Heyri Art Valley
Gyeonggi-do
Heyri Art Valley, located in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, is an expansive artistic community covering approximately 495,868 square meters. Established in 1997 and developed beginning in 1998, it was conceived as a planned cultural village by artists, writers, and creatives. The community integrates production, exhibition, sales, and living spaces for cultural art, hosting around 380 artists working in diverse mediums such as painting, music, literature, and photography. Architecturally, Heyri features buildings no taller than three stories, each designed by renowned national and international architects, harmonizing with the natural landscape of mountains, hills, and brooks. The village includes galleries, museums, concert halls, theaters, cafes, bookstores, art shops, and guest houses, offering visitors a rich cultural experience. Heyri also hosts various festivals, including the prominent Pan Art Festival, which features visual and performance arts and charity events. Its name derives from a traditional farming song native to the region, symbolizing the community's cultural roots. The village is accessible within an hour from Seoul by public transport and welcomes visitors year-round with many spaces open for public engagement.
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Tip: To fully enjoy Heyri Art Valley, visit on weekdays avoiding Mondays when many spaces are closed. Consider attending the Pan Art Festival or other cultural events held throughout the year for a richer experience. While entry to the community is free, some exhibitions or performances may require tickets, so purchasing them in advance can be beneficial. The best time to visit is during spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant and outdoor installations and festivals are active. Heyri's compact layout makes it walkable, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
Interesting facts
- •Heyri Art Valley covers nearly 500,000 square meters, making it South Korea's largest artistic community.
- •The village was designed with no buildings taller than three stories to preserve harmony with the natural landscape.
- •Each building in Heyri often has a specific cultural theme or function, such as the Magazine House with a magazine store, cafe, and history exhibit.
- •The Pan Art Festival, held annually since 1997, includes charity events whose proceeds support Save the Children.
- •Many buildings in Heyri have received prestigious Korean architectural awards, highlighting the community's architectural significance.
History
Heyri Art Valley was first conceptualized in 1997 as a 'book village' linked to the nearby Paju Book City as part of a broader Unification Land Development Project.
However, as artists and cultural figures contributed ideas, the project evolved into a comprehensive cultural art village.
Development began in 1998 with 380 cultural artists attending the inaugural meeting.
Over time, Heyri expanded to encompass diverse cultural functions including creation, exhibition, performance, education, and commerce, becoming Korea's largest artistic community.
Place Guide
Magazine House
A themed building with a magazine store on the first floor, a cafe selling coffee and bagels on the second, and a magazine history exhibit on the third floor, showcasing the cultural integration of commerce and art.
Concert Hall and Outdoor Stage
Facilities dedicated to performing arts, hosting a variety of concerts and theatrical performances that enrich the cultural life of Heyri.
Artist Studios
Studios for approximately 380 resident cultural artists working across various media including art, music, video, photography, and literature, fostering a vibrant creative environment.
Gallery MOA and Sikyungdang2005
Award-winning architectural buildings recognized by the Korean Institute of Architects, featured in '1001 Buildings You Must See Before You Die' (2009).
Han Hyang Rim Ceramic Art Museum2020
A museum dedicated to ceramic art, designed by architect Yoon Sung-joon, awarded the Korean Architecture Culture Award in 2020.
Contact
Phone: 031-946-8551
