Paju – Books by the Border
Paju is a small city located between Seoul and the North Korean border. It’s famous for its publishing industry, with a large concentration of publishing houses and bookstores. As well as books, Paju offers a chance to see into North Korea without entering the DMZ. There is plenty to do in Paju for a relaxing day trip outside of Seoul.
Things to do In Paju
Odusan Observation Deck
Odusan Observation Deck sits on a small hill overlooking the Imjingang River, the body of water that separates the two Koreas in the west. It’s one of the closest points to North Korea without entering the DMZ, offering a free look into the reclusive state.
Head to the rooftop where there are binoculars to look into North Korea. On the opposing bank you can see a guard tower. Behind that there are fields and then what look like fake houses.
When I visited, I saw quite a lot of people on the northern side. There were what looked to be farmers as well as people cycling around.
There are also binoculars to look back into South Korea. From the top you get a good view of Paju, and you can see the Goryeo Unification Grand Shrine.
Inside there are digital binoculars allowing you to zoom in and get a clearer image of North Korea. You can take a photo through it then download it via a QR code.
The observatory also has a museum about reunification, an art gallery, and a part dedicated to those forced to flee their homes in the north during the Korean War.
Paju Book City
Paju is famous for being the publishing powerhouse of Korea. You’ll find a huge concentration of book publishers here. To see this for yourself, head to Paju Book City.
Amongst all the publishers, you’ll find book cafes and a few book stores, although English books are few and far between.
At the Paju Book City Centre and the Forest of Wisdom, you’ll find floor to ceiling book shelves and plenty of books on sale.
In the same complex is the Letterpress Museum, a free to enter museum where you can see typewriters and printing presses, with the history of them dating back to their invention by Johannes Gutenberg.
The Book City is a nice area to wander around if you love books. Pick up a book and relax in one of the many cafes in the area.
Provence Village
Provence Village is a small French themed village in Paju. Here you’ll see many buildings resembling those of southern France.
There is a miniature Eiffel Tower with a beautiful garden.
In Provence you’ll also see lots of murals, statues and artwork.
There are some unique shops and a famous bakery and cafe worth visiting, making Provence Village a great stop for lunch when visiting Paju.
Jangneun Royal Tomb
The Jangnuen Royal Tomb is a burial ground dating back to the Joseon Dynasty. King Injo and his first wife, Queen Inyeol, are entombed here. The tomb was originally built in 1635 at a different location, but it was moved to its current location in 1731 due to fire damage and a snake infestation.
The tomb itself is quite basic, with a few buildings laid out before the grassy burial mound. There’s not a lot to see but entry is only ₩1,000.
There’s also the option to do a 1.7km walking route around the forest that surrounds the tomb.
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