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Seeking a peaceful retreat to lose yourself in books? Paju's Forest of Wisdom offers towering bookshelves, quiet reading nooks, and delightful cafe discounts. Your perfect escape awaits.
"For just one day, I want to enjoy quiet contemplation without any interruptions."
"I want to read books all day long without a single thought."
When these thoughts cross my mind, there's one place I make sure to visit once or twice a year. I grab a good book and head straight to the 'Forest of Wisdom' (Jihyeui Sup) in the Paju Publishing Complex.
Based on my more than ten visits, I'm excited to share how you can make the most of your trip to the Forest of Wisdom.
Forest of Wisdom (Jihyeui Sup)
145 Hoedong-gil, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do
Operating Hours
Daily 10:00 AM ~ 8:00 PM
Forest of Wisdom Location & Parking
Paju's Forest of Wisdom is nestled within the Paju Publishing Complex. This isn't just a place to display books like a typical library.
It's a vibrant cultural complex, established in 2014 by the Paju Book City Cultural Foundation with support from the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. It hosts a variety of programs, including art exhibitions, book camps, and lectures, making it a true hub for cultural engagement.
Most buildings in the Publishing Complex have ample space, so parking is rarely an issue. The Forest of Wisdom is no exception, offering both a spacious outdoor parking lot and a comfortable underground garage.
Next to the main entrance of the Forest of Wisdom, you'll find the Asia Publishing Culture Information Center's paid parking. The parking fee is ~$1 for the first hour, with a daily maximum of ~$17.
Inside the Forest of Wisdom, there's a Pascucci cafe and a bookstore. If you spend over ~$7, you'll receive a free 1-hour parking voucher.
How to Get Here | Parking Information | |
By Car | From Seoul, take Jayuro towards Ilsan/Paju, then exit at Jangwol IC into the Paju Publishing City entrance. | First 30 minutes free, then ~$1 per hour, daily maximum of ~$17 |
By Bus | From Seoul (Hapjeong Station Exit 1) - Bus 2200 (approx. 30 minutes) Paju local buses: 20, 77-3, 073, 074, 078, 081, 083, 087 | EV Charging Stations: 4 chargers available |
By Subway | Take GTX-A to Unjeong Jungang Station, then from Exit 1, take local bus 081 (approx. 15 minutes). | 90 underground spots / 39 above ground spots |
Inside the Forest of Wisdom
Stepping inside the Forest of Wisdom, you'll find it broadly divided into four areas: Jihyeui Sup 1, Jihyeui Sup 2, Cafe Pascucci, and the Booksore where you can purchase books. I visited around 2:00 PM on a weekday, and while I worried about finding a seat, there was plenty of space, with only about one person per four tables.
From August 7th to September 4th, 2026, there will be a solo exhibition by artist Choi Soyeon. Last year, she also held a solo exhibition at Gallery Jijihyang and had a 'Meet the Artist' session in the guesthouse meeting room.
Along the corridor leading to Jihyeui Sup 2, one side displays paintings, while the opposite side features various merchandise. If something catches your eye, you can purchase it!
You can also purchase books at the Booksore.
I found a wide range of books, from bestsellers to featured titles from various publishers. While you're free to pick up and read any book on the shelves throughout the Forest of Wisdom, I usually bring my own book to delve into.
If you didn't bring a book, purchasing one here to read and then take home is a great option.
Cafe Pascucci
As you enter the Forest of Wisdom, you'll find a Cafe Pascucci operating in the center. While it doesn't seem like a "one menu per person" rule is strictly enforced, it's good etiquette to order at least one drink if you plan to stay for an hour or more.
Here's a look at the Pascucci menu. You can order at the kiosk, and with just about 3 minutes of effort, you can snag a 30% discount coupon for your beverage!
You'll find a QR code on the kiosk's first screen. Scan it, and a coupon will appear in your Happy Point app. This coupon gives you a fantastic 30% off all handcrafted beverages, gelato, and bingsu (shaved ice desserts)!
The process can be a little tricky, but here's how: After selecting all your menu items and proceeding to the payment screen, you'll see a 'Use Coupon' option. From there, click 'Use' on your phone's coupon and scan the QR code to apply the discount.
I settled into my spot and diligently read. I even took out my laptop to get some work done, but I was disappointed to find no power outlets anywhere.
So, remember to fully charge your devices at home before you visit!
Even in the heat of summer, there's truly no better place than this air-conditioned indoor sanctuary for reading.
However, it's important to note that the Forest of Wisdom is not an ideal space for young children. Everyone else maintains a quiet atmosphere, so it can be quite disruptive when little ones run around loudly. I found it rather uncomfortable when parents didn't seem to intervene even when their children were shouting.
While there isn't a strict age limit, it's best suited for those who understand the expectation of keeping noise to a minimum to avoid disturbing others.
If you're looking to visit and read all day, you might consider booking a stay at the 'Jijihyang Guesthouse' (reservations only available on their official website).
A standard room on a weekday typically costs around ~$69 per night. You can enjoy reading on the first floor or even within your room, which is well-designed for quiet contemplation. Breakfast the next morning is a buffet served at Moonbal Restaurant on the second floor.
I've introduced you to the Forest of Wisdom, a cherished spot of mine in the Paju Publishing Complex. Please note that the Forest of Wisdom and Jijihyang are separate spaces.
The first floor of Jijihyang has sofas and plush chairs, but it's not ideal for extended reading or working. It's a lovely place to admire the natural scenery through large windows, and with background music, it has a more relaxed atmosphere where conversation is welcome, unlike the quieter Forest of Wisdom.
I highly recommend this destination for anyone looking for a peaceful solo retreat or a unique reading date.
📍 Forest of Wisdom (Jihyeui Sup)
145 Hoedong-gil, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do
Parking at the Forest of Wisdom is free for the first 30 minutes, then ~$1 per hour, with a daily maximum of ~$17. If you purchase items totaling over ~$7 at the Pascucci cafe or bookstore within the Forest of Wisdom, you can receive a 1-hour free parking voucher.
Yes, you can scan the QR code on the first screen of the Pascucci kiosk to receive a 30% discount coupon via the Happy Point app. This coupon is applicable to manufactured beverages, gelato, and bingsu.
It takes approximately 30 minutes if you take bus number 2200 from Exit 1 of Hapjeong Station in Seoul. Alternatively, you can reach it in about 15 minutes by taking local bus number 081 from Exit 1 of GTX-A Unjeong Jungang Station.
There are no power outlets provided inside the Forest of Wisdom for charging laptops or mobile phones. It is recommended to fully charge your devices before your visit.
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