landmark
Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)
The heavily fortified border between North and South Korea, offering a sobering glimpse into the division of the Korean Peninsula.
18 km · about 20 min drive
AsiaSouth KoreaGyeonggi-do
Paju
Gyeonggi-do, South Korea · Asia
About Paju
Paju is worth a stop: 10 minutes from Munsan, 31km from Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Paju is in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. You drive on the right here. The nearest town is Munsan, about 4 km away.
Paju (Korean: 파주; Korean pronunciation: [pʰɐ.d͡ʑu]) is a city in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. Paju was made a city in 1997; it had previously been a county (gun).
The city area of Paju is 672.78 km2 (259.76 sq mi), and it is located just south of Panmunjeom on the 38th parallel. In 2024, the population of Paju wasRead more
over 501,000. To defend the South Korean capital, Seoul, many U.S. and South Korean Army bases are set up in the area. In 2002, the northernmost South Korean railway station, Dorasan, was opened on the Gyeongui Line. North Korean territory and the city Kaesong can be seen from Paju's mountain Dorasan.
Paju has seen steady residential growth due to its proximity to Seoul. The city is connected to Seoul via the Gyeongui–Jungang Line and several express bus routes, with travel times to central Seoul typically under an hour. These transportation links have contributed to Paju’s development as a commuter city. In addition to residential areas, Paju is home to cultural and tourism sites such as Heyri Art Valley, Paju Book City, and Imjingak Peace Park, attracting both residents and visitors. The city also hosts several large-scale retail complexes, including Shinsegae Paju Premium Outlets and Lotte Premium Outlet Paju Branch, which attract significant foot traffic from nearby regions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near Paju?
Within an hour or so of Paju: Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) (18 km), Gyeongbokgung Palace (31 km), Bukchon Hanok Village (31 km), Changdeokgung Palace (32 km).
Are there any good drives near Paju?
The nearest famous roads are Hangyeryeong Pass and Misiryeong Pass.
Where is Paju?
Paju is in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, about 4 km from Munsan.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 0
- Continent
- Asia
- Country
- South Korea
- Region
- Gyeonggi-do
- Timezone
- Asia/Seoul
- Coordinates
- 37.8328, 126.8169
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in South Korea
Tourist helpline (English): 1330.
Full driving guide for South KoreaTags
Worth the detour from Paju
8 notable places within an hour's drive.
castle
Gyeongbokgung Palace
The main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty in Seoul, known for its grandeur and the picturesque changing of the guard ceremony.
31 km · about 35 min drive
landmark
Bukchon Hanok Village
A traditional Korean village of hundreds of hanok houses nestled between two major palaces in the heart of Seoul.
31 km · about 35 min drive
landmark
Changdeokgung Palace
A UNESCO World Heritage palace famed for its Secret Garden, considered the finest example of Joseon Dynasty palace architecture.
32 km · about 35 min drive
landmark
Insadong
Seoul's cultural heart lined with traditional teahouses, antique shops, galleries, and craft stores in a charming pedestrian street.
32 km · about 35 min drive
landmark
Cheonggyecheon Stream
A restored urban stream running through downtown Seoul with a beautiful 10.9-kilometer walking path beneath street level.
33 km · about 40 min drive
landmark
Myeongdong
Seoul's premier shopping and entertainment district packed with K-beauty stores, street food stalls, and fashion boutiques.
33 km · about 40 min drive
landmark
Dongdaemun Design Plaza
A futuristic neo-futuristic landmark designed by Zaha Hadid, serving as Seoul's hub for design, art, and technology exhibitions.
34 km · about 40 min drive
Driving roads near Paju
- 35 kmN Seoul Tower (Namsan Tower)A communication and observation tower atop Namsan Mountain offering panoramic views of Seoul and famous for its love lock fences.
- 44 kmLotte World Tower Seoul SkySouth Korea's tallest building at 555 meters with the Seoul Sky observation deck offering sweeping views of the entire metropolitan area.
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