Gangwon Do Tour Review: Alpaca World & Nami Island Escapes

Dreaming of a quick getaway from the city? You know, like your ordinary, same-old weekend plans simply aren’t cutting it anymore? Well, it looks like a trip to Gangwon Do, complete with Alpaca World and Nami Island, just might be the recharge button you’ve been searching for! It can almost give you a memorable peek into what South Korea has to offer, a little beyond the neon lights and fast pace of Seoul. Here’s my take on that trip.

First Stop: Alpaca World – A Fluffy Paradise

Alpaca World! Doesn’t that sound delightful? I will start by saying, that this was a trip highlight. Picture this: rolling green hills, the sort of thing you might see in a painting, and scattered about, like little cotton balls, are dozens of alpacas. Now, as a matter of fact, the alpacas there come in all shades of white, brown, and black, and honestly, they’re just begging for a selfie (or ten!).

Spending some time with the alpacas wasn’t just some touristy photo op, it was very tactile and immersive, to say the least. You have a chance to feed them, which is surprisingly exciting. Let me tell you, these gentle creatures will nibble food right out of your hand with these soft mouths! A little fun fact, that you may enjoy; each alpaca seems to have its own personality, some bold, some a little shy, which just made the experience so much richer and quite cute, really. If you happen to have small kids with you, there are lots of running-around spaces, which can provide opportunities to let off some steam, and the scenery by itself is something that even adults will appreciate.

It could be important to remember that Alpaca World is outdoors. So that being said, dress accordingly! Especially when you consider the time of year that you might find yourself visiting. Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen will be useful during those hotter days, or you may want to layer up during those cooler months.

Next Up: Nami Island – More Than Just Fallen Leaves

Okay, so after saying goodbye to those fluffy alpacas, the next destination was none other than Nami Island, that has its popularity due, in some part, to its frequent appearances in Korean dramas. It will likely only take one look at those tree-lined avenues and waterside paths, that you may come to realize that this isn’t just any old island, too. Instead, it gives a feel of romance and serenity practically dripping from every tree. In other words, be prepared to slow down a little bit, relax and breathe in that crisp air.

Something that should probably be mentioned; getting to Nami Island is part of the fun. Usually, it requires a short ferry ride, which can give you this superb view of the surrounding landscapes. If you find that there are folks who aren’t fond of boat trips, they can instead opt for the zipline that connects the mainland to the island! What’s more, once you reach the island, there are options such as renting bikes, or even hopping onto an electric scooter to start exploring its trails at your speed.

That being said, it’s not just about the famed foliage at Nami Island, I think you will find there are other interesting activities and sights too, such as the UNICEF Hall, which showcases a partnership with the organization, as well as the various art installations scattered about the grounds. The food scene there isn’t bad, offering you a whole host of tasty treats from local Korean snacks up to western foods. Just make sure that when it comes to those peak seasons it might become a bit crowded, you see.

Tour Logistics: Getting There and Around

When booking a tour like this ‘From Seoul Gangwon Do Tour’, usually the transport arrangements should be pretty much taken care of, but depending on where exactly you find yourself departing from in Seoul, this might involve some traveling beforehand, usually at some popular pickup spot. The coaches are fairly cozy, at least, and the guides have, more times than not, some conversational-level English.

I believe one point to keep in your head will be that these trips tend to operate based on specific schedules. When I say that, I’m suggesting that sticking with the schedule is rather important to make sure that everyone has enough time at each location, which might be restrictive in some cases, just a bit. If that does concern you then you may want to rent a car, or arrange private transport if freedom is what you desire! Having said that, when I went on this tour I actually felt it offered a good balance between comfort and having the ability to easily see those main attractions in the Gangwon area in just one day.

Food, Glorious Food: What to Eat

Honestly, no trip would truly be complete without the local grub! Thankfully, this Gangwon Do tour presents some yummy opportunities when it comes to trying out some regional specialties. You can likely sample Dakgalbi, that is, a stir-fried chicken dish with veggies in a spicy sauce, quite a treat. There are some great restaurants over at Nami Island that offer that! Just be sure to be on the lookout for what exactly might be available with your specific tour option, alright?

Here’s what’s usually included with lunch spots along the way. Also, many stores offer classic Korean snacks, too, such as hotteok (sweet pancakes), or you may want to load up on seaweed snacks if you enjoy those. Keep an eye out at the markets to experience a larger assortment of traditional, more regional bites.

Final Thoughts: Is the Tour Worth It?

So is that ‘From Seoul Gangwon Do Tour with Alpaca World and Nami Island’ tour worthwhile? Well, arguably it would depend on your priorities! This might very well provide the perfect option if you happen to be somebody with only a little time but has this urge to take in a bit of what South Korea’s natural charm has on offer. Just be certain, like your day, that those spots are quite popular which could imply that those times available might seem just slightly brief, as such, the sheer joy involved with having some hands-on moments along with alpacas plus the charming views you will likely see over at Nami, very probably does balance things up! I would strongly advise a look at what some various tour options will give so that you can pick an excursion designed just how you want.

Key Takeaways:

• Alpaca World: Is such a fun, family-friendly attraction, do allow some selfie time with these alpacas!
• Nami Island: Known for amazing scenery, particularly some famed tree lanes!
• Convenience: Tours offer a no-stress strategy when it comes to seeing Gangwon Do main attractions without needing loads of planning!
• Food: Seize the chances out to test local Korean cuisine as it tends to feature prominently on the way or on Nami Island!