Paju Book City
Gyeonggi-do
Paju Book City, located in Gyoha-eup, Paju, Gyeonggi-do, is a dedicated cultural complex focused on the creation, publication, and distribution of Korean books. Spanning 215 acres, it hosts around 250 publishing companies employing over 10,000 workers. The city covers the entire publishing process from planning to printing and sales. It features numerous book cafes, bookstores, art galleries, and specialized exhibition spaces, making it a vibrant hub for literature lovers. Inspired by Hay-on-Wye, it offers a turbocharged experience with gleaming glass buildings housing publishers and a lively atmosphere, especially on weekends. The complex also includes a children's playground and a nearby premium shopping outlet. Paju Book City has become a cornerstone of Korea's publishing industry, generating over a billion dollars in annual sales and supporting a rich cultural ecosystem.
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Tip: The best time to visit Paju Book City is during its two major international festivals: the International Children's Book Festival in spring and the International Book Festival (Booksori) in the fall, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors. Visitors are advised to explore the various book cafes, used bookstores with multilingual selections, and art galleries. Purchasing tickets for festival events in advance is recommended due to high attendance. Discounts may be available for students and groups. Weekends are particularly lively, perfect for literary-minded visitors.
Interesting facts
- •Paju Book City hosts approximately 250 publishing companies employing over 10,000 workers.
- •The city covers 215 acres and generates over $1 billion in annual sales from publishing activities.
- •It was inspired by the Welsh town of Hay-on-Wye, known for its bookshops and literary culture.
- •Paju Book City holds two major international festivals annually: the International Children's Book Festival in spring and the International Book Festival (Booksori) in fall.
- •The city follows a unique architectural guideline to ensure harmony and environmental integration across all buildings.
- •Paju Book City won the Best Technology in the Field of Culture Award at the Sheik Zayed Book Awards in 2012.
History
The concept of Paju Book City originated in 1989 when a group of publishers envisioned a model village devoted solely to books, emphasizing harmony with the environment and the common good over industrial development.
Supported by the Korean government, construction began in 2001 with the establishment of the Asia Publication Culture and Information Centre.
The city was developed under strict architectural guidelines to maintain harmony, with multiple architects coordinating the design of sectors and buildings.
Over time, it has grown to house more than 200 publishing companies and has become a significant cultural and publishing hub in Korea.
Place Guide
Publishing Complexes
Home to around 250 publishing companies, these modern glass buildings encompass the entire book production process from planning to printing and distribution, making it the heart of Korea's publishing industry.
Book Cafes and Bookstores
Numerous book cafes and bookstores are scattered throughout the city, offering a wide selection of Korean books and some multilingual used books, creating a vibrant literary atmosphere for visitors.
Art Galleries and Exhibition Spaces
Paju Book City features unusual art galleries and specialized exhibition spaces that complement its literary focus, offering visitors cultural enrichment beyond books.
Children’s Playground and Premium Shopping Outlet
The city includes a playground designed for children and an adjacent premium shopping outlet, providing family-friendly amenities and shopping opportunities.
