Heyri Art Village In Paju: A Guide To The Sights, Sounds & Eats

Intriguing places, pretty cafes and art too is what you’ll find if you head north into Paju to the delightful artsy spot known as Heyri Art Village (헤이리 예술마을). This is just one thing to do in Paju, but there is really a ton!

The Heyri Art Village is less than an hour northwest and was the vision of a book publisher many years back. Home to photographers, painters, artists of all kinds, musicians, architects and writers means it is quirky, artsy and very fun as well as home to galleries, museums and more. To give you an idea about where to start in this eye catching village check out this guide with some tips and pointers for navigating the small but substantial area.

Heyri Art Village doesn’t really get going until around noon or one but I would recommend going a bit earlier. When we’ve arrived between 10 and 11, we find very few people but plenty open and ready to greet us but more people start coming around lunch time.

I love getting to a cute cafe or into a gallery without people, so this has suited me rather well. The area itself is open 24 hours a day but galleries and cafes of course have hours so any earlier than 10 and a lot likely might not have open doors though the architecture of the buildings are still beautiful to see. If you get there early, walk the streets and alleys and get a feel for the village that isn’t HUGE but has A LOT to see.

The buildings and bridges themselves are so artistic so take it all in. Here’s what to know:

• How To Get To Heyri Art Village
• Where To Stay
• What To Know About Heyri Art Village
• Museums & Galleries
• Eats & Coffee
• Nearby Stops To Make

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How To Get To Heyri Art Village

Address: 1652-239 Beopheung-ri, Tanhyeon-myeon, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기 파주시 탄현면 법흥리 1652-239)

By Car: The easiest way to get out to the village is of course by car. If you don’t have one, you can rent on easily enough. We’ve rented from Avis a few times to make trips around Korea. Avis has great deals and with a few friends, it’s really not too expensive.

If you’re driving on your own, you can also stop into Cafe Loverwall on the way. It’s a super cool spot you’ll want to see. If you want the private option but don’t want to be the driver, Trazy offers a private van package to head out to the area that stops at the Heyri Art Village, Provence Village and the Premium Outlets nearby. You can choose to do two of the stops or all three.

By Bus: Outside of Hapjeong Subway Station, exit 8. Walk south toward the Han River to find bus stop #14218. Take bus #2200 for 13 stops, about 45 minutes. Get off at Heyri 1 Gate Bus Stop and you’ll be right in front of the village.

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Where To Stay

This last time we went out to Heyri Art Village, my husband and I were talking about how there is just so much to do that we should really spend the whole weekend in the village sometime. I’ve now visited six times and STILL haven’t been able to go into every place. So, if you have a weekend, enjoy the time there because there is certainly plenty to do.

There are a few places to stay out in the Paju area, but there are two right in/near the Heyri area that will give you an artistic stay in the artistic village. If you want to make a weekend of your getaway, check out the two below.

Motif No.1 Guest House

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What To Know About Heyri Art Village

There is a huge lack of English information but don’t let that deter you. At each entrance gate is a ticket booth with pictures and Korean information for purchasing tickets to different galleries and museums however, straight up, I did NOT purchase any tickets from these counters.

It seems most Koreans head to the village with a specific exhibition or museum in mind to visit and so they purchase the tickets easily without looking around. Most of these tickets also seemed to be for the different experience programs available like pottery making, t-shirt printing, cooking and so on. There are a lot of experiences you can take part in or have children take part in if you wish. I and the people I went with, on the other hand, had no idea what we would find or what we wanted to do, so instead decided to meander and stop in wherever caught our eye.

Some places asked if we had tickets and when we said no, we were able to purchase tickets there. One place asked if we had a ticket and we said no, but said we wanted to get coffee and quickly realized that buying a coffee meant we didn’t need to purchase a ticket. This means that had we gotten a ticket and then gotten a coffee, we would have wasted money.

We also walked into a gallery and the owner, probably seeing our a bit confused “can we, can’t we” faces, just let us go up for free and told his staff at the counter not to worry. My point is, don’t feel like you have to purchase tickets at the beginning. Take a wander and see what you can see.

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Museums & Galleries

Museums and galleries are ALL AROUND the area with some being large and others being small. There are some that cater more to the adult and some that are family friendly. Some popular museums include the Trick Eye Museum, Exotic Art Museum, Coffee Museum, Tin Toy Museum and the Korean Folk Antique Museum to name some of the larger ones.

There are also many that are kid friendly and cater to the child in all of us that wants to touch things when we see them. See what’s going on at the Mandang Science Experience, Art Factory and Hankyo Hologram. Below are a few that we checked out and enjoyed…

Blume Museum Of Contemporary Art (BMOCA) (블루메미술관)

BMOCA embraces nature in the area with a huge tree that the building entrance was built around. Their site explains that  the museum “is a relational museum to highlight the way contemporary art creates the connections and relations among people.” The exhibition we checked out was a kid friendly hands on experiential program allowing kids to explore nature.

The programs obviously change, but do be aware that if you purchase a ticket for the exhibit, you’ll also receive a ticket for a discount on a coffee from the cafe below. If the exhibit doesn’t interest you, at least walk into the entrance where the huge tree is literally growing through holes purposefully made in the walls. It’s a cool nature vs. architectural stunt.

• Address: Paju-si Tanhyeon-myeon Heyri Maeul-gil 59-30 (경기 파주시 탄현면 헤이리마을길 59-30)
• Days: Closed Mondays
• Hours: Tuesday through Saturday: 11:00am ~ 6:00pm; Sunday: 1:00pm ~ 6:00pm

White Block Art Center (아트센터 화이트블럭)

White Block Art Center is a very cool space with lots of lines, windows, staircases and angles to view things from. There are two cafe seating areas that are similar in their stark white colors but contrast with their styles. One area is chic while the other is a bit more laid back.

The tall windows overlook a pond central to the village and provide so much natural light that it’d be really hard to take a bad picture here which is probably why it’s been used for numerous Korean dramas. A cool building from outside to in.

Walk up, in and around and don’t forget to check out their rooftop to get views of the village from above! Also for those Hallyu fans out there, you may recognize this space from the dramas “Introverted Boss (내성적인 보스)”, “Suspicious Partner (수상한 파트너)”, “Legend Of The Blue Sea (푸른 바다의 전설)” and “On The Way To The Airport (공항가는 길)”.

• Address: Paju-si Tanhyeon-myeon Heyri Maeul-gil 72 (경기 파주시 탄현면 헤이리마을길 72)
• Days: Closed Mondays
• Hours: 10:30am ~ 6:30pm

Old Objects Museum (옛날물건박물관)

For every modern and chic art museum there is in the village, there is a quirky one too like this Old Objects Museum that features hundreds of toys, comic books, and uniforms and bags from days of yore. If you’re interested in old school fun, definitely stop in here.

There is a cafe on the first floor, so you’ll need to go upstairs to the second and third floor to play the games that existed BEFORE those hand held devices and computer games. Take the kiddos or be a kiddo yourself for an hour and play the things. Lots of fun stuff to see and do. After playing upstairs, head downstairs to the basement to see the museum pieces that are behind glass but good to see. They also serve simple dosirak meals (old school Korean school meals served in a metal tin) if you want a quick bite.

• Address: Paju-si Tanhyeon-myeon Heyri Maeul-gil 59-78 (경기도 파주시 탄현면 헤이리마을길 59-78)

Hangil Book Museum (한길책박물관)

Hangilsa is the leading publishing house in Korea and the company that established this gorgeous library. The large wall with shelves lined with books and a central door that has a map couldn’t be any more perfect. Introduce a book to a child and you’re in affect introducing them to the world.

The museum houses an impressive book collection even featuring some books that cannot be found anywhere else in Korea. There are works by William Turner, Milton and Chaucer just to name a few. This museum was the setting for the drama “Fated To Love You (운명처럼 사랑해)”.

Peruse the library, get lost in a book, and then check out their cafe and shop before moving on to see more… because there is so much more.

• Address: Paju-si Tanhyeon-myeon Heyri Maeul-gil 59-6 (경기 파주시 탄현면 헤이리마을길 59-6 북하우스)
• Days: Closed Mondays
• Hours: Tuesday through Friday: 11:00 ~ 6:00pm; Weekends: 10:30am ~ 6:00pm
• Admission: Adults: W6,000 & Children, Seniors: W3,000

World Mineral Museum (세계광물보석 박물관)

We’ve been stopping in to some of the more random “museums” in the area and this would be one of them. The word museum is used quite a bit even for some of the smaller spots that are packed but aren’t so informative. This is a quirky spot with lots and lots of gems and minerals and a lovely owner that is quite proud of his collection.

Our daughter enjoyed the shiny gems and was very interested in the meteor rocks in particular and the video that accompanied it. After perusing the rocks, we made a bracelet upstairs that she loved. Win!

• Address: 59-93 Heyri Village-ro, Tanhyeon-myeon, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기 파주시 탄현면 헤이리마을길 59-93)
• Admission: W5,000; The bracelet making experience is W10,000 etc.

National Folk Museum of Korea, Paju (국립민속박물관 파주)

A newer addition to the area and maybe technically outside of the Heyri Art Village but right next to it, the National Folk Museum of Korea, Paju is very cool and they’ve created a very eye-appealing showcase of works. If you’re interested in Korean folk and crafts, you’ll definitely want to stop in here. It’s a beautiful addition to the national museums in Korea.

• Address: 30 Heyri-ro, Tanhyeon-myeon, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기 파주시 탄현면 헤이리로 30)
• Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00am ~ 6:00pm

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Eats & Coffee

When I first got to Heyri, I figured most of the venues would have western fare that was overpriced and not that good because, let’s be honest, you’re in the middle of nowhere and these restaurants could totally rip you off if they wanted to. HOWEVER, I was surprised and happy to find that the food as a whole was delicious.

Actually, the western eateries were serving up food that was better than the Korean restaurants in my opinion and I don’t even know how that’s possible. Look at signs, see what catches your fancy because there are SO many places serving up eats. Follow your nose on this one.

Gardenus (가드너스)

One of the  newest hot spots in the Heyri Art Village area is this awesome cafe that features modern architecture and floor upon floor of interesting seating choices. Our seating option of choice were the yellow and blue seating in the central plaza area. Grab a Fritz coffee or a peppermint ade, our choices, and a macaron and then head out to find a seat.

While you wait for your drinks, walk through the multiple floors to see every seating and wind through the interesting building up to the rooftop to get a bird’s eye view of the area. I went there twice in a one week because it’s just that cool.

• Address: Gyeonggi-do Paju-si Tanhyeon-myeon Beobheung-ri 1652-116 (경기도 파주시 탄현면 법흥리 1652-116)
• Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00am ~ 10:00pm

From Farmers (농부로부터헤이리점)

This has become our favorite spot to have lunch in all of Heyri. From Farmers is a farm to table free trade restaurant and café. This great spot is on the top floor of The Step, the really large outdoor mall like space in the northwestern corner. The owners have roosters and chickens outside and they serve plant-based meals inside. There are also various eco-friendly and free-trade products to stock up on and locally grown produce. The food is great and the owners are lovely.

• Address: 93-75 Heyri Village-gil, Tanhyeon-myeon, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기 파주시 탄현면 헤이리마을길 93-75)
• Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 10:00am ~ 6:00pm; Weekends: 10:00am ~ 7:00pm
• Website: www.fromfarmers.co.kr/

Heylis (헤이리스)

Heylis caught my eye because it is a gallery and cafe solely promoting Claude Monet one of my favorite artists. While none of the pieces are real. It was pretty fun and not to mention beautiful to sip a latte while sitting right in front of colorful Monet print. Also, don’t forget to find the staircase that leads upstairs.

A few years later, this space was converted into an undersea exhibition. Step in and see what exhibition they are showcasing and what you can enjoy.

• Address: Paju-si Tanhyeon-myeon Heyri Maeul-gil 7 (경기 파주시 탄현면 헤이리마을길 7)
• Days: Closed Mondays
• Hours: Weekdays: 12:00pm ~ 9:00pm; Weekends: 11:00am ~ 9:00pm

In Square (인스퀘어)

I’ve now opted to eat at In Square twice while in the area… it was that good. The balsamic dressing on the chicken and avocado salad was just right aside the lasagna. I’ve been hard pressed to find good lasagna in this country and really enjoyed this. The highlight though, and what this restaurant is known for, is there tiramisu. Definitely leave room because it was so delicious. Don’t forget to take a picture in front of their popular front red door and wall covered in ivy. It’s the cool thing to do!

• Address: Paju-si Tanhyeon-myeon Heyri Maeul-gil 21-6 (경기 파주시 탄현면 헤이리마을길 21-6)
• Days: Open every day
• Hours: 10:00am ~ 10:00pm

The Churro Bar (츄로바)

A few years back churros were all the rage and stands popped up on every corner only to be replaced the next summer by lemonade stands. Fads come, trends change. This churro shop though stood out with their aesthetic appeal and then matched that with some deliciously vegan churros. I didn’t know vegan and churro could even go together, but leave it to the Churro Bar to figure that one out.

• Address: Paju-si Tanhyeon-myeon Heyri Maeul-gil 55-30 (경기 파주시 탄현면 헤이리마을길 55-30)

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Nearby Stops To Make

Real Factory 1998 (실공장1998)

Walk into this culture complex where you can enjoy everything about knitting. Downstairs is a shop for knitting  supplies and in the two floor cafe there are various knitting installations. The first floor features knitted food like sushi, fruit, vegetables, udon, and other little knitted goods that are placed on a “buffet” table. Order a drink and head upstairs where you can find a knitted chandelier, cactii and you could easily walk right by the “plants” hanging on the walls without realizing they’re actually knitted works of art. It’s really stunning how much effort and work has gone into this cafe.

While this isn’t IN the Heyri Art Village, it’s definitely worth a visit and really could fit right in the village. It’s just up the road so a great stop if you’re in the area and definitely if you’re a knitting enthusiast.

• Address: Paju-si Tanhyeon-myeon Beobheung-ri 100-1 (경기 파주시 탄현면 법흥로 100-1)
• Hours: Weekdays: 10:00am ~ 8:00pm; Weekends: 10:00am ~ 9:00pmm

Paju English Village (파주 영어 마을)

Just across the street from the Heyri Art Village sits the Paju English Village built to provide an immersive English program for students around the country. There are a number of programs and activities on any given day and walking among the buildings built in the style of British architecture is truly strange when you know you’re still in Korea.

There is a greenhouse, a huge outdoor pool that is surrounded by columns which would have you feeling as though you were in a European mountain getaway. Definitely check it out next summer for a surreal experience. The buildings are beautiful and there is a nice little cafe and a few eateries to enjoy once inside if you don’t want to take part in any of the English programs. There is admission to the village, so to make it worth it, stop into one of the cafes after walking around everywhere.

Hallyu fans would also be interested in a stop here because it has become a popular filming location for music videos like EXO’s “Miracles In December” and  Super Junior’s “Victory Korea MV”. Dramas and TV shows including “Running Man” and recently “Produce 101” have also been filmed here.

• Address: Paju-si Tanhyeon-myeon Uleumsil-ro 40 (경기 파주시 탄현면 얼음실로 40)
• Days: CLOSED Mondays
• Hours: 9:30am ~ 10:00pm
• Amenities: Free parking

Imjingak (임진각)

Imjingak Resort is where all tours up to the DMZ and third tunnel begin from in this area. There is plenty to see without passing through into the DMZ, but there also quite a bit to see on the other side too. Definitely plan to get out in the area at some point whether if it’s when you’re visiting Heyri Art Village or not. You can see Dora Station, the station that will one day allow people to freely go between North and South Korea and visit the third tunnel.

Don’t miss the artistic works in Nuri Peace Park and if you do want to go through, definitely visit Camp Greaves. This military installation once housed American soldiers, but they have since left and now it is an arts and culture complex inside the Civilian Control Zone. Very unique and very interesting.

• Address: Paju-si Munsan-eub Imjingak-ro 177 (경기 파주시 문산읍 임진각로 177)

Majang Lake & Suspension Bridge

One of our favorite places to go out in Paju is the Majang Lake and suspension bridge which was just opened a couple years ago. This area is easy to walk around for families with small children and people that don’t really like to hike but want to get out into nature. There’s a boardwalk which surrounds the lake so you can walk around it easily and then hike out into the nearby mountains if you want.

The suspension bridge is one of the longest in the country and there are loads of cafes and restaurants in the area that has just gotten more popular since the opening of the Majang Suspension Bridge. It’s definitely a cool area to check out with plenty of fun things to do.

• Address: 365 Gisan-ro Gwangtan-myeon, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기 파주시 광탄면 기산로 365)

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