This island has been on my list of touristy places to visit in Korea. To most, it a must-see as one of the more popular attractions as a filming location for a Korean drama Winter Sonata. Went there though because I was after the lovely pictures I have been seeing online especially during autumn.
I was right on two things I knew prior to visit - the place is lovely in autumn and two, that it is touristy. As with the latter, though I was expecting it to be that touristy, was initially turned off by the too many people since the ferry ride until in the island itself. I was restless trying to capture spots in the place but could not find timing when there was no one or at least few people around. Only later though did I realize that one charm of the place lies in its many visitors as it creates a festive vibe. As I did more walking, I felt it more that while it is being in a place where one gets to be close with nature, it is also a place where people unintentionally get together to share that experience. Later on then appreciated watching people take their souvenir photos or simply lie on the grounds as if having picnic.
It was my first stop in my Gapyeong City Tour from Gapyeong station. Such tour, by the way, lets you hop across various destinations around town for a reasonable price of 5,000 won. I believe however there are other options especially if you are traveling in a big group. Expect crowd in the ferry to and from the island. Line may be overwhelming but it moves relatively fast so one just may have to put up with being too close with others for a few minutes.