The Largest Art Village That You Might Want to Visit While You Are in Korea

Did you know Korea has a village for artists?

헤이리 예술마을 (Heyri Art Valley)

경기 파주시 탄현면 헤이리마을길 70-21
(70-21, Heyrimaeul-gil, Tanhyeon-myeon, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do)

Located in Paju*, Heyri Art Valley (헤이리 예술마을) is the largest art village and cultural district for artists, including painters, architects, sculptors, musicians, writers, etc. The village is quite large with an area of 500,000㎡. 

What’s impressive is that more than 400 artists, not certain governmental organizations, voluntarily stepped up to create this village.

*Paju is a district that’s in the northern part of Gyeonggido.

Heyri Art Valley has a number of museums, galleries, themed cafés, and workshops where people can visit with friends, families, or by themselves to get away from Seoul and enjoy a quiet time. (But it can be quite crowded at the weekends.) 

The village is not just a complex facility for the public. Many buildings are used for artists’ general offices, studios, and private properties.

My personal opinion… ????

1. If you love architecture, Heyri Art Valley is the place to go. It’s famous for excellent architecture that won many prestigious architecture awards. You can find various unique types of buildings here in the village. Each building is a unique masterpiece. You can spend time taking a walk and observing the details of each one of them.

2. The restaurants in the village aren’t that special compared to other regions’ restaurants. It doesn’t mean they are terrible, but they’re not special either. The village comparably has more western style cuisines (pasta, burger, etc.) than Korean cuisines. I wouldn’t recommend visiting Heyri Art Valley if you’re just going “amazing” foods.

Place Recommendations

1. 나인블럭 헤이리점 (Nine Block Heyri Branch)
– Café & Bookstore

• Tuesday ~ Sunday 11:00 – 19:00
• Closed on Monday

One side of the cafe is full of books. It’s where you can read books and drink coffee. “Hangil Bookhouse”, a bookstore, is located inside the cafe. 

2. 황인용 뮤직스페이스 카메라타 (Hwang In-yong Music Space Camerata)
– Music Café

• Monday ~ Wednesday, Friday ~ Sunday 11:00 – 21:00
• Closed on Thursday

Often referred to as “Camerata”, the space was established by Hwang In-yong, a famous radio anchorman who has a deep passion for music, in 2003. He curates music albums, usually classical music, for visitors.

3. 한국근현대사박물관  (Museum of Modern History of Korea)
– Museum

• Tuesday ~ Sunday 10:00 – 18:00
• Closed on Monday

The theme museum, where you can experience Korea’s first modern and contemporary life in the 1960s and 70s. When the Korean War ended in 1953, South Korea was one of the poorest countries in the world. The museum has over 70,000 materials that show the old days of Korea.

4. 류재은 베이커리 (Ryu Jae-eun Bakery)
– Bakery

• Monday ~ Sunday 10:00 – 21:00

The quality of breads and desserts is excellent. Among so many types of breads, the most popular menu is a garlic bread. 

Why did they name the village “Heyri”?

The village is named after “Heyri Sori”, a traditional labor song in Paju. It doesn’t have any specific meaning as the word “Heyri” is just phonetic. 

How to go to Heyri Art Valley?

By car

there are free parking lots at the village!

By bus

You can take Red Bus 2200 near Hongik University station or Hapjeong station. It directly takes you to Paju Heyri Art Valley within an hour.