South Korea’s City of Books
Discover Paju Book City, a thriving hub of book-related businesses in South Korea.
A Celebration of Books and the Bookmaking Process
Located northwest of Seoul, South Korea, Paju Book City is a vibrant and intentional community dedicated to all things books. With around 900 book-related businesses, including printing presses, distribution companies, and design studios, the city is a haven for book lovers and industry professionals alike. Paju Book City was established in 1998 as part of the government's initiative to centralize and modernize the nation's book industry.
The founders of Paju Book City recognized the inefficiency of the scattered and decentralized book production model that existed before. By clustering all bookmakers in one place, South Korea aimed to enhance the production and distribution of books, which are a significant part of the country's culture. In fact, over 115 million books were sold nationwide in the past year alone.
The city's mission is to actively support culture and arts based on books, and this dedication is evident throughout Paju Book City. Each building is thoughtfully designed to promote a love for books, from serene purple structures to towering geometric headquarters. Quaint cafes provide cozy corners for reading, and the Asia Publication Culture and Information Center serves as a social and professional hub for local publishers.
The Heart of Paju Book City: The Asia Publication Culture and Information Center
At the core of Paju Book City is the Asia Publication Culture and Information Center. This five-story complex serves as a central library and education facility, attracting nearly 10,000 visitors annually. The Forest of Wisdom, located on the center's first floor, is a sprawling library filled with tens of thousands of books on display.
In addition to browsing the shelves, visitors can explore the exhibition space, attend events, and even stay overnight in the center's hotel. Preservation of ancient texts and typography is also a priority, as shown by the adjacent Book City Letterpress Museum. The museum houses traditional printing equipment and an impressive collection of 35 million metal character blocks.
The center is a popular destination for school groups, offering hands-on lessons on various aspects of the printing and publishing process. Each fall, Paju Book City hosts a lively book festival, uniting local authors, artists, and book enthusiasts in a celebration of literature and culture.
Embracing the Eternal Charm of Books
Despite the rise of digital media, Paju Book City remains a testament to the timeless allure of physical books. Lee, a manager of the Asia Publication Culture and Information Center, affirms that 'even as the world becomes more digital, the charm of books is never lost on readers.' This sentiment is shared by the millions of books sold annually in South Korea.
Paju Book City's commitment to fostering a love for books is evident in every aspect, from its purposeful design to the annual literary festival that brings the community together. As visitors and locals explore the streets lined with book-related businesses, they immerse themselves in the rich culture and artistry of bookmaking.
In Paju Book City, the pace of life may be slower than in Seoul, but the passion for books is palpable. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of literature and the love of reading.
