Paju-si is one of 47 cities, counties and districts in Gyeonggi-do. It has 20 neighborhoods (10 dong · 4 eup · 6 myeon) and 536,640 registered residents (September 2026). The most populous neighborhood is Unjeong 3-dong with 66,919.
20neighborhoods
536,640residents
Landmark stamp: Imjingak Pyeonghwa Nuri Park
Located near the northern border, this spacious park features sprawling grassy hills and vibrant pinwheels symbolizing national hopes for peace and reconciliation.
What to see
Thousands of colorful pinwheels spinning across vast grassy hills create a joyful and poetic symbol of lasting harmony.
History
The sprawling memorial grounds were developed to promote reconciliation and honor hopes for peace on the divided peninsula.
Visitor tip
Bringing a simple picnic mat allows travelers to relax leisurely on the rolling lawns while watching colorful evening sunsets.
Food, festivals and stories of Paju-si
Local food
Paju is celebrated for nutritious Jangdan soybeans, which locals transform into rich tofu stews and savory handmade traditional dishes.
Festivals
Every autumn, Paju Book City hosts the Booksori Festival, welcoming visitors to open lectures, exhibitions, and engaging literary walking tours.
Did you know?
Heyri Art Village features striking architectural museums, galleries, and cozy craft workshops where diverse local artists showcase their creative artworks.
Neighborhoods of Paju-si (20)
Every neighborhood has its own stamp in Random Passport. Tap “Land here” to fly straight to one.
Munsan-eup문산읍eup · 47,775 residents
Photo spot: You can capture colorful souvenir photos among the spinning pinwheels dotted across the expansive grassy hills of Imjingak Pyeonghwa Nuri Park.
Story: Imjinnaru ferry is associated with a tale that King Seonjo burned a riverside pavilion to light the dark waters during his wartime flight.
Food: At the local free market, shopping receipts exceeding a certain amount grant visitors access to a guided security tour inside the civilian control line.
Name: During the Three Kingdoms period, this area was called Sulihol, a name derived from native words meaning a large town blessed with abundant water.
Fun fact: The site of the historic county office and the venerable Paju Hyanggyo Confucian School preserve the dignified atmosphere of an ancient administrative center.
Story: The tombs of scholar Yulgok Yi I and his mother Shin Saimdang rest quietly behind Jaunseowon Confucian Academy, honoring their filial piety and wisdom.
Photo spot: Strolling leisurely along the serene lake and peaceful forest paths of Chorigol village offers wonderful opportunities to photograph scenic countryside landscapes.
Name: The area earned its name because the surrounding topography resembles a jori, a traditional Korean bamboo strainer used for washing raw grains.
Story: Paju Samneung preserves the royal tombs of three Joseon queens, inviting visitors to reflect on their touching life stories amid tranquil forests.
Name: The name Wollong originated from the rocky peak of Wollongsan Mountain, which ancient residents thought resembled a bright full moon rising high.
Photo spot: Visitors love taking bright spring photos against the charming backdrop of blooming azaleas and cherry blossoms surrounding Yongsanggol Reservoir.
Photo spot: The creative alleys of Heyri Art Village, filled with imaginative architectural structures and diverse art galleries, provide wonderful scenes for artistic photography.
Fun fact: From Odusan Unification Tower, where the Hangang and Imjingang rivers meet, visitors can look across the wide waterway directly toward North Korean territory.
Story: The mountain fortress on Odusan, linked to Baekje's ancient Gwanmiseong, carries dramatic memories of fierce territorial battles during the Three Kingdoms era.
Photo spot: Walking across the suspension bridge at Majang Lake lets travelers snap panoramic landscape photos of tranquil reflective waters and verdant mountain slopes.
Story: Historic Bogwangsa Temple holds touching stories of King Yeongjo, who honored his beloved mother Royal Noble Consort Suk with heartfelt royal calligraphy.
Story: Local legend says that Yun Sindal, the founding ancestor of the Papyeong Yun clan, miraculously emerged from Yongyeon pond inside a floating jade box.
Photo spot: Yulgok Wetland Park attracts travelers looking to capture picturesque memories surrounded by vast fields of blooming cosmos and bright sunflowers every autumn.
Photo spot: The suspension bridge at Gamaksan Mountain offers an adventurous spot to frame breathtaking photos suspended high across a dramatic forested valley gorge.
Story: Chiljungseong Fortress holds inspiring memories of the Silla army bravely defeating massive Tang dynasty forces during the ancient unification wars of Korea.
Food: Dujiri village along the Imjingang River has long been renowned for serving spicy freshwater fish stews freshly caught from the local waterway.
Name: The name Geumchon was created by translating the native Korean village names Soemal and Soegol, which referred to early local iron mining activities.
Food: Located in front of the station, the historic Tongil Market bustles on market days with visitors looking for fresh produce and tasty street food.
Fun fact: Housing Paju City Hall and multiple public institutions, this neighborhood has long functioned as the supportive civic and administrative center for local citizens.
Photo spot: Strolling along the lush metasequoia trail within Hakryeongsan Forest Park provides serene photo opportunities filled with vibrant greenery and fresh outdoor air.
Name: The neighborhood preserves the friendly naming history of ancient farming villages once called Deulmal or Yadong because they were situated across open fields.
Fun fact: Home to Paju Stadium, the district regularly hosts vibrant community festivals and athletic competitions while offering spacious tracks for local residents to exercise.
Name: The name Gyoha comes from its geographic character, where the two waterways of Hangang and Imjingang meet and merge before reaching the sea.
Story: During the Joseon dynasty, scholars and royal officials seriously debated moving the nation's capital to Gyoha to secure long-term prosperity.
Photo spot: Climbing to the summit pavilion of Simhaksan Mountain allows photographers to capture sweeping vistas of glowing evening sunsets over the Hangang estuary.
Name: The name Unjeong originated from the historic village well called Gureum-umeul, meaning a clean well veiled gracefully in drifting morning clouds.
Photo spot: The waterside boardwalks and musical fountains at Unjeong Lake Park create stunning night views with colorful lights reflecting across the water surface.
Photo spot: The Cheongnyongducheon stream promenade winding through Sannae Village provides an ideal setting to frame blooming seasonal flowers against modern apartment complexes.
Fun fact: Well-planned residential neighborhoods connect directly to cozy community parks, offering residents a calm and pedestrian-friendly environment for relaxed daily walks.
Photo spot: The tall metasequoia trail and open green lawn at Unjeong Health Park offer a scenic backdrop for taking seasonal family snapshots.
Fun fact: Centering around the newly developed rapid transit railway station, this area is rapidly growing into a vibrant commercial hub and transit terminal.
Photo spot: Along the Soricheon stream trail, the shimmering silver grass swaying in the autumn breeze creates a poetic atmosphere for memorable photos.
Food: The bustling streets around Yadang Station gather trendy brunch cafes and stylish international eateries that attract many young food lovers.
Story: The ancient dolmens of Dayul-dong preserve intriguing stories of prehistoric ancestors who settled beside the fertile Hangang estuary thousands of years ago.
Photo spot: Galdae Saetgang Ecological Park offers picturesque views of swaying silver reeds and visiting migratory birds, making it a peaceful location for landscape photography.
Name: The village adopted the cheerful name Haeoreum, symbolizing a bright morning land where the morning sun rises and spreads warm vitality.
Photo spot: The gentle hillocks and modern outdoor art installations at Mulpure Park provide a lovely setting for capturing bright everyday photographs under blue skies.
Local notes were drafted with the help of AI from public information. Population: Ministry of the Interior and Safety resident registration, September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.