Source: Korea Boardgames

Korea Boardgames will host 'Paju Spiel' this coming May at the Gyeonggi Future Education Paju Campus in Paju, Gyeonggi Province. Now in its fourth year since its 2023 debut, Paju Spiel is the largest outdoor board game festival in Korea, drawing 23,000 visitors last year.

■ A Family Festival on the Grass, Not a Screen

The defining feature of Paju Spiel is that it takes place outdoors rather than indoors. The entire campus is transformed into a board game-themed space where visitors can spread out picnic mats and enjoy games under the sun. The event is designed to be an all-in-one experience where families can bring packed lunches to eat on the lawn, learn new games, and shop.

The festival includes experience zones where instructors teach rules directly, programs specifically for children, and large-scale games, making it especially welcoming for families. These features allow even children new to board games to participate naturally.

■ Seven Themed Zones

The venue is divided into seven zones: ▲Family Play Yard, ▲Science Playground, ▲City of Challengers, ▲Pachuri Alley, ▲Dream Tree Village, ▲Meeting Plaza, and ▲Commercial District, allowing visitors to choose activities based on their age and interests. Participation options range from guided workshops and self-guided play to strategy game classes and children's programs. The number of retail outlets has increased by two compared to last year.

■ Speed Cubing Championship

A highlight of this year's event is the Speed Cubing Championship. Asian champion Choi Gyeong-min will participate as a judge, and the competition will be split into elementary (May 9) and open (May 10) divisions. Registration begins on a first-come, first-served basis on April 13.

■ Global Partners Participating

Hong Kong-based Broadway Toys will unveil three new titles not yet released in Korea, while Germany's Amigo will operate experience booths for its flagship titles, including Halli Galli, 6 Nimmt!, and Dalmuti.

Additionally, a nationwide map of Korea Boardgames' partner board game cafes will be unveiled at the event. Visitors can scan a QR code to view the locations of partner cafes across the country, further increasing the accessibility of board games.