At the Outskirts: Petite France and Namisum

In the fringes of Gyeonggi province, more than an hour and a half by subway from Seoul, lie Petite France and Namisum (Nami Island).Petite France, as the name suggests, is a small patch of France in this Asian country. Quite out of place huh? I have no idea who came up with this idea and why, but it is welcome sight on the countryside. If you are a fan of the book "The Little Prince" by Antoine de Saint-Exupery, you'd probably want to give Petite France a visit.A piece of France in KoreaThis little piece of France is home to one traditional French residence built 150 years ago. It was transferred from France and rebuilt with all its components (ceiling, windows, furniture, etc).A traditional French house Inside the house You can also find a gallery of puppets, dolls, and sculptures; a Memorial Hall for the author of The Little Prince, though all the writings are in Korean; Orgel House where you can find old music boxes; a marionette theater; and a bistro. If you'd like to stay a night, they also have guest houses.Illustrations for the book "The Little Prince"The little prince's rose and random things I found around Petite France.Petite France616 Goseong-ri, Cheongpyeong-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do Find your way: Take the subway to Cheongpyeong station (Gyeongchun line). Walk to Cheongpyeong bus terminal (see map below). Get on the bus for Goseong-ri (see schedule below).Admission fee: 8,000 wonHours: 9AM to 6PM daily   Please follow the green line, not the red line which was our long and no map way. Cheongpyeong bus terminal  Yup, that's the bus for Geoseong-ri. Take note of 고성리. Bus schedule to (left column) and from (right column) Petite FranceTwo subway stations farther (Gapyeong station) and a taxi and ferry ride, you will reach Namisum (Nami Island).Buy tickets for the island here  Ferry to the islandPhoto by Bee Chavez  Inside the ferry Welcome to Nami IslandThis 400,000 square kilometer island is perfect for picnics.  Photo by Bee ChavezI bet it is beautiful in autumn You can explore the island on foot or by bike. There are single bikes, tandem bikes, and even four-seaters for rent. There are also restaurants, galleries, and a song museum. If you want to stay a night on the island, there are different lodging options: cottages, bungalows, or rooms at the main building. Namisum Find your way: Take the subway to Gapyeong station (Gyeongchun line). Take a taxi to Gapyeong wharf (will cost 2,800 won; return will cost 2,500 won). Then a quick ferry ride to the island.Admission fee: 8,000 won (already includes the round trip ferry ride)Ferry schedule: 730AM to 940PM daily. Ferry runs every 10-20 minutes from 9AM to 6PM, other than those times, it runs every 30 minutes.South Korea SeriesTourist Visa to KoreaRandom Things About KimchilandFrom One Point to AnotherHomes Away From HomeMy First Meal is Not KoreanYou Will Never Go Hungry HereTo the North We Go...Almost  Strolling, Collecting SightsA Dose of History: GyeongbokgungDouble Dose of History: Changdeokgung & HuwonPhoto Stop: Bukchon Hanok VillageCare For Some Coffee?Step Back in Time at the Folk Village  Trick Eye MuseumN Seoul TowerWhat's in a (Business) Name? KoreaThis Little Mustache Went to (Namdaemun) MarketAt the Outskirts: Petite France and Namisum (you're here!)