The Republic of Namirara
Nami Island is an oasis for culture and leisure in peaceful harmony with
humanity and nature. After a five-minute ferry ride, guests meet a
forest of verdant trees holding up the sky and open grassy areas where
ostriches, rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, ducks and peacocks warmly
welcome visitors in the midst of wild flowers.
On Nami Island, artists
from all over the world show-off their talents and share the sense of
peace of mind the island creates. The island is the site of Nami Island
International Children's Book Festival (NAMBOOK) and other cultural
events take place every weekend, making Nami one of the main cultural
and artistic tourist attractions in Korea. In 2006, the
island declared its cultural independence and was reborn as Naminara
Republic.
They have their own national flag, anthem, currency, passport and
phone cards, stamps, orthography and even a certification of
citizenship. Nami is home to several galleries and is the site of the
Song Museum, which also houses an outstanding collection of
international ethnic musical instruments. There are indoor and outdoor
stages, facilities for seminars and workshops in addition to a 46-room
modern hotel and 10 cottages.
Nami Island is dedicated to improving the
mental and physical well being of children throughout the world. As
such, they serve as the main sponsor of the Hans Christian Andersen Award
and contribute generously to Unicef. Serving as the location for the
internationally famous television series Winter Sonata has helped the
island attract 2,000,000 Korean and foreign visitors every year.
Naminara is unique in other ways, also. At night, all the lights are
turned off on the island so that visitors can harmonize with nature
under the light of the moon and stars. Most of wood and bottles
generated by visitors to the island are recycled and re-used. Nami has a
very open hiring and retirement policy so a diligent and honest person
can work until they are 80 years old if they wish. On Nami Island all
feel close to nature. Smiling people with peaceful hearts walk, Along
the river where a song of love spreads. And become one, With lasting
freedom, As poets, painters and musicians.