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Paju_Forest of Wisdom

Bookshelves for all preserved together


Forest of Wisdom is seated at the center of Paju Book City, which is consisted of numerous publishing companies, book-related museum, and cafes. It is one of the most popular spots within Asia Publication Culture & Information Center equipped with old bookstores, exhibits, restaurants, and many other cultural spaces.


When you enter Forest of Wisdom, 8 m-high bookshelves that reach the ceilings stand in the lobby and along the hallway, and all of these books are donations. In the first section of books donated by scholars, intellectuals and research institutes, books that have been read and researched for the entire lives of donors are seen at a glance. The section is filled with diverse humanities books on various eras and people including literature, history, philosophy, and arts depending on the donors’ areas of research. In the second section featuring books donated by publishing companies, an ample number of desks are available for you to bring as many books as you wish without worrying about others. Time flies as you are immersed in reading while sitting on a spot from which reeds and water park are viewed through the windows.



The third section is the lobby of a guesthouse named Jijihyang and a storage of literature donated by publishers, distributors, museums, and art galleries. It is open for 24 hours a day so it is a good place to visit if you want to quietly enjoy reading late at night.




Once you have tasted the scent of the books and warmth of the bookshelves in Forest of Wisdom, I recommend you to go out onto the terrace or take a stroll in the surroundings on a sunny day. From a plaza in the back of Forest of Wisdom to the water park while passing over Eungchilgyo Bridge, the facility provides you a time to appreciate the finishes on the structure that forms a great harmony with the natural environment. In particular, Asia Publication Culture & Information Center, boasting an outstanding chemistry between architecture and environment, received Kim Su-geun Architectural Culture Award in 2004, thus acknowledged of its beauty. The external appearance of the building constituted of red steel sheets, exposed concrete and wood displays different colors from one season to another and gradually melts into the surrounding landscape even when viewed from afar. As you read a book and take a walk at Forest of Wisdom that holds the gorgeous scenery of Simhaksan Mountain edges and reed-filled river, you will discover that time slows down amidst a busy city life.



Written and photos by Park Hee-eun



Website forestofwisdom.or.kr

세부정보

  • Forest of Wisdom

    Address/ 145, Hoedong-gil, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do (Asia Publication Culture Information Center)

    Contact/ 031-955-0082

    Hours of operation/ Hall 1 and 2: 10:00-20:00 / Hall 3: Open 24 hours

    Website/ forestofwisdom.or.kr

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