Garden of the Morning Calm and Nami Island Tour

Outside of Seoul is where the fun stuff goes down. Seriously, I mean it. If experiencing nature, clean air, and an island country is up your alley, then why aren’t you signing up for this like, yesterday? To experience all the beauty and relaxation nature has to offer, check out Trazy’s Garden of the Morning Calm and Nami Island tour.

As a female solo traveler, headaches are made of tours composed of strangers in a ditch effort to maintain low prices. With Trazy, you’ll have an abundance of freedom without large group annoyances and super tight time constraints. The excursion consists of a personal chauffeur and tour guide to make the day efficient and smooth. Our tour guide, Scott (who spoke perfect English by the way) took care of our tickets and guiding us through the process of taking ferries and discovering the most beautiful spots to go. P.s. It was super hot and the van is so nicely air conditioned. #YAHS

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What is Trazy?

Korea is a dazzling country with a lot to offer. Unfortunately, a lot of information is unavailable in English. Having been lost in translation for five years now (three in Japan and two in Korea) I can personally attest to the difficulty of wanting to travel often but not knowing where to start. Trazy founders, Kristine and Jessie realized the need for up to date travel information and communication efficiency. Thus, this service is dedicated to travel crazy people with the goal of discovering things to do and booking tours at a discounted price.

Related: What to do in Seoul

Nami Island

If you’ve ever wanted to go to another country inside Korea, now is the time to do it. Nami Island is also referred to as NamiNara Republic. Nami being the name and Nara meaning country. You’re handed a round trip ticket and taken through “immigration” as you wait to board a ferry.

If I had one word to describe Nami, I would use random. Nami is like an outdoor amusement park featuring animals, hanok, statues, water bikes places to picnic, entertainment for the children, and a beautiful forest. The coolest part, in my humble opinion, is the fact it was the stage for classic and romantic 2001 K-drama, Winter Sonata.

Depending on traffic, it takes about an hour and half to two hours to venture there. Nami is a small, four kilometer island in the shape of a half moon. It takes a small amount of time to traverse the island so you don’t have to worry about FOMO. It’s popular for couples, families, friends and bloggers (like Linda Goes East and myself.) If you don’t feel like leaving and going back to the business of Seoul, there’s an option of renting condos overlooking the river. 

We arrived on time at 9:40 am which offered ample time to explore the island, eat, and relax in a picturesque setting. I’m talking super scenic postcard backdrops. Then again, don’t take my word for it, take the Trazy Tour, and decide for yourself.

Related: Meerkat and Friends Cafe

P.s. Beware the ostrich, the evil dinosaur descendant. They are aggressive and one tried to make off with my hat for lunch.

Garden of the Morning Calm

We left for the garden around 2:00 pm and it only took a half hour to get there. Scott offered great suggestions on the prettiest place to take photos. The most charming places we did find because there wasn’t one thing at the garden that didn’t catch our eye. 

Everything in the garden is meant to showcase the beauty of Korea, hence why it takes it’s name from Land of the Morning Calm. As the oldest private garden in Korea, it is a haven for scenic areas, manicured lawns and flower beds that connect 20 different sections. Designed by Professor Han Sang-kyung, this masterpiece attracts over 600,000 visitors annually.

So about that spot that makes your eyes cry with happiness? Well, its at the edge of the garden. A Korean gazebo floats majestically above the lily pads and you can enjoy the views with a refreshing beverage at the cafe on the end.

Related: Romantic Autumn Date Spots in Korea

Itinerary

8:10 am Depart from Myeongdong Station (Line 4)

9:40 am Have a blast on Nami Island

2:00 pm Depart from Nami Island

3:00 pm arrive at the Garden of the Morning Calm

5:00 pm Depart from the Garden of the Morning Calm

7:00 pm Arrive at Myeongdong Station (Line 4)

       Included                                                                       Excluded

– round-trip transport                                                     -meals

– Nami Island entrance & ferry ticket                               – personal expenses

– Garden of the Morning Calm entrance                           – Nami Island Zip Wire

– English speaking driver and tour guide

Nami Island keeps you on your toes because you’ll never know what to expect next with the decor or activities. I loved walking around the scenic trees and ballon decor. The Garden of the Morning Calm will never cease to amaze the viewers with the peace its flowers bring and the calm you’ll experience as you sip a beverage in the cafe near the lily pond. The tour costs about $57.

Gina Bear was invited on the Garden of the Morning Calm and Nami Island Tour by Trazy Korea. As always, all thoughts and opinions remain my own.