Nami Island, Petite France & Garden of Morning Calm Day Trip

Summary

Tree-lined walks, French colors, Pinocchio tales and calm gardens near Seoul

You’ll walk beneath Nami Island’s iconic trees, snack your way through colorful Petite France & Italian Village (watch for that giant Pinocchio), then unwind in Korea’s oldest private garden with time to wander at your own pace. With transport and entry sorted, you can just let yourself drift between moments — and maybe find your own favorite spot along the way.

What’s the experience like?

We got picked up in Seoul just as the city was starting to buzz — honestly, I almost forgot my scarf because I was so distracted watching people rushing past the bus windows. Our guide (her name was Minji) had this easy way of explaining things, not too formal, and she handed out tickets for Nami Island while joking about how she still gets lost on the island sometimes. Once we got off the ferry, it hit me: that hush you get when you step into a place with more trees than people. The air smelled kind of sweet, maybe from the pines? We walked slow at first — I kept stopping to take photos of those famous tree-lined roads. There were couples taking selfies everywhere and kids chasing each other around the statues from Winter Sonata. I thought it would feel touristy but it just felt… relaxed. Maybe because nobody was in a rush.

After lunch (I grabbed a hotteok from a stall — sticky hands for the next hour), we headed to Petite France and then straight into the Italian Village next door. The buildings looked like someone dropped a box of pastel crayons on a hillside. There was this giant Pinocchio statue staring down at us — honestly, a little unsettling but also pretty funny. Inside one of the houses there was an old man playing accordion; he winked at me when I tried to clap along off-beat. Minji told us about all these Korean dramas filmed here, which made sense once you see how photogenic everything is. At some point Li from our group tried to read one of the French signs out loud and everyone cracked up — even Minji joined in.

The last stop was The Garden of Morning Calm. It’s quieter there, even though there were families and couples wandering around with cameras. The light felt softer somehow — maybe it’s just how the garden is laid out, or maybe I was just tired by then. We wandered through winding paths and every turn seemed to have its own smell: pine needles here, something floral there (I’m terrible with flower names). For some reason I remember this one patch where the grass was still damp and cold under my shoes — small thing but it stuck with me.

I didn’t expect to feel so calm by the end of it all. On the ride back to Seoul everyone sort of dozed off or scrolled through their photos quietly. It wasn’t flashy or dramatic, but honestly? That might be why it worked for me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Nami Island and nearby villages

• Walk or bike on Nami Island
• Visit Petite France village
• Explore Italian Village Pinocchio and Da Vinci
• Stroll through Garden of Morning Calm

Top questions

Is pickup included for this Nami Island day trip?

Yes, transportation from Seoul is included in an air-conditioned coach or minivan.

How much walking is involved on Nami Island?

You can explore Nami Island at your own pace by walking or rent a bike if you prefer less walking.

Are entrance fees covered for all attractions?

Yes, tickets for Nami Island, Petite France & Italian Village, and Garden of Morning Calm are included.

Is lunch provided during this tour?

No set lunch is included but there are food stalls and cafes available at stops like Nami Island.

Can infants join this day trip from Seoul?

Yes, infants can join free of charge but will need to sit on an adult’s lap; strollers are allowed if notified in advance.

What languages does the guide speak?

The staff speaks English and Chinese during the tour.

How long does it take to reach Nami Island from Seoul?

The drive typically takes about 1–1.5 hours depending on traffic conditions.

Is there flexibility if I use a wheelchair or stroller?

Please inform when booking; wheelchairs and strollers can be accommodated on this day trip itinerary.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Seoul by coach or minivan with English- or Chinese-speaking staff guiding you throughout; all entry tickets for Nami Island, Petite France & Italian Village (“Pinocchio and Da Vinci”), plus The Garden of Morning Calm are covered before returning comfortably in the evening.