassador and flagship of South Korea.
In life, we can’t ridicule anything or anyone. Also, narrow minded and parochial mindset is over by now. This mindset might be relevant and needed in the past but it’s now a pre-historical phenomenon. When a good idea strikes, it’s unstoppable. Also, in life, we just need an encouragement – no matter how small or big that encouragement is. What am I trying to impress here? Don’t underestimate any idea or any person (and of course never ever overestimate your idea and personality). In any case, if you can’t bring forth a new and brilliant idea, encourage people to do simply that.
You may wonder what Nami island is. Actually, it is a man-made island. It was created by default when the water dam in the vicinity was overflown in circa 1944. The surviving land is known as Nami island whilst the rest of the land sunk forever. Man-made island by default and not by design. The island was named after General Nami, one of the great generals in Juson dynasty.
The island is just 4 kilometres in diameter. A small and tiny island but getting the traction as the compulsory tourist spot. It has many attractions and each season has its own beauty and offerings. Very refreshing, indeed. It's located along one of the main rivers in Korea. It has been preserved to be natural and original. All the cables are underground. Cycling is encouraged. Sky cycle is not to be missed when you visit this island. I also tried and enjoyed.
What is so special about nature? It's God created. No one - no matter how intelligent and powerful he is - is able to create the nature of this planet. Once it's gone, it's gone forever. Our duty is simply to preserve and sustain it.
Yes, we need to produce more food, cereals, fats and meats for our growing world population to avoid hunger but we can’t simply overdo it. Proper planning and accurate, as well as proportionate measures on all fronts from reforestation or replanting to type of fertilisers and pesticides used to stockpile must be crafted and monitored thoroughly and 'naturally'.
But don’t overdo our green agenda too since human (and cattle) critically need more food both carbs and proteins in the future. Our fellow humans on this blue planet are expected to grow to 10 billion populations in the span of a few decades from now due to higher mortality age. Surely we need more food and water for everyone.
Keep the nature but be wise in keeping the balance between the nature and inhabitants of this blue planet. What is the solution? R&D to produce more metric tonne per hectare as the lands for plantation and farming are not going to increase after all. We need new genetically modified genome to produce more even in the extreme case of El-nino and long draughts.
In nature, we preserve (and enjoy); in R&D we invest (and believe).
On a travel quest in beautiful Nami island, South Korea..
7 December 2017.
MDB
