Water, Nature, and Humankind

Imjingak Peace Nuri Park

The hill where the wind of peace blows

It is closer than we think but is out of our reach. Imjingak Pavilion was built 7km south of Imjingang River from the DMZ for displaced people who were forced to flee their hometown in North Korea during the Korean War. If you walk up to the observatory on the roof of the pavilion, you can get a panoramic view of Imjingang Railroad Bridge that was bombed during the war, Freedom Bridge, Civilian Access Control Area, and beyond. The road that is blocked and separated by a barbed wire fence, the steam locomotive bombed at Jangdan Station while carrying military supplies on Gyeongui Line during the Korean War, and the broken railroad stand as a clear reminder of the tragic war and division of South and North Koreas. On the other hand, they also remind us that we should be grateful for the peace we enjoy today as we walk on the hill with colorful pinwheels spinning busily in the wind.

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There are many war relics including the Freedom Bridge built on a temporary basis to exchange prisoners of war, and the underground bunker exhibition hall. Displaced people originally from North Korea come and bow before Mangbaedan Altar on holidays or when they miss their war-separated family in North Korea. Standing in front of the alter, my heart begins to ache for those who left their loved ones behind in North Korea. The Imjingak Peace Gondola connecting to the Civilian Access Control Area is a must-try item that will give you a special experience.

Majanghosu Lake

Walking Over the Lake

Lakes are everywhere across Korea, but few of them have a suspension bridge across them that swings as the winds blow or people walk on it. Majanghosu Lake is known for blossoms of wild flowers and autumn foliage that lure many tourists to it in spring and fall, but taking a peaceful, pleasant stroll around the lake in winter is a much more healing experience expected. It is such a unique, fun experience to walk on the suspension bridge that swings each step you take while appreciating the gorgeous view of the mountain and the lake. If you are afraid of heights, you may have to brace yourself. The circular walking path runs along the lake, making it easy and pleasant to take a walk. In warm months, you can also enjoy water sports as well as the sunset.

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Together, the floating deck over the lake and waterfront decked walking path stretch some 600m, making it an ideal destination for walking and appreciating the natural landscape. The suspension bridge is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in winter.

Paju book city

A Time to Get Lost in Paper Books

The publishing community is booming in the middle of winter on the back of Han Gang’s winning the Nobel Prize in Literature. Full of major publishers, bookstores, book cafes, galleries, museums, and bookstay programs that allow you to stay for a night or longer to read books, Paju book city is a great place where you can immerse yourself in the scent of books and texts. Some of the most popular attractions are the Forest of Wisdom packed with over 130,000 books and the Forest of Print that features more than 3.5 million metal types as well as the oldest printer that exists today. If you want to dive deeper into the charm of the complex, you should visit book cafes in and around the complex. Reading a book while drinking a warm cup of tea in a cozy, snug café is probably one of the best ways to relax and recharge in the cold winter.

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You can choose from a variety of book cafes that are available to suit various ages and preferences. Book Café Noon is located in an ivy-covered building, and Milk Book is a book café that specializes in children’s books. Mimesis Art Museum is known for its building itself, and many people are attracted to the unique atmosphere of Blue Box located on the secondhand book street.

Heyri Art Village

Every Day is Full of Art

• Snow began to fall when I arrived in Heyri. Artists, snow, and winter seemed like a romantic combination. Heyri Art Village was special the moment it was born. Artists from various genres gathered together and decided to create an artists’ community in an area with virtually nothing. They made roads and buildings, and finally created a village. The whole village itself is a work of art that combines different characters of different artists under a few principles with much of the natural landscape and the original village remaining intact. Galleries, workshops, studios, theaters, restaurants, and cafes designed by artists continue to draw people to Heyri all year round. Various exhibitions, performances, and experience programs are also held in this special art community. Outdoor activities and programs are scaled down due to the weather in winter, but taking a walk across Heyri when things are relatively quiet is still very enjoyable.

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  ⓒ한국관광공사 포토코리아_이범수

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  ⓒ한국관광공사 포토코리아_송재근

Just walk aimlessly wherever you are drawn. You can see artworks in galleries that vary in size, make candles, and get hands-on experiences of crafting personal items with silver at a workshop. There are quality restaurants, pretty cafes, and accessory shops, making the place an ideal destination for couples to come and have a good time together.

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