Between Daylight and the Light Festival at Cheongdo Provence Photo Land

How Cheongdo Theme Land Became a French Village in 1996

Cheongdo Provence Photo Land opened in 1996 as “Cheongdo Theme Land.” It was renovated in 2012 as Cheongdo Provence Photo Land, and today operates under the concept of recreating the warm, inviting Provence villages of France in Cheongdo.

The official introduction explains that during the day it presents more than 100 photo zones, props, and house-shaped spaces, then transforms into a light festival area after dark. Therefore, rather than being a historical tourist attraction where visitors view artifacts or traditional architecture, it is a themed, comprehensive amusement facility where visitors can experience daytime and nighttime lighting displays in one location.

Three Ways to Travel from Cheongdo Station to Gopyeong-ri Community Hall

Foreign visitors arriving by train can use Cheongdo Station as their starting point. The official directions recommend taking Bus 2 from Cheongdo Station, getting off at Gopyeong-ri Community Hall Bus Stop, and walking for about 10 minutes. Another option is to take Bus 7, get off at Samsin 1-ri Bus Stop, and walk for about 10 minutes.

A further option is to take the Obu bus from Cheongdo Station, get off at Obusil Bus Stop, and walk for about 10 minutes. If using an intercity bus toward Daegu or Gyeongsan, you can get off at the Bullfighting Stadium Bus Stop and walk for approximately 10 minutes; it is also about a 10-minute walk from Yongam Hot Springs Bus Stop to the venue.

Bus 7 is listed as departing Cheongdo at 07:00, 07:50, 09:40, 11:20, 13:10, 14:30, 15:50, 17:40, 19:00, 20:05. Among the departure times in the return direction from Cheongdo Yongam Hot Springs Hotel, 07:25 has been confirmed. Therefore, if you plan to use public transportation after visiting late at night, check the return service separately.

Plan Around the Lighting Hours, from 10:00 to 22:00

The official website states that the attraction is open year-round, 365 days a year. The Korea Tourism Organization’s Accessible Tourism information lists the operating hours as 10:00–22:00 and closing time as 23:00. Reviews therefore recommend arriving around 2–3 p.m. to see both the daytime photo zones and the nighttime lights.

Reviews introduce the Starlight Tunnel as best visited after 19:00 and the Heart Light Garden between 18:30 and 20:00. Since visitors report that the nighttime lighting areas emerge fully as the sun begins to set, it is better to view the daytime areas first and revisit the lighting zones in the evening rather than taking all your photos immediately after entering.

Although there is notice that the attraction operates normally even when it rains, many facilities are outdoors, so an umbrella or rainwear is necessary, and visitors report that wet paths can be slippery. On rainy days, waterproof shoes and accessories to protect your phone will make getting around more comfortable.

From KRW 8,000 for Adults; Experience Facilities Charged Separately

The official admission-fee page does not currently display specific prices in its body text. The Korea Tourism Organization’s Accessible Tourism information lists KRW 8,000 for adults, KRW 9,000 for adults on weekends, KRW 6,000 for children, and free admission for children under 24 months. Use these figures as a budgeting guide, but for safety, inquire about the latest prices by calling the main number at 054-372-5050 or customer support at 054-371-5051.

The mirror maze, glowing fish, self-studio, wedding photo zone, and zip line incur fees separate from admission. The official website also introduces the Mirror Maze, Provence Self Studio, Gogh Starlight Garden Café, Animal Farm, Cheongdo Land, self-service barbecue area, and glamping facilities, so do not assume that every experience is included with the admission ticket.

Some reviews recommend making reservations in advance on weekends or public holidays, but the latest online reservation availability and discount conditions have not been confirmed. Budget separately for the basic admission ticket and additional experience tickets at the ticket office. The official website address is https://www.cheongdo-provence.co.kr.

From the Yellow Brick Road to Pink Castle and the Starlight Tunnel

Visitor reviews mention the Yellow Brick Road, a European-style atmospheric café street, and the Love Padlock Bridge as photo zones. Pink Castle is also introduced as a photography spot, while reviews say that fairytale-themed photo zones resembling a red hood and Alice in Wonderland unfold near the entrance.

The themes listed on the official guide map are the Cheongdo Provence Light Festival, Family Life-Photo Shots, Love Love Light Festival, and Gogh Starlight Garden. The key feature is that the space is not arranged with exhibits gathered inside one building; instead, visitors move along outdoor paths and among sculptures while taking photographs.

Reviews say that personal photography equipment and tripods are generally permitted, but commercial photography requires separate inquiry. Whether there are no-photography areas and whether English guidance or an audio guide is available has not been confirmed, so travelers expecting professional photography services or English commentary should inquire in advance.

Entry Conditions That Are Easy to Miss in the 74,682㎡ Space

Public tourism data lists the site area as 74,682㎡ and the capacity as 1,500 people. Parking for 300 vehicles is indicated, and public convenience facilities include a parking lot and restrooms. Since the official website also states that parking is free, visitors traveling by car do not need to budget separately for parking.

Children below elementary-school age cannot use some experience facilities alone. Strollers and wheelchairs cannot enter certain experience facilities, so companions should be aware in advance that not every area can be used in the same way by everyone in their group.

The nursing room has a microwave and sofas. The official website states that pets are allowed, but reviews say that small pets may need to be in a carrier or on a leash and that large dogs may be restricted. It is therefore best to confirm the policy according to the animal’s size and handling method by calling 054-372-5050.

An Evening Route with Snacks and a Café

Reviews introduce walking paths and snack stands. Another review mentions that both bank transfers and card payments are accepted at the snack bar and snack corner, so this is not a place where you must leave the grounds to have a meal.

The official website introduces Gogh Starlight Garden Café, known for its attractive view of the railway tracks. During the day, explore the café street and house-shaped photo zones first; then schedule the Heart Light Garden from 18:30 to 20:00 and the Starlight Tunnel after 19:00 to make it easier to divide your travel and photography time.

For travelers wishing to include an overnight stay, the official website also lists Provence Glamping and a self-service barbecue area. However, the conditions of use, reservation requirements, and operating hours for the glamping and barbecue facilities have not been confirmed, so do not confuse admission tickets with separate facility reservations.

Saving the Address and Contact Details on Your Phone

Enter 272-23, Iseulmi-ro, Hwayang-eup, Cheongdo-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, into your navigation system. The old address is 893-1 Samsin-ri, Hwayang-eup, Cheongdo-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do. The official main telephone number is 054-372-5050, and the customer support number is 054-371-5051.

Since the official numerical information about operating hours is not sufficiently organized on every page, the Korea Tourism Organization’s information lists 10:00–22:00, with closing at 23:00. Although the attraction is described as open year-round, the ticket-sales closing time has not been confirmed, so visitors arriving late in the afternoon should call to check the latest admission time.

The fax number is 054-372-5051, and the official email address is [email protected]. Foreign visitors coming for the first time should save both the address and telephone number, and prepare one of the bus numbers and destination stop names—Gopyeong-ri Community Hall, Samsin 1-ri, or Obusil—on their phone screen to make it easier to explain the destination to the driver.