Looking for a Nami Island and Petit France Family Itinerary? Come along on my family trip Nami Island and Petit France with additional stops such as Italian Village and Gangchon Rail Bikes. I find this itinerary super easy to do from either Seoul or Pyeongtaek. This blog article aims to share my experiences to maximize your time should you wish to spend a weekend in this area.
Nami Island and Petit France are in Gapyeong-gun (가평군)
First, let’s talk about Gapyeong-gun and where it exists in South Korea. You can just skip to the next part if you already know this information. However, getting to know the country and how different locations relate to each other may feel like a challenge at first. We try to always include this information to help give context to those unfamiliar with Korea.
Gapyeong is located east of Seoul and is easily accessible by train, bus, or car. The area has many mountains and rivers filled with fun, relaxation, and things to do with your family and friends.
Gapyeong does not have a huge city, instead, it’s small towns and rural living. Weekenders from Seoul escape to Gapyeong for healing time. Since many weekend visitors want to find “mung” the activities in Gapyeong tend to focus on the slow life, food, cafes and walks.
Come along with me and my family as we rest and relax in the Gapyeong countryside. We visit the very popular Nami Island and Petite France. We choose to spend three days on this adventure but you can easily do much of it in 1 or 2 days if you need to hurry.
Day 1 – Afternoon Travel and Brewery
The first day of our trip usually involves only travel and dinner. We leave after my husband finishes work. This allows us to avoid some of the heavy traffic that often occurs on Saturday mornings. It also means that the family feels rested when visiting Nami Island. No need to rush.
When traveling with our daughter I find that the family enjoys the trip more if we don’t try to pack too much into a short time. We all need to be able to rest and enjoy things along the way.
Kraemerlee Brewing Company
0507-1309-5977
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Address
경기 가평군 상면 청군로 429
Great beer, food, and beer mugs and glasses. We ordered the pilsner and stout
On the first day, I recommend stopping for dinner at Kraemerlee Brewing Co. The food options are great for the entire family and parents definitely enjoy their beer selection. We ordered the pilsner and stout. The mac and cheese is not only cheesy but sweet and topped with nuts. Our toddler loved it. The fact that many Korean breweries welcome kids makes them a fun stop on any family weekend.
Cafe Pari
0507-1320-9203
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Address
경기 가평군 청평면 경춘로 1401
Located on the 12 floor of a hotel, this cafe offers a variety of kitsch amenities such as a giant aquarium in the middle of the cafe. Fun for kids and families.
After dinner, consider stopping by a cafe scene with a view, an aquarium, and an excessively grand display of the Eiffel Tower on top, visit Cafe Paris. You can’t possibly miss it. It’s not the most beautiful or cool cafe in Korea but it has fun elements for the kids.
In the evening we checked into our hotel room. I’m a big fan of SS Resort but you can find many different options online or in the South of Seoul app.
SS Resort
0507-1414-9514
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Day 2 – Big Day of Exploring
We try to fit the majority of our exploring into the second day of our three-day trip. This will allow us to slowly return to our home on the third day early enough to rest and prepare for the week. The day starts with the most important part of the trip, the famous mountain river island of Nami.
Nami Island Gapyeong
0507-1311-8114
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Address
강원도 춘천시 남산면 남이섬길 1
Beautiful island with nature walks, festivals. Keep in mind, this island needs to be accessed via ferry or zip line.
About Nami Island
If you want to find all of the colors of Korea in one location, Nami Island (남이삼) is the destination. Of course, that means you have to visit each season. The good news is, that Nami Island is a worthwhile day trip at any time of year. The recreational island of Nami, featured in many dramas, sits in the middle of a wide river. The island does not allow cars and does not have places to stay on the island.
Nami Island provides fun for kids, dogs, families, couples, the thinkers, the artists, the recluse (but probably more so on the weekdays when it’s not as crowded), the social media influencers, Korean drama (especially “Winter Sonata”) fans, and photographers. You can’t go wrong with a weekend visit to Nami.
Nami Island sits 3.8 km from Gapyeong County and belongs to Chuncheon in Gangwon-do. It is 430,000 square meters in area and approximately 4 km in diameter. What that means is that the island is not big. It’s easily walkable and doesn’t often take all day.
With breathtaking tree paths, river walks, art exhibits, books, shopping, live music, sculptures, ostriches, bunnies, peacocks, and a diverse range of gardens, Nami Island may feel like sensory overload. These unique visions may also be enjoyed from different perspectives. For example, why walk around Nami Island when you can rent a tandem bike, hop on a tour bus, rent a small boat, or get on a train?
Access Points and Entrance Fees to Nami Island
Since you can’t drive on Nami Island you will need to leave your chosen type of transportation behind. You can access the island via a pedestrian ferry or zip line. Obviously, our toddler family chose the Nami Island Ferry but we encourage you to explore both options based on your kids’ age and love of adventure.
Nami Island Ferry
Hangul Address
경기 가평군 가평읍 달전리 145-2
You will need to leave your vehicle behind and catch the foot ferry.
Ferry to Nami Island W13,000. Depending on the time you arrive, the ferry departs for the island every 30 minutes from 0730 to 2130, EXCEPT 0900 to 1800, where it’s often closer to every 10 to 20 minutes. We arrived at 1100, with maybe 25 people on the ferry, but when we left at around 1700, the ferry was packed with people.
If you decide to catch the ferry, keep your eyes on the left of the landing dock as you near Nami Island. The female sculpture on the coast is The Little Mermaid.
Admission Price W16,000 Adults / W13,000 Youth / W10,000 Children / Under 36 months are free.
Skyline Zip Wire Nami
031-582-8091
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Address
경기 가평군 가평읍 북한강변로 1024
Zipline from the main land to Jara and Nami Island
Zipline to Nami Island is W49,900. You’ll glide about 1km from the 80m-high tower at a speed of 80km/h while looking out over the Bukhangang River. Remember that the zipline may stop operation without any notice because of the bad weather condition.
Nami Island Ferry Parking Notes
If the Nami Island Ferry parking lot is closed or runs out of stalls you have options. Many business owners will offer their parking at a nominal fee. We experienced this and paid W4,000 to park at an alternate location. Full parking lots often happen in Korea during high seasons.
Food and Drink Options on Nami Island
Nami Island has several dining, cafe, and food options. Try the restaurants and cafes or the quick stops with Korean picnic food options, basically, food that may be easy to transform or eat on the go such as pizza, steamed buns, and skewered meats, but also soups and savory Korean pancakes. Here is how I recommend tackling food and drinks.
While you may be immediately drawn to the first cafe when you disembark. However, I recommend going to Swing Cafe for coffee. Especially for einspänner fans or those who want to try this refreshing cold, cream coffee. Swing cafe sits away from the other cafes more toward the northern part of Nami Island.
Swing Cafe
031-580-8020
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Address
강원 춘천시 남산면 남이섬길 1
A beautiful cafe on Nami Island.
If coffee does not tickle your fancy try Tea House Chadam. This cafe site is near the center of the island and has many options for tea and matcha fans.
Tea House Chadam
031-580-8023
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Address
강원 춘천시 남산면 남이섬길 1
A tea cafe on Nami Island.
For a snack and adult beverage, make sure that you try the makgeolli, a pine nut flavored rice wine at one of the restaurants. Slightly effervescent when served cold; great for hot weather, and goes well with food. It is the oldest alcoholic beverage in Korea. I don’t have a favorite place for this. Instead, I simply go with a spot that has seating.
You’ll also find many cafes and restaurants around the parking lot where you board the ferry. Consider Winter Sonata Cafe, named after the K-Drama, which also serves lunch and dinner items, opens at 09:00 am.
Winter Sonata
031-581-9034
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Additionally, you can check out the skywalk and rooftop of The Steel Cafe, which has a large bakery selection, and opens at 10:00 am.
The Steel Cafe
0507-1414-7006
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Address
경기 가평군 가평읍 북한강변로 1044-11 카페더스틸
Roasters cafe that roasts directly on site.
If you’re in search of dinner afterward, there are many dakgalbi and barbecue restaurants around the Nami Island parking lot. You will need to exit Nami Island to access these restaurants so plan your visit to Nami Island well before mealtime.
Day 2 – Museum & European Style Villages
Once you have finished your morning at Nami Island make your way back across the water, grab your car, and head to a few different tourist locations in the area. These spots offer beautiful opportunities for art, photos, food, views, and quality time.
Norang Dari Art Museum
Hangul Address
경기 가평군 청평면 양진길 42-12
Healing time with works of art at the Yellow Bridge Art Museum where you can feel the special beauty of the four seasons!! Enjoy a cup of tea with your loved ones~
First, how about coffee and art at Yellow Bridge Museum & Cafe – Indoor & outdoor museum space, including a small arboretum with cafe and art. 4-minutes from Petit France. You will love a little rest time and art before walking outside and touring the European villages.
Make sure to apply lots of sunblock and maybe even grab an umbrella for shade if you tour Petite France in the spring and summer.
Petite France
031-584-8200
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Address
1063 Hoban-ro Cheongpyeong-myeon
This little village has cafes and shops that imitate France, though it is more of an homage to the The Little Prince. There are places for photo ops and cafes.
About Petite France (Plus Italian Village)
Korea has many faux international villages like Petite France. They create unique travel experiences for those living in Korea. Over the years, they have also become popular with international travelers. This particular village became famous for its French facades but their Italian Village has also become more popular.
Inside these mini-theme parks, you’ll find theaters, music, live performances, education presented, gorgeous walks, and, of course, photo zones. If you’re familiar with these stories, you’ll geek out at all of the references throughout the park.
Entrance Fees And Hours
Petit France and Italian Village now have separate entrance fees but you can purchase a pass for both. You will find places to eat, snack, shop, and stay here but we’ve also highlighted a couple of nearby spots in this blog.
A must for those who love the Little Prince and French architecture and/or Pinocchio and Italian architecture.
Open hours: 9:00 am ~ 6:00 pm
W10,000 Adults / W8,000 Youths / W6,000 Children http://www.pfcamp.com
Food inside Petit France and Italian Village
You’ll find a few kiosks with cafes and fast food, as well as convenience stores for snacks and bottled drinks. Mostly croffles, hot dogs, pizza, potato wedges, fish cake, etc. My family and I usually just browse around and find the snacks that sound good on any particular trip.
Finish with Dinner and Dessert Nearby
Doseonjae – Excellent spot for Tteokgalbi and dumplings, 2-minutes from Petit France.
Doseonjae
031-584-5755
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Address
경기 가평군 청평면 양진길 7
Beautiful views, great food.
If you drive up the mountain from Petit France, you’ll reach a beautiful, though winding mountain road with many gorgeous mountain views and cafes, such as Latin Jeongwon.
[Naver Map]
Latin Jeongwon
경기 가평군 가평읍 상지로 949
http://naver.me/5j7thDyz
Day 3 – Rail-bike Trips
On day three I try not to pack too much into the day. It’s our goal to take it slow and head back home before it gets too late. This makes it the perfect day for a relaxing railbike ride.
The Gangchon Rail-biking takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, and the route starts from Gimyujeong Station and passes through tree canopy tunnels along the Bukhangang River. You’ll stop for a 10-minute break after the river before you’re turned around for the trip back. Take note of the Photo Zone sign on the way back.
- Cart for 2 people W35,000
- Cart for 4 people W48,000
- You may request a pet car so your pup may enjoy the ride.
Gangchon Rail Park Gimyujeong
033-245-1000
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Address
강원 춘천시 신동면 김유정로 1383
One of the amazing things to do near Nami Island is to take this beautiful rail park adventure. The cost is about 40,000won for a 4 person bike rail car. It’s quite beautiful with the gorgeous fall colors! Try to take the time to come out and see it before the colors disappear. â¤ï¸ This is one of the most popular things to do near nami island. You should book between 3-5 days in advance.
If you have enough time for another railbike trip, you’ll find one just 7-minutes away, Gapyeong Rail Park.
Gapyeong Rail Park
031-582-7788
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Address
경기 가평군 가평읍 장터길 14
Beautiful rail bike park in Gapyeong.
Grab Lunch a Fast Lunch
Since we like to keep things quick and easy with the kiddo, from here we picked up burgers and fries for the ride home. You don’t always need to worry about grabbing a fancy lunch. Instead, try some of Korea’s fast-food chains. Brands that you might enjoy trying with your family on a Nami Trip might include:
I’ve linked to their menus in English so that you can read up on what they offer before visiting. Researching ahead of time can help make your first time at a Korean fast-food chain a little faster.
Places to Stay in Gapyeong
You can also check out my blog all about where to stay when visiting Nami Island.
Join the Pyeongtaek Travelers Group
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Volunteer with South of Seoul
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LeaDan Yee holds a Master’s in Education with a focus in Secondary Education and Teaching – Language Arts and Bachelor’s in Psychology, with a minor in Speech.
As a Cultural Liaison and Content Creator at South of Seoul, Ms. Yee focuses on creating content for families interested in traveling and those with toddlers. She is especially interested in opportunities to share her Native Hawaiian background and empower others to be cultural ambassadors.
Prior to joining South of Seoul, LeaDan worked as a High School Speech Teacher and Adjunct Communications Professor. She specializes in Public Speaking, Argumentation and Debate, Team Management, and Event Planning.
