French themed village in South Korea – Le’ Petite France

Brief Background

Petite France is a French-style theme park that was constructed in July 2008 in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. It is a small French village hidden in the suburbs of Gapyeong.

The colourfully painted buildings in blue, yellow, pastel pink and many other colours gives off cheerful vibes of the place.Mostly related with the famous French novel “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint Exupery, this village has souvenir shops, cafes, restaurants, special galleries and museums such as traditional French house, Antique shop, Doll house and Oregol house that you can look at.

Petite France consists of 16 French-style buildings and 23 stops. The initial concept was to create an environment consisting of flowers, stars, and The Little Prince. Therefore, you will be able to find a memorial hall dedicated to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the author of the celebrated French novel, Le Petit Prince (1943).

Famous filming location

This place is known as the filming location of popular Korean dramas: “Beethoven Virus (2008)” “Secret Garden (2011)” and “My Love from the stars (2014)”

There’s also a central outdoor theater where you can sit down and chill.

The K-drama “My Love from the Stars” was such a hit. So they decided to place a photo zone where you can pose as Kim Soo Hyun and Jeon Ji Hyun. At the entrance of this place, you will notice a posters of the”My Love from the Stars” drama and also Running Man.

Variety shows like running man too, have filmed here. Cutie Song Joong Ki was a fixed member and 2PM were known as beastly idols. They filmed the race here and even wore French costumes to match the theme of the place.

Healing sightseeing + more entertainment

Petite France also offers free performances, such as Orgel Playing, Marionette Dance, A Street Musican, Marionette “Pinocchio, Hand Puppet, etc, with their own schedule that visitors can enjoy.

You can check out the performances schedule at the entrance. Keep them in mind and plan out your sightseeing inside if you don’t want to miss out on the performances!

Guest House

Not only is this place the location of blockbuster korean dramas, but it also serves as guesthouses for tourists.

Petite France has its own in-house guesthouse that can accommodate up to 200 visitors with 34 guest rooms that hold four to ten people each.

Information of the place 

• Address: 616 Goseong-ri, Oeseo-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
• Operating Hours: 9am – 6pm (Mon, Tues, Weds, Thurs & Sunday) / 9am – 8pm (friday & weekends) 
• Tickets: 8,000 won (adults), 6,000won (middle school & high school students), 5,000 won (kids) 
• How to get there: Le’ Petite France is actually located near Nami Island. Petite France is still in one area with Nami Island.

Take the subway to Gapyeong Station. After you arrive at Gapyeong Station, find the Gapyeong Shuttle Bus, so you can hop on and hop off to Petite France, Nami Island and other destinations with the same bus.

If you live at Myeong-dong Station, the trip will be approximately 90 minutes to Gapyeong Station, and with around 30 minutes trip by bus to Petite France. Don’t forget to enjoy the view in the bus because it sure is beautiful.

The right season 

I would recommend you to visit during Spring and summer. That is when the flowers really bloom. You will get to feel the healing sensation as you walk around Le’ Petite France with the greenery and colourful flora.

However, during Summer, look out for rainy days. Check your weather app and plan properly before going.

Every section of this place is also a perfect photo spot for you and your family and friends!

Definitely a place to visit when in Korea at least once. 

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