Pyeonghwa Nuri Park, which was created to promote peace (Photo by Kim Byoung-gu, Hongcomm)

A unique place exists just 60 minutes from Seoul: Paju 

Paju is in the northeastern part of Gyeonggi-do Province and sits along the Military Demarcation Line, across from the North Korean city of Gaesong. Paju has healed the painful memories of Korea’s division through culture and the arts, becoming a city full of ideas and inspiration. The city began this transformation about 20 years ago with the creation of Paju Book City and Heyri Art Valley, which have changed Paju’s image from an isolated backwater to a sophisticated and vibrant area. Art can be enjoyed in various parts of the city and has permeated the daily lives of Paju residents, creating a sense of tranquility instead of tension. Meanwhile, cultural spaces have transformed the atmosphere of the city from one of decay to urban sophistication.

A city bursting with books and art

The ‘Forest of Wisdom,’ an attention-grabbing space with walls full of books (Photos by Kim Byoung-gu, Hongcomm)

Paju can perhaps best be described as a “publishing city.” Paju Book City is currently home to more than 100 media-related companies. There are a variety of publishing houses, printing houses and video production companies, so visitors have endless things to experience. There are many bookstores and cafes run by publishing companies, and each space is unique, adding to the fun of visiting the area. The Asia Publication Culture and Information Center is a must-see. Also known as the “Forest of Wisdom,” it is a book complex and cultural space that is great to visit even if you are not into reading books. Consisting of three libraries, the Forest of Wisdom contains books donated by scholars, intellectuals and publishers, giving you a glimpse into their lives through books, as well as the history of Korean publishing and publishing houses. In another unique twist, the Forest of Wisdom also operates a guesthouse for “book stays.”

The Mimesis Art Museum, which allows visitors to experience books, culture and the arts (Photos by Kim Byoung-gu, Hongcomm)

Another highlight of Paju Book City is the Mimesis Art Museum. Seen from above, it looks like a giant open book. Designed by Álvaro Siza, winner of the Pritzker Architecture Prize, considered the Nobel Prize of architecture, the art museum is known for its exhibitions and educational programs. 

About a 15-minute drive from Paju Book City, Heyri Art Valley is a cultural and artistic village where artists from various fields, including painters, musicians and architects, gather to work, exhibit and teach. There are many places to visit, including galleries, the Kids Toy Museum and the Museum of Modern History of Korea.

Moving past Korea’s painful history to a peaceful future

(Left) A train that once traveled between the two Koreas (Right) North Korea can be seen in the distance across the Imjingang River. (Photos by Kim Byoung-gu, Hongcomm)

Pyeonghwa Nuri Park is a complex cultural space that symbolizes reconciliation, coexistence, peace and reunification. You can also see the Peace Bell, which was cast to pray for peace, and the Mangbaedan Memorial Altar, which was built by those who were born in North Korea to honor the memory of their homeland. Between the Mangbaedan Memorial Altar and the Peace Bell, there is a railroad track that leads to Sinuiju. The track was once used to travel between North and South Korea, but it was severed during the war, and the last train to run on it is preserved and on display.

The Paju Imjingak Peace Gondola is the only one to stretch over the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). (Photo by Kim Byoung-gu, Hongcomm)

For a unique experience, take a ride on the Paju Imjingak Peace Gondola, the world’s first gondola to stretch above the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). The 26-car gondola travels 850 meters from the Imjingang River tourist area to Camp Greaves, a former U.S. military base. This is the only permitted skyway across the DMZ and offers unique views of North Korea, the pristine DMZ and the Imjingang River. 

Various kinds of artistic structures populate the Pyeonghwa Nuri Park. (Photo by Kim Byoung-gu, Hongcomm)

On the other side of the tourist information center, there are more than 3,000 pinwheels in a park dedicated to the peaceful reunification of North and South Korea. At the top of the hill is a red pin-shaped sculpture, which is one of the park’s main attractions and a popular photo spot. The park’s various war relics, exhibition halls, spacious lawns, children’s playgrounds, gondolas and other facilities attract tourists throughout the year. 

Walking paths bring excitement and relaxation

The Majanghosu Lake Suspension Bridge (Photos by Kim Byoung-gu, Hongcomm)

Majanghosu Lake is the place to be if you are looking for a thrill. The 220-meter-long, 1.5-meter-wide Majanghosu Lake Suspension Bridge, which connects the tranquil lake to the surrounding mountains, has a glass floor in the middle that overlooks the lake, making it perfect for thrill-seekers. Weather permitting, you can also enjoy water sports such as canoeing and kayaking, and there is an observation deck from which you can see the entire lake. There is also a walking trail along the lake with benches, water fountains and seasonal wildflowers.

The Heyri Barrier-Free Sunset Forest Trail is made up of deck trails that are barrier-free. (Photo by Kim Byoung-gu, Hongcomm)

If you’re looking for a quiet forest trail and a relaxing experience, try the Heyri Barrier-Free Sunset Forest Trail. Starting at Gate 7 of the Heyri Art Valley, the trail consists of a dirt path and an elevated deck. The deck path is more than two meters wide and has a maximum gradient of less than eight percent at the top, making it easy for the elderly, pregnant women, those in wheelchairs and others with disabilities to enjoy the forest. There are benches for sitting and resting and exercise equipment at the beginning of the trail. After about 20 minutes of walking, you will reach the observation deck, which is famous for its panoramic view of the Imjingang River and the sunset.

Paju has preserved the wounds and traces of the Korean War, yet has managed to heal these wounds through culture and art. You should definitely consider heading out to Paju for a day to relax with some books, enjoy the city’s art and take in the area’s natural wonders.