Petite France + Nami Island Day Tour

We went on a day trip to Gapyeong County on our third day in Korea after spending our first 2 days in Seoul.

I booked Klook’s Petite France and Nami Island tour. Booking through the website was very straightforward, and I received the voucher within a few hours while the Everland vouchers were instantly sent to my inbox. I was even surprised that they gave further discount coupons after my purchase!

Our driver/guide, June, arrived in Myeongdong at the scheduled pick up time. I showed him the e-voucher on my phone, and off we go.

Booking a private tour was a good decision because we’re a group of 4 with 2 senior citizens. Our ride, a KIA Carnival, was very spacious and comfortable that my mom dozed off on the way to Petite France.  😀

Petite France just opened when we arrived, so we had the place to ourselves for a while.

Klook.com

We arrived after a smooth 1.5-hour drive.

June bought our tickets, handed us a map of the place, and briefly explained the different areas of the ‘village.’ He then left us to explore it on our own.

I was a bit worried at first because it was cloudy when we arrived, but the sun shone brightly after a few minutes.

“Antiques Flea Market” or Antika

I haven’t been to France yet, but the colorful houses reminded me of Cinque Terre while Antika reminded me of a souvenir shop in Hallstatt. So yes, the European feel is legit.

Inside the Saint Exupery Memorial Hall

Each building in the village houses different exhibits. The Saint Exupery Memorial Hall, in particular, displays details about the life of Saint Exupery and his various works, specifically the Petit Prince characters. You can see the other rooms in the video at the end of this blog post.

We were so busy checking out the exhibits that we missed the marionette dance show at the amphitheater.

Since I can’t bring my mom to Europe, I just let her have her moment here. 😀

Panoramic view of the village from Pond de Fabre

We walked along Pond de Fabre, the bridge connecting Butterfly Park and the observatory, and got awesome panoramic views of the village and Cheongpyeongho Lake in the distance. I learned it’s lined with cherry blossom trees, so I imagine it must be so magical in spring!

What’s a French-themed attraction without a miniature Eiffel Tower, right?

Final look before we bid Petite France adieu.

A twenty-minute drive from Petite France, we arrived at Nami Island.

Again, June bought our ‘visas’ and ushered us to the ferry that’ll take us to the island. He said he’ll meet us again after 2.5 hours.

Klook.com

Naminara Republic is an imaginary micro-nation that has its own flag, currency, and commemorative stamp. You will even pass through ‘immigration’ before you can get to the wharf. 😀

Like Petite France, Nami Island also became popular because of Korean dramas, specifically, Winter Sonata. Statues and various memorabilia mark spots where scenes of the drama were filmed.

Central Korean Pine Tree Lane

Metasequoia Lane

Ginkgo (or Gingko) Tree Lane

With various walking paths, ponds, animals, activities, and restaurants, Nami Island is a destination you can visit all year round.

I want to go back in autumn so I can see the bright yellow ginkgo leaves!

When spring comes, Nami Island is covered in flowers. In summertime, the river winds blow through the shady woods. In autumn, the fallen leaves carpet the earth. In winter, the island is transformed into a world of icicles and snow.

See more of Nami Island in the video at the end of this post.

After returning from the island, June brought us to a restaurant and even helped prepare our dakgalbi lunch. It was not spicy, as requested, and was very satisfying. Lunch is included in the Klook package.