This is my first time going to the island. Somewhat gimmicky that they have the place set out to be like its own autonomous republic despite not remotely close to being independent. According to the description there, it's cultural independence, whatever it may represent.
But it's a nice place to be. On foot, it takes about 20 mins to walk the island end-to-end. But since it's a touristy spot, everything sold there was tourist-price. The island is famous for being the shooting site of the famous K-drama -- Winter Sonata -- which happened to be the drama that got the world hooked on K-dramas and K-Pop. I forgot when I watched it but I knew all along this was the site. I just didn't come the first two times visiting South Korea.
As I came here in Autumn, the trees were all in their peak-Autumn colours. Which was why it was nice. I like Autumn, partly because I was born in this season (although my birth place doesn't experience 4 seasons at all). The ginkgo tree lane was a must-go in terms of playing with the fallen leaves and taking nice photos. Of course, there are multiple spots for Insta-worthy shots.
Slight tangent, the ginkgo leaves were "imported" from Seoul. Collected and dropped at the ginkgo tree lane on Naminara.
Highlight of the place for me was witness the first snow of South Korea (첫눈) which came two weeks earlier than the previous year. It was also my first time seeing snow. Although it was just very light snow.
I wouldn't say this is the best place to be but it is a very close second to Jeonju Hanok Village. I wouldn't stay overnight here though, doesn't make any logistics sense to take the ferry with luggage back and forth and travel 2 hours on train and subway.
I give Naminara Republic 4/5 stars.
