Paju & Ilsan 1-Day Itinerary - Hidden Gem Near Seoul

  If you need a break from the constant buzz of Seoul,  but don’t want the hassle of a long travel, this 1-day itinerary to Paju and Ilsan is perfect.

Paju is artistic, slower, filled with independent bookstores, cafés, and even European-style streets. Ilsan completes the day with lakeside walks, food, and shopping.

Think less rush, more strolling, less “tick-the-box tourist” and more “I found a local gem” kind of journey. These two cities are located northwest of Seoul, approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour away from the heart of Seoul.

1.  Heyri Art Village (헤이리 예술마을)

First impression

Heyri immediately feels different. Buildings don’t match on purpose, as each one was designed by a different architect. Every corner feels like a design photo on Pinterest.

Why this place matters

Heyri Art Village is the heart of Paju, South Korea’s creative culture.
It was built as an artist-only town, and many architects, writers, filmmakers, painters, photographers, and designers live or work here.

• Korea’s largest artist village. 500+ creators involved in planning
• Every building was designed by a different architect (you can feel it)
• Featured in multiple K-dramas and TV commercials
• One of the best places in Korea for café lovers and photographers

What to expect

• Dozens of cafés, design studios, galleries
• Minimalist architecture + concrete + modern lines
• Ideal for slow walking/café hopping/brunch

Popular zones

• White staircase (하얀 계단) → best photo spot
  

How to get there (from Seoul)

• Subway + Bus: Line 2 (Green Line) → 홍대입구 (Hongdae) → Bus 2200 (On weekends, bus 7300 also takes you there) → Heyri
• Taxi: ₩35,000–₩45,000 from Hongdae (35–40 min depending on traffic)
• Maps: Google / Naver

2. Paju Book City (파주출판도시)

Why this place matters

• A city built entirely around publishing & printing
• 300+ publishers, bookstores, creative spaces
• Must-visit location for design lovers, readers, and digital nomads

Paju Book City makes you want to sit, order coffee, and write a paragraph of your life story.

What to expect

• Minimalist bookstore interiors
• Quiet walking paths
• Brunch cafés that feel straight out of Europe

How to get there (from Heyri Village)

• Bus: From Heyri Gate 6 (헤이리6번게이트) take bus 2200→ Get off at Ichae Shopping Mall (이채쇼핑몰) → Walk a few minutes (use the Maps: Google / Naver)
• Taxi: About a 5~10 minute ride

After you have made stops at these two places, you can find some restaurants and cafes near Paju Book City, or make your way to Ilsan Lake Park (일산호수공원) for a meal near the lake park and enjoy the nature within the city.

3. Ilsan Lake Park (일산호수공원)

First impression

This is where Ilsan wakes up. Joggers, cyclists, and couples holding coffee cups, everyone seems relaxed.

Why this place matters

• One of the largest man-made lake parks in Korea
• Bike rental, walking paths, café views
• Great destination for families and couples

What to expect

• Rose garden (May–June)
• Music Fountain (sunset)
• Clean + peaceful atmosphere

How to get there (from Paju Book City)

• Bus + Subway/Train: Walk to Dasangyo Bridge (다산교앞) Bus Station → take bus 081 → Get off at Unjeongjungang Station (운정중앙역) → Take the GTX-A toward Ilsan → Get off at the Kintex station → Use exit 3 → Get on the N003 bus (Green, 마을버스) → Get off in 2 stations at Hallyu Kindergarten / Elementary School (한류유치원/한류초) → Walk about 5~10 minutes (Maps: Google / Naver)
• Taxi: About a 30-40 minute ride (₩16,000-₩17,000) (Maps: Google / Naver)

4. Starfield Mall Goyang (스타필드 고양)

If you still have energy after lakeside strolls, or if the weather turns rainy, Starfield Goyang is the perfect grand finale. This is no ordinary mall. It’s a massive lifestyle complex where shopping, dining, entertainment, and relaxation all merge.

Whether you're looking to shop global brands, stay for an indoor spa, or let kids burn off energy, this place has it.

Why this place matters

• Starfield Goyang is one of Korea’s premier “entertainment mall” destinations, offering over 560 brands and 100 restaurants in one spot.
• Beyond shopping: it features standout facilities such as Aquafield rooftop pool/spa, Sports Monster indoor activity zone, Toy Kingdom, and a massive Traders warehouse-style supermarket.
• It adds real value for families, couples, shoppers, and anyone looking for a comfortable indoor break during a busy day of sightseeing.

What to expect

• Multiple floors of shopping ranging from high fashion to value brands.
• Food courts and restaurants spanning Korean, international, fast casual, and fine dining.
• Entertainment options: cinema, sports activity zones, spa/Aquafield, kids’ play areas.
• Huge parking, pet-friendly zones
  

How to get there (from Ilsan Lake Park)

• Bus + Subway/Train: Walk to Jeongbalsan or Madu station (Line 3, Orange Line) → Get off Samsong station → Exit 3 → Walk 5~10 minutes
• Taxi: About a 10~15 minute ride (Maps: Google / Naver)

As the sun sets over Ilsan Lake Park, and the lights of Starfield start to glow, it hits you.  Today was simple, but unforgettable. You wandered through an artist village, got lost in bookstores, tasted good food, touched calm water, and felt like a different version of yourself for a few hours.

And the best part? You didn’t need a plane, a huge budget, or even a full weekend.

Paju and Ilsan don’t try to impress you. They let you breathe.
And sometimes, that’s the most memorable kind of travel.