Toowomba, Queensland and Paju

In October 2002, Toowoomba and Paju signed an Economic Sister City Agreement to promote international relations and enhance and develop economic cooperation between the two cities.

Each year students from Paju visit to undertake an English language and culture program. Students are welcomed into the homes of local families, greatly improving their English through immersion and providing them with a real understanding of our culture. The families also benefit through developing greater cultural understanding and forming many long-term friendships.

Paju cultural performers have participated in the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers and performed for hundreds of students across the region.

A staff exchange between the Paju Council and Toowoomba Regional Council provides the opportunity to share best practice, knowledge and skills which can improve business practices and efficiency and bring benefits to the community. 

Paju is in the Gyeonggi Province in South Korea located just south of the demilitarised zone and an hour’s drive north-west of the capital city, Seoul. It is a rapidly growing city and is referred to as a rising future city because of its large-scale development and vision to provide its citizens with state-of-the-art facilities.

Paju City provides an agricultural and transportation hub for the region. Mountains to the east and undulating slopes to the west provide a topographical foundation for excellent agricultural productivity.  A convenient transport system has attracted many technologically advanced corporations, which are leading to new and progressive developments within the city.

Area: 672.6km2
Population:  440,000  (2016)
Climate: Temperatures range from a minimum of -8°c to a maximum of 30°c.  Annual rainfall is 1600 mm.
Major Industries: High-tech Manufacturing, Agriculture
Major Festival: Yulgok Cultural Festival, Gaeseong Ginseng Festival (October) Jangdan Soybean Festival (November)
Flower of Paju City: Cosmos -represents growth and prosperity and symbolizes innocence and pure love.
Tree of Paju City: The Gingko tree symbolizes everlasting prosperity.  Grand in stature, the tree has stunning red and yellow leaves and producing high-quality timber and fruits.
Bird of Paju City: The dove embodies peace, has a gentle temperament and is compatible with the lifestyle of the city.