Visit Petite France: My Love From The Star K-Drama Site

Annyeonghaseyo, fellow K-drama travelers! Your local K-drama fangirl here, ready to whisk you away to one of the most enchanting filming locations that captured our hearts: Petite France! If you, like me, still swoon over Do Min-joon and Cheon Song-yi’s epic love story in My Love From The Star (별에서 온 그대), then you absolutely *must* add Petite France to your Korea itinerary. This charming, whimsical French-themed village in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi-do, isn’t just a picturesque getaway; it’s where some of MLFTS’s most iconic and heart-stopping moments came to life. From that unforgettable telekinetic kiss to Cheon Song-yi’s dramatic return, Petite France became an ethereal backdrop for an alien’s romance, making it a truly special Petite France K-drama location.

Walking through its colorful streets feels like stepping into a fairytale, or perhaps, onto an alien planet, just as it did for our beloved Do Min-joon. It’s a place that perfectly blends European charm with the magic of K-drama. So, grab your imaginary Professor Do Min-joon and let’s explore every corner of this iconic spot!

Petite France: Stepping into Do Min-joon’s World

Before we dive into the specific scenes, let’s appreciate Petite France itself. Inspired by the book The Little Prince (Le Petit Prince) by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, this cultural village is a vibrant homage to France. With its colorful buildings, quaint plazas, and whimsical sculptures, it’s easy to see why the drama’s producers chose it. For Do Min-joon, an alien who lived for centuries on Earth, Petite France felt like a pocket of difference, a charming oddity that suited his unique existence. For Cheon Song-yi, it was the stage for her dramatic declarations. Every corner here whispers tales of their love, making it a must-visit for any My Love From The Star fan.

The Iconic Fountain Plaza: Where Time Stood Still

Remember that mind-blowing scene where Do Min-joon, consumed by his feelings, telekinetically pulls Cheon Song-yi towards him for a passionate kiss? Yes, THAT scene! It happened right here in the main plaza of Petite France, next to the European-style fountain. This moment was a huge turning point in their relationship, showcasing Do Min-joon’s true feelings and his extraordinary powers. In real life, this is the central hub of Petite France, often bustling with visitors. The fountain, though not grand in scale, holds immense sentimental value for fans because it’s where their love truly blossomed.

How to Get to Petite France

Petite France is located in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi-do, making it a perfect day trip from Seoul. Here’s how you can get there:

• By Subway & Bus:
  1. Take the Gyeongchun Line (경춘선) subway from Sangbong Station (상봉역) in Seoul to Gapyeong Station (가평역). This journey usually takes about 1 hour to 1 hour and 20 minutes.
  2. Once you arrive at Gapyeong Station, exit and look for the Gapyeong City Tour Bus (가평 시티투어 버스). This bus is incredibly convenient as it circulates between Gapyeong’s major tourist attractions, including Nami Island, Petite France, The Garden of Morning Calm, and more.
  3. Purchase a one-day pass for the Gapyeong City Tour Bus (please check current prices at the bus stop, but it’s generally very affordable).
  4. Board the bus and enjoy the scenic ride to Petite France. It takes approximately 30-40 minutes from Gapyeong Station. The bus stop is directly at the entrance of Petite France.
• By ITX Cheongchun Train & Bus:
  1. For a faster journey, you can take the ITX Cheongchun train from Yongsan Station (용산역) or Cheongnyangni Station (청량리역) directly to Gapyeong Station (가평역). Booking tickets in advance via Korail’s website is recommended, especially on weekends.
  2. From Gapyeong Station, follow the same instructions for the Gapyeong City Tour Bus as above.

Traveler’s Tip: Always verify bus schedules and operating hours for Petite France before your visit, as they can vary by season.

Cheon Song-yi’s “I’m Back!” Balcony: A Diva’s Return

Who could forget Cheon Song-yi’s iconic scene where she dramatically declares, “I’m back!” while standing on a balcony, soaking in the beautiful European scenery? This was a pivotal moment for her character, showcasing her resilience and flamboyant personality. This particular balcony is part of one of the charming, pastel-colored buildings within Petite France, often identifiable near the Orgel House or an observation deck area. It offers a fantastic view of the village’s colorful rooftops and the surrounding natural landscape.

Once you’ve entered Petite France and explored the main fountain plaza, head uphill slightly towards the buildings on the right side. You’ll find charming houses, some of which are exhibition spaces or offer scenic overlooks. The exact balcony used can be found by looking for the one that best matches the drama’s shots, often situated within the cluster of houses that form the ‘residential’ part of the village, providing a perfect backdrop for your own dramatic declaration or a pensive moment like Do Min-joon. Just imagine yourself striking a pose there, feeling like the top star Cheon Song-yi!

Strolling Through Petite France: More MLFTS Vibes

Beyond these two major scenes, the entire village served as a backdrop for various other moments in My Love From The Star. Do Min-joon often wandered through its quiet streets, contemplating his destiny and his growing feelings for Cheon Song-yi. The vibrant, somewhat whimsical atmosphere of Petite France perfectly underscored the otherworldly romance of the drama.

As you wander around, you’ll discover many other spots that evoke the drama’s mood: the small amphitheater where you can imagine a performance, the various art galleries displaying French crafts, and the lookout points that offer panoramic views of the Gapyeong countryside. Look for the outdoor stairs and winding paths between buildings – these were often used for general walking shots of our protagonists. Don’t forget to visit the ‘Star Gallery’ within Petite France, which often features memorabilia and photos from the drama, further immersing you in the MLFTS experience.

Finding these general areas is easy once you’re inside Petite France. The village isn’t very large, and all paths lead to picturesque spots. Just follow your heart and your memory of the drama!

Make a Day of It: Explore Gapyeong’s Wonders

Petite France is part of the beautiful Gapyeong region, which is famous for its natural beauty and numerous tourist attractions. Since you’re already making the trip, why not turn it into a full day of K-drama and nature exploration? Here are some popular spots often combined with Petite France:

• Nami Island (남이섬): Instantly recognizable from Winter Sonata, Nami Island is a crescent-shaped island famous for its tree-lined paths. It’s a stunning place to visit in any season, particularly beautiful in autumn and winter. You can rent a bike, walk along the famous paths, and enjoy the serene atmosphere. It’s just a short Gapyeong City Tour Bus ride away from Petite France.
• The Garden of Morning Calm (아침고요수목원): A sprawling botanical garden featuring various themed gardens. It’s breathtakingly beautiful, especially during its famous lighting festival in winter. You might recognize it from dramas like Love in the Moonlight or movies like The Letters. Another stop on the Gapyeong City Tour Bus.
• Gangchon Rail Bike (강촌 레일바이크): For a dose of adventure and stunning scenery, try the rail bike! You pedal along old railway tracks through tunnels and alongside rivers, enjoying the fresh air and beautiful views. It’s a fun, active way to experience the countryside.

For food, Gapyeong is famous for its Dakgalbi (닭갈비), a spicy stir-fried chicken dish. You’ll find many restaurants near Gapyeong Station or the Nami Island ferry wharf that specialize in this delicious meal – a perfect way to refuel after your K-drama adventure!

Photo Tips for Your MLFTS Moment

• The Kiss Scene Spot (Fountain Plaza): Stand near the fountain, facing the colorful buildings. Position yourself so the buildings and the fountain are in the background. If you have a travel companion, ask them to stand a bit further back to capture the full breadth of the plaza and the iconic spot where Do Min-joon stood.
• Cheon Song-yi’s Balcony: Find the balcony that matches the scene (often identifiable by its prominent position overlooking the village). Frame your shot to include the colorful houses in the background. For the perfect diva shot, stand on the balcony (if accessible) with arms wide open, or capture the balcony itself as a tribute.
• Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings are generally less crowded, allowing you to get clear shots without too many people. The light is often soft and beautiful in the morning, perfect for photography. Golden hour (just before sunset) also casts a magical glow on the village.
• Angles: Don’t be afraid to experiment! Shoot from slightly lower angles to emphasize the height of the buildings, or from higher points to capture the layout of the entire village.

FAQ: Your Questions About Petite France Answered

Is Petite France worth visiting if I haven’t seen My Love From The Star?

Absolutely! While it holds special meaning for MLFTS fans, Petite France is a charming and unique destination in its own right. Its European architecture, themed exhibits (like the Orgel House and Marionette House), and beautiful views make it a delightful place to explore. It’s also based on The Little Prince, which adds another layer of magic, making it enjoyable for all ages regardless of K-drama familiarity.

How much time should I allocate for Petite France?

You can comfortably explore Petite France in about 1.5 to 2.5 hours. This allows enough time to wander through all the main areas, take photos at the MLFTS spots, watch a puppet show or traditional French performance (check schedules upon arrival), and browse the souvenir shops. If you’re combining it with Nami Island or The Garden of Morning Calm, this duration fits perfectly into a day trip.

Can I visit Petite France and Nami Island on the same day?

Yes, combining Petite France and Nami Island (and even The Garden of Morning Calm) on the same day is a very popular and highly recommended itinerary. The Gapyeong City Tour Bus is specifically designed for this purpose, making it easy to hop between these attractions. Start early in the morning, and you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy both places, creating an unforgettable day of K-drama and scenic beauty!

There you have it, fellow K-drama enthusiasts! Petite France isn’t just a filming location; it’s a living, breathing piece of K-drama history, full of charm and memories. I hope this guide helps you plan your perfect trip to relive the magic of My Love From The Star. Don’t forget to take lots of photos and make your own unforgettable memories. Happy travels!

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