TRAVEL INFO : NAMI ISLAND, SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA (2005)

Nami Island (Namiseom) in 2005 was at the absolute peak of its "Korean Wave" (Hallyu) transformation. While it had been a quiet resort since the 1960s, my visit in 2005 would have placed right in the middle of the global frenzy sparked by the K-drama Winter Sonata.

Here is a look back at what Nami Island was like during that specific era:

The "Winter Sonata" Phenomenon

By 2005, the island had become a pilgrimage site for fans from all over Asia, particularly Japan and Southeast Asia.

• The Metasequoia Lane: This iconic path of towering trees was the most photographed spot, where the lead characters (Jun-sang and Yu-jin) famously walked.
• The First Kiss Spot: You likely saw the small wooden table and the "First Kiss" glass bridge where the couple built snowmen.
• Statues & Posters: Life-sized bronze statues of the stars (Bae Yong-joon and Choi Ji-woo) were installed around this time, along with countless stills and posters from the drama scattered throughout the woods.
• Drama Memorabilia: You may recall seeing the bicycles used in the show and large posters displayed throughout the woods.

Key Features :

• General Nami’s Tomb: The island is named after General Nami, a 15th-century figure. You likely passed the large stone mound (his memorial tomb) near the entrance.
• No Telephone Poles: One of the unique things about Nami Island even then was the absence of overhead wires; all cables were buried underground to preserve the "natural" feel for filming and tourism.
• The Ostriches: Known as "Nami-strich," these birds were a quirky staple of the island, often seen wandering in their enclosure or being a bit cheeky with tourists.
• The Bicycles: Since cars are banned, renting a tandem or single bicycle was (and still is) the primary way most visitors explored the 4-kilometer circumference.
• The "Naminara Republic": In 2005, the island was beginning its whimsical branding as a self-declared "micronation," requiring visitors to pass through a "visa" and "immigration" process at the ferry terminal.

The iconic Winter Sonata statue on Nami Island, South Korea, on December 24, 2005. The statue commemorates one of the most famous scenes from the hit 2002 K-drama, which was primarily filmed on the island.

Nami Island & Winter Sonata

• Filming Location Nami Island became internationally famous as the primary filming location for the romantic melodrama Winter Sonata, a drama often credited with launching the "Korean Wave" (Hallyu) of Korean pop culture throughout Asia and the world.
• The Statue's Significance The bronze statue in the image depicts the show's lead characters, played by actors Bae Yong-joon and Choi Ji-woo, embracing in a scene where they shared their first kiss. It is a popular photo spot for fans visiting the island.
• Tourism Impact Following the drama's immense success, the number of visitors to Nami Island dramatically increased, making it one of South Korea's top tourist destinations year-round.

On Christmas Eve, December 24, 2005 at Nami Island provided a festive and snowy backdrop for visitors. The island is renowned as the primary filming location for the hit Korean drama Winter Sonata. 

General Nami was a legendary but tragic military figure of the Joseon Dynasty. He became Minister of National Defense at the age of 27. He gained fame for quelling a major rebellion (Yi Si-ae's rebellion) and successfully fighting against the Jurchen people in the north. 

After King Sejo died, a political rival named Ryu Ja-gwang falsely accused Nami of treason by misinterpreting one of the general's poems. Based on these false accusation, General Nami was executed in 1468 at the age of 28.

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

Lembah Keramat, K.L

31/12/2025: 4.32 p.m

MY TRAVEL INFO: SEOUL WORLD CUP STADIUM (2005)

Visiting the Seoul World Cup Stadium (also known as Sangam Stadium) in 2005 would have been a fascinating time to see it. It was only three years after the legendary 2002 FIFA World Cup, so the energy and "Red Devils" fever were still very much a part of the atmosphere.

When I was there in 2005, I remember some of these highlights:

1. The Legacy of 2002

By 2005, the stadium had firmly established itself as a landmark. We saw the iconic roof, which was designed by Ryu Choon-soo, to look like a traditional Korean kite. It was built to represent Korea’s "flight" into the 21st century.

2. Major Events in 2005

The stadium was very active that year. Among the events in 2005 :

• World Cup Qualifiers: In February 2005, South Korea played a massive World Cup qualifier against Kuwait, winning 2-0. Legends like Park Ji-sung were at the height of their popularity.
• The Unification Match: On August 14, 2005, there was a historic "Inter-Korean" friendly match between South Korea and North Korea to celebrate the 60th anniversary of liberation.
• K-League Growth: 2005 was only the second year that FC Seoul called the stadium their permanent home after moving from Anyang.

3. The "Football Faentasium" & Museum

Even if there wasn't a game, many visitors in 2005 went for the World Cup Museum. It was filled with memorabilia from the 2002 run—Guus Hiddink’s notes, the players' jerseys, and the massive screens replaying the goals against Italy and Spain.

4. A Multi-purpose Complex

One of the unique things about the Seoul stadium compared to others in Europe or South America is that it’s also a shopping mall! You might remember the Homeplus supermarket or the CGV Cinema located right inside the stadium structure—a very futuristic concept at the time.

In the FIFA Museum I was standing next to a life-sized mural of the 2002 South Korean National Team, which was the centerpiece of the museum during my 2005 visit.

That team is legendary because they became the first Asian team to ever reach a World Cup semi-final. 

Key Players in your Photo:

• The Captain: In the back row (third from left, #4) is Choi Jin-cheul, a rock in the defense.
• The Legend: Right next to your shoulder (#20) is Hong Myung-bo, the captain and one of the greatest Asian players of all time. He famously scored the winning penalty against Spain to put them in the semi-finals.
• The Midfield Maestro: In the front row (second from left, #7) is Kim Nam-il, known for his tough playing style.
• The Goal Scorers: You can also see Lee Young-pyo (#10, far left) and Seol Ki-hyeon (#9, front right), both of whom went on to have big careers in the English Premier League.

A Snapshot in Time

By the time of my visit in 2005, many of these players had become national heroes. The mural was a popular spot for visitors because it allowed fans to feel like they were part of the "Starting XI."

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

Lembah Keramat, KL

31/12/2025: 3.16 p.m

MY TRAVEL INFO: MALAYSIAN BRIDGE AT GYEONGGI-DO, SOUTH KOREA

Malaysia Bridge (마레이시아교) located in Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do Province, South Korea. While the bridge itself was originally built in 1966, it has gained renewed recognition in recent years (including around 2005 and during the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2020) as a symbol of the historic friendship between the two nations.

Key Facts About the Malaysia Bridge

• Location: Jori-eup, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do (near the Bongilcheon area).
• Historical Significance: In 1966, Malaysia (then a relatively wealthier nation following the Korean War) donated 5,000 USD to South Korea to help build this infrastructure. This was a significant gesture of international aid at a time when Korea was rebuilding. It was opened on 25 August 1966, at the time South Korea was still recovering from the devastation of the Korean War and lacked the funds for basic infrastructure. 
• Dimensions: It is a reinforced concrete bridge approximately 60 meters long and 7.5 meters wide.
• Cultural Status: It is now officially a Registered Cultural Property of Gyeonggi-do Province due to its diplomatic and historical value.

Symbolic Importance

The bridge is often cited by diplomats as the "starting point" of the modern relationship between South Korea and Malaysia.

• Cultural Heritage: In recent years, it has been recognized as a Registered Cultural Property of Gyeonggi-do Province because of its historical value.
• The "Reversal" of Roles: The bridge is a poignant reminder of how the economic roles have shifted. While Malaysia helped Korea build this small bridge in 1966, Korean companies later helped Malaysia build massive landmarks like the Penang Bridge and the Petronas Twin Towers in the 1980s and 90s.

What it’s like today

When you visited in 2005, the bridge was already nearly 40 years old. Today, it stands as a quiet memorial. There is a small monument nearby that explains the history of the Malaysian donation in both Korean and English. It is a popular spot for Malaysian dignitaries and tourists who want to see a tangible piece of their country's history in Korea.

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

Lembah Keramat, KL

31.12.2025: 2.56 p.m

MY TRAVEL INFO: SOUTH KOREAN NAVAL BASE, INCHEON (1990)

In 1990, the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) vessels KD Lekir (F26) and KD Mahawangsa (1504) conducted a significant long-distance deployment to South Korea, docking at the Incheon Naval Base.

This visit was a historic milestone for the RMN, as it was one of the earliest and longest deployments of Malaysian naval assets to the East Asian region during that era.

Key Details of the 1990 Visit

The Vessels:

• KD Lekir (F26): A Kasturi-class corvette. At the time, she was one of Malaysia's most modern and capable frontline combatants, having been commissioned only six years prior in 1984.
• KD Mahawangsa (1504): A Multi-Purpose Command and Support Ship (MPCSS). Interestingly, KD Mahawangsa was actually built in South Korea by Tacoma Boatbuilding (Korea Tacoma Shipyard) and commissioned in 1983. This visit to Incheon was effectively a "homecoming" for the ship.

Significance: The deployment was intended to showcase the RMN's "Blue Water" capabilities—the ability to operate far from home ports for extended periods. It also served to strengthen bilateral defense ties between Malaysia and the Republic of Korea (ROK).

Mission Context: During this period, the RMN was expanding its presence in the South China Sea and enhancing its training through long-range navigational exercises (Overseas Training Cruises).

COMPARISON OF BOTH VESSELS.

Feature	KD Lekir (F26)	KD Mahawangsa (1504)
Type	Corvette (Kasturi-class)	Support Ship (Sri Indera Sakti-class)
Origin	HDW, Germany	Korea Tacoma, South Korea
Main Armament	57mm Bofors, Exocet Missiles	57mm Bofors, 20mm Oerlikon
Primary Role	Surface Warfare / ASW	Logistics, Command & Support

INCHEON NAVAL BASE

In 1990, the Incheon Naval Base was a vital and highly strategic installation for the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN). At that time, it served as the primary Headquarters for the ROKN 2nd Fleet, the command responsible for defending the Yellow Sea (West Sea) and the maritime border with North Korea.

1. Strategic Role: The Frontline of the West Sea

In 1990, the Incheon Naval Base was the nerve center for South Korean naval operations near the Northern Limit Line (NLL).

• The Shield of Seoul: Because Incheon is the gateway to the capital city, the base was heavily fortified and focused on high-readiness.
• Primary Mission: Its main task was to counter North Korean infiltration, protect fishing fleets, and maintain a presence in the disputed waters of the West Sea.

2. Physical Layout & Challenges

Visitors to the base in 1990 would have noticed the unique geographical constraints that have made Incheon famous in naval history:

• Tidal Variation: Incheon has one of the highest tidal ranges in the world (up to 9 meters). In 1990, the base utilized a sophisticated lock system (tidal basins) to ensure that naval vessels remained afloat and could maneuver regardless of the extreme low tides.
• The "Tidal Lock": Ships like the KD Mahawangsa would have had to time their arrival or departure with the operation of these massive locks, which separate the inner harbor from the open sea.

3. Transition Period (The 1990s)

The 1990 visit occurred during a major transitional phase for the ROKN:

• Modernization: The base was transitioning from using older, ex-US Navy vessels (like Gearing-class destroyers) to indigenous, South Korean-built ships like the Ulsan-class frigates and Pohang-class corvettes.
• The Move to Pyeongtaek: While Incheon was the 2nd Fleet HQ in 1990, the base was becoming increasingly "crowded" due to the rapid industrialization of Incheon city. By the late 1990s (specifically 1999), the 2nd Fleet HQ would eventually move south to the more modern and spacious Pyeongtaek Naval Base.

4. Atmosphere for International Visitors

For the Malaysian sailors on KD Lekir and KD Mahawangsa, the base would have felt like a high-security operational hub.

• Professionalism: The ROKN was known for its strict discipline and rapid-response drills.
• Homecoming for KD Mahawangsa: Since KD Mahawangsa was built in a South Korean shipyard, the ROKN personnel likely treated the visit with extra pride, as it showcased the durability of Korean shipbuilding to an international partner.

Comparison : Incheon Base (1990) vs. Today

Feature	Incheon Naval Base (1990)	Incheon Naval Base (Today)
Command Status	Headquarters of the 2nd Fleet	Incheon Naval Sector Defense Command
Primary Vessels	Gearing-class, Pohang-class	Patrol craft, Incheon-class frigates
Infrastructure	Older facilities, heavily urbanized	Integrated with modern port tech
Main Threat Focus	Cold War-era surface infiltration	Modern asymmetric & missile threats

HOMECOMING OF KD MAHAWANGSA TO SOUTH KOREA

While its sister ship, KD Sri Indera Sakti, was built in Germany, KD Mahawangsa (1504) has a special historical link to South Korea. Its 1990 visit to Incheon was truly a "homecoming" because the ship was born in a South Korean shipyard.

1. The Shipyard: Korea Tacoma Marine Industries

KD Mahawangsa was built by Korea Tacoma Marine Industries Ltd. in Masan, South Korea.

• The Build: Construction began in 1982, and she was launched on September 16, 1982.
• Commissioning: After successful sea trials in Korean waters, she was officially commissioned into the Royal Malaysian Navy on May 16, 1983.
• A Pioneer Yard: Korea Tacoma (later merged into Hanjin Heavy Industries) was a pioneer in South Korea's military shipbuilding. During the 1970s and 80s, they were famous for building high-speed patrol boats and amphibious craft. KD Mahawangsa was one of their significant export successes, proving that South Korean yards could build large, complex multi-purpose support ships.

2. Why it was a "Homecoming"

When KD Mahawangsa arrived at the Incheon Naval Base in 1990, it was more than just a diplomatic visit:

• Proof of Concept: The ship returned to its country of origin seven years after its commissioning. Its excellent condition at the time served as a "living advertisement" for the quality of South Korean naval engineering.
• Technical Pride: For the South Korean naval officers and engineers at Incheon, seeing the Mahawangsa—now a veteran of the RMN—was a point of national pride. It represented the era when South Korea began transitioning from a domestic shipbuilder to a global naval exporter.
• Maintenance & Familiarity: ROK Navy personnel would have been intimately familiar with the ship's design and systems, as it shared DNA with many of the logistical and amphibious vessels the ROKN was using at the time.

3. The Legacy of KD Mahawangsa

The "homecoming" was a testament to the ship’s durability. Since that 1990 visit, KD Mahawangsa has gone on to become one of the most hardworking ships in the RMN fleet:

• Humanitarian Missions: It served in Somalia (1994) and provided aid during the 2004 Tsunami in Aceh.
• Longevity: Even today, over 40 years since it left the Korean shipyard, KD Mahawangsa remains in active service—a rarity for ships of that age, highlighting the robust build quality of the Korea Tacoma yard.

Comparison of KD Mahawangsa & KD Sri Indera Sakti

Ship	KD Sri Indera Sakti (1503)	KD Mahawangsa (1504)
Shipyard	Bremer Vulkan, Germany	Korea Tacoma, South Korea
Launched	1980	1982
Design	Original German Design	Modified for Multi-Role Command
Connection	European Engineering	South Korean "Tiger" Economy Growth

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

ex Crew KD Lekir (1989-1991)

31/12/2025: 1.37 p.m