Renowned for its vibrant history, culture and popular winery, Paju is a charismatic city on the outskirts of Seoul. Its streets are lined with cafes and boutiques and are a popular filming location for Korean TV dramas.
Things to do in Paju
Spend an afternoon wandering around Heyri Art Village where local artists, writers, architects and musicians cluster. Regular exhibitions showcasing Korean artists take place here, together with hands-on workshops where you can make your own souvenir.
For a taste of France in the heart of South Korea, stop by Provence Village, which is dotted with colourful buildings, authentic boulangeries and Parisian-inspired eateries. Try the ring-shaped garlic bread known as a “kiss ring”, a local specialty of the village.
Escape to the tranquil oasis of Soulone Botanical Garden to stroll along the leafy walkways lined with evergreen trees and unique rock formations. Admire the bonsai and tropical species in the greenhouse or grab a coffee and just soak up the views from the on-site cafe.
Ever wanted to make your own wine? Visit the Sanmeoru Farm to discover how wine is created from Korean wild grapes called “meoru”. Wander through the basement tunnel where barrels of wine are left to mature and participate in their hands-on “Making Wine Just For Me” workshop.
Getting around Paju
Paju is around 1.5 hours’ drive from Seoul and slightly further from Incheon International Airport. Buses are the best way of accessing Paju from the South Korean capital, and it’s a pleasant destination to explore on foot.