Discovering Seoul's Literary Charm: Seoul Library and the Cheonggyecheon Stream Reading Program
If you're looking for an autumn outing in Seoul, I'd like to introduce you to a special place: the Seoul Library. It's a place where you can spend time with books in the heart of the city, and from September, the Seoul Open Air Library program, "Reading by the Clear Stream," adds to its charm.
Seoul Library: A Must-Visit in September
• Address: 110, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
• Operating Hours: Weekdays 09:00-21:00 / Weekends & Holidays 09:00-18:00
• Closed: Every Monday, January 1st, Lunar New Year's Day & Korean Thanksgiving Day
To get there, take Subway Line 1 to City Hall Station and go out Exit 5. You'll see the library right away.
Come out towards City Hall Plaza (in front of the new city hall building) and enter the old city hall building (now the Seoul Library). Its location is conveniently close to historical buildings such as Deoksugung Palace and the Anglican Church of Korea, making it a great addition to your Seoul autumn itinerary.
About Seoul Library
The Seoul Library is Seoul's representative public library, opened in 2012 after renovating the old Seoul City Hall building, a modern architectural structure built in 1926.
Its magnificent Renaissance-style exterior is truly eye-catching.^^
The interior has been reconfigured as a civic cultural space, blending classical and modern beauty.
Space Guide
1st Floor: General Reading Room, Reading Room for the Disabled
2nd Floor: General Reading Room, Digital Reading Room
3rd Floor: Seoul Archives, Former Mayor's Office, Seoul Materials Room
4th Floor: World Materials Room
5th Floor: Restored Exhibition Room, Sky Garden
Why I Recommend Visiting in September: Reading by the Clear Stream (Open Air Library Program)
The Seoul Library's greatest charm is the open-air library program held every autumn. "Reading by the Clear Stream," which had been temporarily suspended due to the summer heat, is scheduled to reopen in September.
Seoul Open Air Library
Reading by the Clear Stream
• Dates: September 5, 2024 ~ November 2, 2024
• Operating Hours: Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 16:00-22:00 (Nighttime operation)
• Location: Cheonggyecheon Stream, between Mojeon Bridge and Gwangtong Bridge
A space where you can freely read about 2,000 books while listening to the sound of the Cheonggyecheon Stream will be available again. A variety of books for all ages, including picture books, new releases, and general interest books, are available, making it perfect for family outings, dates, or solo reading time.
Seoul Autumn Outing! Read a book at the Seoul Library, and when the afternoon cools down a bit, head to the Cheonggyecheon Stream and the Seoul Open Air Library! How about a walk along the stream, followed by some outdoor reading time at "Reading by the Clear Stream"?
I recommend this Seoul autumn outing course where you can experience both quiet reading indoors and refreshing reading outdoors.
Exploring Seoul Library's Spaces
I visited the general reading rooms and reading spaces on the 1st and 2nd floors of the Seoul Library. The 'Thinking Maru' staircase bookshelf designed by architect Yoo Kerl was impressive.
The chairs also have a Korean feel. ㅎㅎ
As Seoul's representative public library, it not only has many books but also operates exhibition halls and historical halls, making it an attractive space where you can experience Seoul's history and architecture, not just reading.
I'm planning to revisit the Seoul Library soon to enjoy the reading season with "Reading by the Clear Stream" for my upcoming September autumn outing in Seoul!
Everyone, let's have a great September!
More Images of the Seoul Library and Cheonggyecheon Stream Reading Program
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