Heri Village in Paju is a rare treat of thoughtful modern architecture in Korean. The area is known for its architecture village and book publishing center. Many small galleries and cafes fill the interiors. The village is set outside of urban development and sits quite close to the North Korean border.
It was a nice change of pace from the monotonous high rise apartment boxes, but I wasn't totally satisfied. Heri Village has an eerie feel to it. It's a bubble of architecture and no human life besides the daily visitors which drive in, drive around, and drive out. The designers didn't consider the landscape or incorporating greenery, it has more gotten in their way. The buildings are all of the same scale and geometric industrial style.
While the architecture is interesting and the material use quite unique, the commonality of the space seemed to conform to the same homogenous guidelines much of Korea follows.
Heading uphill from Heri is an English Village. It seems to be a tourist attraction/English themed park with the "Immigration Office" at the front and streets famous from the UK & US filling the inside. You can take your picture in a red London-style phone booth and stroll down Ivy League streets.
Provence Village is a small area with a European feel. The small brightly painted buildings hold a charm so so rare in Korea. The coffee shop was cozy as can be and the pastries to die for. There are many small boutiques and tasty treats to be found here~
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