Petite France
1063 Hoban-ro, Oeseo-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do
This cultural village looks like it was lifted straight from the Piedmont Alps of France and dropped in the middle of the South Korean countryside. The aptly named Petite France comprises over a dozen French-style buildings on a scenic hillside, housing shops, cafés, art galleries, and French restaurants within their colorful walls.
The basics
Ideal for those interested in French literature and film, Petite France has a memorial hall dedicated to the author of the French novel, Le Petit Prince, as well as a gallery showcasing various paintings and sculptures of the French national symbol. It features a number of shops and other places to enjoy various types of performances, including Guignol – the traditional French hand puppet performance. Many day trips from Seoul to Nami Island include a stop at Petite France and are particularly popular with fans of Korean soap operas, as many were filmed in these two locations.
Things to know before you go
*Entrance to Petite France is ticketed, and you can book admission tickets online ahead of time. *Remember to bring your camera, as Petite France offers numerous photo ops. *Wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared for stairs and inclines; the village is best explored on foot.
How to get there
To reach Petite France by subway, alight at Cheongpyeong station on the Gyeongchun line. From there, head to Cheongpyeong Bus Terminal (10-minute walk) and catch the bus to Goseong-ri.
When to get there
There’s no bad time to visit Petite France, though the surrounding area (including leafy Nami Island) tend to be at their most scenic in autumn. The village itself is open during normal business hours throughout the year.
Nami Island
Guided tours to Petite France almost always stop at Nami Island as well. This half moon-shaped island famously served as the setting for Korean drama Winter Sonata, and has since become a popular escape for its shady lanes and recreational trails winding through redwoods, gingkoes, and pine trees.
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