Winter Visit to Yulgok Arboretum in Paju – Jangwonjong and the Scenic Path to Yulgok Observatory

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Visit Overview of Yulgok Arboretum

On January 8, 2026, I visited Yulgok Arboretum.

Table of Contents

  • On the way to Yulgok Observatory
  • Yulgok Observatory, Jangwon Bell
  • Restroom
  • Yulgok Arboretum Location and Parking
  • Can you see the North Korean and South Korean flags from Yulgok Observatory?

On the way to Yulgok Observatory

This was not my first visit to Yulgok Arboretum. I have visited this place several times in the past. Admission is free.

Yulgok Arboretum Visitor Center
Yulgok Arboretum Visitor Center
After entering, find the bridge on the left and cross it.
After entering, find the bridge on the left and cross it.
A photo taken on the bridge. The water is frozen.
A photo taken on the bridge. The water is frozen.
When you see a fork in the path, choose the left path.
When you see a fork in the path, choose the left path.
Winter lilac
Winter lilac
If you turn around, you can see the Visitor Center.
If you turn around, you can see the Visitor Center.
Let’s go toward the Children’s Forest Experience Area.
Let’s go toward the Children’s Forest Experience Area.
The Children’s Forest Experience Area is on the left. Pass it and go straight!
The Children’s Forest Experience Area is on the left. Pass it and go straight!
You can see trees here. Let’s not go this way.
You can see trees here. Let’s not go this way.
When you see a fork in the path, choose the left path.
When you see a fork in the path, choose the left path.
You will see a “No Entry” warning sign. Then take the path on the left.
You will see a “No Entry” warning sign. Then take the path on the left.
When you see this path, just keep going straight.
When you see this path, just keep going straight.
When you see the cement path, you’re almost there.
When you see the cement path, you’re almost there.
Arrived.
Arrived.

Yulgok Observatory, Jangwon Bell

The Jangwon Bell is located at Yulgok Observatory. I rang the Jangwon Bell once and then sat on a bench at the observatory for a while

Jangwon Bell
Jangwon Bell
The Imjin River as seen from the observatory (close-up shot)
The Imjin River as seen from the observatory (close-up shot)
A bridge crossing the Imjin River The name of the bridge is unknown.
A bridge crossing the Imjin River
The name of the bridge is unknown.
A bridge crossing the Imjin River (close-up shot)
A bridge crossing the Imjin River (close-up shot)

There is a set of stairs going down next to a bench near the Jangwon Bell. I once came up using these stairs.

You can see the observatory with the naked eye, but in photos you need to zoom in to find it.
You can see the observatory with the naked eye, but in photos you need to zoom in to find it.

Below is a video that zooms in to show where the Yulgok Arboretum Observatory is located and also shows the view of the Imjin River from the observatory.

Restroom

On the way down, I felt the need to use the restroom. I could see the Visitor Center ahead. There is a restroom at the Visitor Center, but the separate restroom building was closer, so I changed direction and walked that way. When I arrived at the restroom building, I found it closed due to the risk of frozen pipes. It was a wasted trip. Fortunately, I was able to hold it until I reached the Visitor Center. The restroom there was so warm that I wondered if it was really okay for it to be that warm.

Restroom building
Restroom building
Restroom Closed Notice
Restroom Closed Notice
An unusual object spotted on a tree branch on the way to the Visitor Center
An unusual object spotted on a tree branch on the way to the Visitor Center
Even with a close-up shot, I can’t tell what it is. A ball? A beehive? A balloon?
Even with a close-up shot, I can’t tell what it is. A ball? A beehive? A balloon?

Yulgok Arboretum Location and Parking

The road-name address of Yulgok Arboretum is 392 Jangseungbaegi-ro, Papyung-myeon, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.

Parking is free. There is a barrier gate, but no parking registration is required. Parking is usually plentiful. On rare occasions, when many visitors arrive at once, you may need to wait for a parking space.

Can you see the North Korean and South Korean flags from Yulgok Observatory?

After visiting Yulgok Observatory, I read a post saying that you can see both the North Korean and South Korean flags from there. So I checked the video I personally filmed when I was at Yulgok Observatory to see if the flags were visible, but they were not. Next time I go back to Yulgok Observatory, I should look more carefully for the flags. I guess the sky needs to be clear.

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