1. Introduction - Why This Place is Special
The island of love and memories, Nami Island! And the fairy-tale-like small France, Petite France! If you're planning a weekend getaway near Seoul, Gapyeong is always an exciting choice. Especially Nami Island, which captured the hearts of people worldwide with the drama "Winter Sonata," offers unforgettable memories to visitors by changing its attire each season. From the thrill of zip-lining across the tranquil lake to romantic walks along the Metasequoia path, this place is more than just a tourist spot; it becomes a special space that decorates a page of your life. Petite France offers another delight with its exotic charm, as if you've been transported to a small European village. Today, I want to present you with the perfect weekend outing guide for these two places. Find a course that suits your taste and create precious memories with the perfect photo!
2. History and Background
Nami Island was originally a small peak floating in the Bukhan River, but it took on the shape of an island due to the construction of the Cheongpyeong Dam. It is said that the tomb of General Nami, who served as the Minister of Military Affairs during the Joseon Dynasty, is located here, which is why it is called Nami Island. Since the 1960s, Mr. Min Byung-do, a pioneer, began planting and cultivating trees on this barren land, creating the beautiful nature we see today. In 2000, the 'Nami Island Cultural Tourism Bureau' was established, promoting it as a 'clean garden of cultural arts and natural ecology,' and in 2006, it was operated as an independent state with the unique concept of 'Naminara Republic,' becoming a world-renowned cultural tourist destination. Petite France is a French cultural village that opened in 2008 with the concept of 'flowers, stars, and the Little Prince.' With buildings modeled after French houses, antiques, and marionette performances, it evokes a sense of being on a page of a fairy tale, allowing visitors to fully experience the charm of Europe. Both places are more than just amusement parks; they are rich in culture and stories.
3. Recommended Courses (Half-Day/Full-Day)
We suggest the perfect course in the beautiful scenery of Gapyeong that suits your taste. Choose according to your time and energy!
# Half-Day Course (4-5 hours): Focused Exploration of Nami Island
Arrive early in the morning at Gapyeong Wharf and either take the thrilling zip-line to enter or enjoy a leisurely ferry ride to Nami Island. Once on the island, walk along the Metasequoia Path and Ginkgo Tree Path to capture the perfect photo. Become the protagonist of a drama in front of the First Kiss Bench, a filming location for "Winter Sonata," and explore the quaint shops around the Songpa Ginkgo Tree. Rent a bicycle to tour the island or ride an electric scooter to save time and move comfortably. Have lunch at a restaurant on the island, and in the afternoon, enjoy a cultural time by taking the UNICEF Sharing Train or visiting the Art Gallery and Craft Workshop before leisurely leaving the island. It's a compact course that allows you to fully experience the core attractions of Nami Island in a short time.
# Full-Day Course (7-8 hours): Perfect Conquest of Nami Island & Petite France
In the morning, enjoy Nami Island leisurely, just like the half-day course. For lunch, find a good restaurant inside Nami Island or near Gapyeong Wharf, and in the afternoon, take the Gapyeong City Tour Bus or a taxi to move to Petite France. Once at Petite France, take photos with the colorful buildings as a backdrop and create memories at the Little Prince Photo Zone. Experience French culture by watching the Marionette Performance or Music Box Demonstration held at set times. Explore the hidden quaint shops in the alleys or climb the Observatory to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Bukhan River. Finish the day with dinner near Petite France or return to Gapyeong Station for a fulfilling day. This is the classic course for a weekend outing in Gapyeong, capturing the charm of both places.
4. Recommended Restaurants and Food Spots
One of the joys of travel is definitely culinary exploration! Here are three recommended restaurants that will enrich your trip to Gapyeong, Nami Island, and Petite France.
1. Chuncheon Dakgalbi Makguksu (Near Gapyeong Wharf)
- Menu: Charcoal Dakgalbi, Iron Plate Dakgalbi, Makguksu
- Price Range: Dakgalbi per serving 14,000 won ~ 16,000 won, Makguksu 8,000 won ~ 10,000 won
If you're in Gapyeong, you can't miss Dakgalbi and Makguksu! Conveniently located near the Nami Island wharf, the charcoal-grilled Dakgalbi is even more savory and flavorful with the charcoal aroma. The spicy and sweet seasoning combined with the tender chicken offers an unforgettable taste, and it's perfect when paired with refreshing Makguksu. It's an ideal hearty meal to recharge your energy after a day of travel.
2. Gomok (Korean Restaurant on Nami Island)
- Menu: Lunch Box (Old-Style Lunch Box), Seafood Pancake, Pine Nut Makgeolli
- Price Range: Lunch Box 8,000 won ~ 10,000 won, Seafood Pancake 15,000 won ~ 20,000 won
If you want to have a meal on Nami Island, 'Gomok' is recommended. The nostalgic old-style lunch box, with warm rice topped with fried egg, ham, and stir-fried kimchi, brings back memories of school days. Shaking the lunch box to mix it is also fun. On rainy days, enjoy crispy seafood pancakes with Gapyeong's specialty pine nut makgeolli to enhance the atmosphere. It's a simple yet heartwarming meal to enjoy in nature.
3. La Coeur de France (Cafeteria in Petite France)
- Menu: Light Meals (Pasta, Sandwiches), Desserts (Cake, Bread), Coffee, Beverages
- Price Range: Meals 10,000 won ~ 15,000 won, Desserts/Beverages 5,000 won ~ 8,000 won
Located in Petite France, 'La Coeur de France' is a great place to enjoy a light meal or sweet dessert in a French-style atmosphere. The charming interior and the European-style buildings outside the window make you feel like you're sitting in a café in Paris. It's a perfect spot to enjoy a light pasta or sandwich when you're peckish, or to unwind with a warm cup of coffee and a sweet cake. Take a moment to relax and soak in the ambiance of Petite France.
5. Nearby Cafes/Rest Areas
If you want to take a breather during your trip to Nami Island and Petite France, here are some cozy cafes and rest areas to relax your body and mind.
# 'Namubyeoljigi' Cafe on Nami Island
Located inside Nami Island, 'Namubyeoljigi' is a place where you can enjoy a cup of coffee amidst beautiful nature. Sipping warm tea or a cool drink while gazing at the green scenery through the large glass windows is pure bliss. With charming decorations and comfortable seating, it's perfect for resting your tired legs after a walk. Especially, the coffee enjoyed while admiring the changing scenery of Nami Island each season offers a taste more special than any high-end café.
# 'Urban Place' by the Bukhan River (Near Gapyeong Wharf)
Located near the Nami Island wharf along the Bukhan River, 'Urban Place' is a large café boasting a sentimental atmosphere and a stunning river view. Enjoy brunch, bakery items, and various coffee menus while admiring the expansive view of the Bukhan River through the large windows. Especially when the sunset reflects on the river, it creates a fantastic spectacle, adding to the romantic atmosphere. It's a perfect place to stop by as you leave Nami Island to soothe the regret of leaving or to recharge before moving to your next destination. The spacious area and various seating options are also great for family visitors.
6. Transportation (Public Transport + Car)
Gapyeong's Nami Island and Petite France are popular weekend getaway spots due to their easy accessibility from Seoul and the metropolitan area. Let me detail the convenient transportation options for you.
# Using Public Transport
- Using ITX-Cheongchun Train: Take the ITX-Cheongchun train from Yongsan Station or Cheongnyangni Station to Gapyeong Station. It takes about an hour and is the most recommended way to arrive quickly and comfortably.
- From Gapyeong Station to Nami Island/Petite France:
- Gapyeong City Tour Bus: Use the Gapyeong City Tour Bus departing from in front of Gapyeong Station to conveniently circulate through major tourist spots. With a day pass, you can freely visit Nami Island, Petite France, the Garden of Morning Calm, and more, making it economical.
- Taxi/Bus: From Gapyeong Station, it takes about 5-10 minutes by taxi to the Nami Island wharf and about 20-30 minutes to Petite France. Regular city buses also operate.
- Entering Nami Island: Take a ferry or zip-line from Gapyeong Wharf to enter Nami Island. The ferry operates every 5-10 minutes and takes about 5 minutes. The zip-line is recommended for those who enjoy thrills (additional fee applies).
# Using a Car
- Departing from Seoul: Use Olympic Highway or Gangbyeonbuk-ro towards Chuncheon, then enter Gapyeong via Gyeongchun Road. Search for 'Nami Island Wharf' or 'Petite France' in your navigation system.
- Parking: There are many large public and private parking lots around the Nami Island wharf (paid). Petite France also has a dedicated parking lot (free or paid). Parking spaces may be limited on weekends or holidays, so it's recommended to arrive early.
No matter which transportation method you choose, the journey to Gapyeong itself will be a beautiful drive or the start of your trip. Show some savvy by checking the traffic conditions before you set off!
7. Tips and Precautions
Here are my tips and precautions to make your trip to Gapyeong's Nami Island and Petite France more enjoyable and safe.
# Tips!
- Visit Time: There are many crowds on weekends or holidays, so if you want a quiet trip, it's recommended to visit early on a weekday morning. Especially Nami Island can be enjoyed much more leisurely if you visit before 9 AM or after 5 PM.
- Seasonal Charm: Nami Island is beautiful with cherry blossoms in spring, green forests in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and snowy landscapes in winter. Consider the visiting season to fully enjoy the charm of each season. Petite France boasts a fairy-tale atmosphere all year round.
- Comfortable Shoes: Nami Island is larger than expected with many walking areas. Comfortable sneakers are a must! Petite France also has hilly paths, so wear comfortable shoes.
- Book in Advance: If you book Nami Island admission tickets (including ferry tickets) online in advance, you can save time waiting in line on-site. The same goes for Petite France.
- Photo Spots: Don't miss the photo spots like the Metasequoia Path, Ginkgo Tree Path, and "Winter Sonata" filming locations on Nami Island, as well as the Little Prince Photo Zone and Observatory in Petite France.
# Precautions!
- Check the Weather: Since there are many outdoor activities, be sure to check the weather before your visit and prepare appropriate clothing and items (umbrella, sunscreen, etc.) for the season.
- Ferry/Bus Times: Check the last ferry time for Nami Island and the last Gapyeong City Tour Bus time in advance to avoid any disruptions to your travel plans.
- Trash: To preserve the beautiful nature, it's important to dispose of trash in designated areas or take it with you.
"Travel changes the places we live and the world. Travel leaves traces on our bodies, minds, and spirits." - Anatole Broyard
May the memories from Nami Island and Petite France in Gapyeong leave beautiful traces in your life. I hope this guide has been a small help for your perfect weekend outing, and have a wonderful trip!