Once I walk past the entrance greeted by Le Petit Prince, a colorful village from a children’s story appeared.

“Petite France” is a theme park inspired by <Le Petit Prince>, a famous novel written by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, and featuring buildings and streets that seem to have come straight from a small village in France.

In this beautiful village where many people wish to live once in their lives, a housing exhibit hall, a 150-year-old French house transferred over from France, is located. Old furniture, sofa, bed, cabinets and other items exhibited as if the owner actually lives in the house offer a uniquely interesting sight. You may also experience a variety of wooden tabletop plays including Pétanque, a traditional French ball sport; Bagatelle, an original form of pinball; and table soccer while, in the antique exhibit hall, Gallic rooster, the symbol and national bird of France, as well as armors, pottery, antiques, lamps, vases, plates and many more items are displayed. The culture and history of France, which had feel quite distant from us, are introduced and explained in a friendly manner.

If you are a fan of <Le Petit Prince>, a story for the adults, visiting the memorial hall dedicated to Saint-Exupéry will present a moving experience beyond a mere encounter with the author. The scenes of the story come alive as you run into sculptures of Boa constrictor, Fox, Geographer, and Drunkard installed throughout Petite France.

By the time you grow a bit fatigued walking through the buildings, check out the free performances happening at Petite France. A show of marionettes moving exquisitely and a demonstration of musical boxes collected in and brought from France are two of the most unique performances you will not be able to see anywhere else.

There is especially a great number of tourists from other countries, a phenomenon partly stemmed from the fact that it was a filming site of Korean dramas such as “Beethoven Virus” and “My Love from the Star.” The waiting room with clothes that Cheon Song-yi wore in “My Love from the Star” and the office used by Kang Mae of “Beethoven Virus” may be visited so, if you are a drama fan, it is a must-visit spot.

Finally, you may take a relaxing stroll on Bonjour Walkway towards the observation deck. As you walk on the path while enjoying the birds’ chirping, wind gently blowing and flowers greeting, it feels as if the Little Prince would suddenly appear and walk by your side. From the observation deck, beautiful and blue Cheongpyeongho Lake can be viewed.

Written and photos by Kim Sun-joo

TIP.

If you wish to stay a bit longer in this fairytale world, an accommodation at the pension inside Petite France is also recommended.

Website http://www.pfcamp.com/

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