Seoul Outdoor Library – Experience Reading in the Open Air

As the weather cools and the breeze becomes more pleasant, imagine unwinding with a book under the open sky. Following last year’s success, which drew an impressive 1.7 million visitors, Seoul is once again hosting its beloved outdoor libraries, promising even more enriching programs this year.

Seoul Outdoor Library Operation Schedule and Locations

This year, the Seoul Outdoor Library will operate at three prime locations: Seoul Plaza in front of Seoul City Hall, Gwanghwamun Square, and along the serene Cheonggyecheon Stream. Each location offers unique programs and services, including the rental of umbrellas, picnic mats, and sunglasses at Seoul Plaza, so you might want to check out what’s available ahead of your visit.

Operating Schedule: From April 18, 2024, to November 10, 2024, the libraries will be open from Thursday to Sunday, with specific days varying by location.

Locations:

• Seoul Plaza (Reading Seoul Plaza) – Open Thursday to Sunday
• Gwanghwamun Square (Gwanghwamun Book Yard) – Open Friday to Sunday, 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Cheonggyecheon (Reading by the Clear Stream) – Open Fridays and Saturdays (April to June, September to October)

Who Can Visit?: The outdoor libraries are open to everyone.

Cost: Free of charge

Seoul Plaza Outdoor Library – Relax and Read at ‘Reading Seoul Plaza’

Nestled in front of Seoul City Hall, ‘Reading Seoul Plaza’ offers a refreshing escape where both individuals and families can unwind with a good book. This unique outdoor library enhances the reading experience by providing spacious family bean bags, perfect for 2-3 people, set across the expansive grassy area of the plaza.

In a thoughtful move to accommodate families, the plaza’s ‘Creative Playground’ has been relocated to a central area. This allows parents to comfortably indulge in their books while keeping a watchful eye on their children at play.

‘Reading Seoul Plaza’ is not just a place to read; it’s a community space that promotes relaxation and creativity in the heart of the bustling city. It’s an ideal spot for visitors looking to enjoy a peaceful reading session under the open sky while their children play nearby, ensuring a pleasant and stress-free visit for everyone.

General Information

• Operating Season: April 18, 2024, to November 10, 2024
• Regular Hours: Thursday to Sunday, 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Extended Summer Hours (June to September): 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
• Admission: Free
• Contact: 02-2133-0210
• Location: 110 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul

Enjoy Summer Evenings at Reading Seoul Plaza

During the warm summer months from June to September, Reading Seoul Plaza extends its hours for nighttime enjoyment, operating from 4 PM to 9 PM. It’s the perfect setting for both book lovers and movie enthusiasts looking to unwind after a long day.

Special Monthly Movie Nights

Mark your calendars for special movie nights held on the last Sunday of each month from 7 PM to 9 PM, each month featuring a different theme:

• June: Music films to set the tone for summer
• July: Animations for a touch of whimsy
• August: Travel movies that inspire wanderlust
• September: Musical films to sing along to

Please note that the schedule may adjust based on weather conditions or other events. For the latest updates, check the Reading Seoul Plaza website or Instagram before your visit.

The directions are as follows:

Category	Stops	Routes
Bus	City Hall • Seoul Newspaper	[♦Blue Bus] 401, 406, 700, 704
	Press Center	[♦Green Bus] 1711, 7016, 7018, 7022, 721
	In front of City Hall • Deoksugung Palace	[♦Blue Bus] 401, 402, 406, N16 (Night), N51 (Night), N75 (Night), [♦Green Bus] 1711, 7016, 7022, [♦Red Bus] 790 Goyang, 799 Goyang
	Seoul Plaza	[♦Blue Bus] 172, 405, 472, N62 (Night), N73 (Night)
	City Hall Station	(♦Local) Jongno09, Jongno11 (Airport) 6005
	City Hall Deoksugung	[Airport] 6005
	Euljiro Entrance Station Lotte Hotel	[Airport] 6701, N6701 (Night)
	City Hall Station The Plaza Hotel	[Airport] 6701
Subway	♦ Line 1	City Hall Station, Exit 5
	♦ Line 2	City Hall Station, Exit 5

Gwanghwamun Square Outdoor Library – Gwanghwamun Book Yard

‘Gwanghwamun Book Yard’ features engaging and attractive designs applied with fun design elements, including chairs and lighting installations that transform the space. The ‘Soul Drops’ benches, designed by Soap Design Studio and designer Jeong Seong-mo, which have won two international design awards, are placed here.

Gwanghwamun Book Yard is divided into an outdoor library and indoor libraries (Sejong Lounge, Gwanghwamun Lounge).

General Information

• Operating Schedule: April 19, 2024 (Friday) to November 10, 2024 (Sunday), open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
• Operating Hours: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Outdoor Yard) / 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Sejong Lounge, Gwanghwamun Lounge)
• Target Audience: Open to all citizens
• Admission: Free
• Contact: 02-2088-4552
• Location: 1st Floor, Sejong Cultural Center, 175 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Please note that the operating schedule may be adjusted due to weather conditions or other events. Before visiting, check the Gwanghwamun Book Yard website or Instagram for any announcements.

The directions are as follows:

Category	Stops	Routes
Bus	Sejong Center for the Performing Arts	[♦Blue Bus] 401, 406, 700, 704 [♦Green Bus] 1711, 7016, 7018, 7022, 721 [♦Red Bus] 5000A, 5000B, 5005, 5500-2, 9000, 9000-1, 9200, 9401, 970, 9703 (♦Local) Jongno09, Jongno11 (Airport) 6005
Subway	♦ Line 1	Jonggak Station → Exit 1, walk towards Gwanghwamun for 350 meters
	♦ Line 2	Gyeongbokgung Station → Exit 6, towards Sejong-daero
	♦ Line 5	Gwanghwamun Station → Exits 1, 8 or Exit 7, walk towards Gwanghwamun for 200 meters

Cheonggyecheon Outdoor Library – Reading by the Clear Stream

The library features a diverse collection of picture books, new releases, and general knowledge books, totaling over 2,000 volumes, which are displayed on four signature animal bookshelves and in 100 book baskets.

General Information

• Operating Schedule: From April 19, 2024, to October 26, 2024, every Friday and Saturday (*also open on May 2nd and May 12th, Sunday).
• Operating Hours: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM / June to September: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM (evening hours).
• Target Audience: Open to all citizens
• Admission: Free
• Contact: 02-2133-0210
• Location: Cheonggyecheon (from Cheonggye Plaza to Mojeon Bridge to Gwangtong Bridge)

Please note that the schedule may be adjusted due to weather conditions or other events. Before visiting, check the Cheonggyecheon Book Yard website or Instagram for any announcements.

The “Reading by the Clear Stream” area is set up along the Cheonggyecheon Stream from Mojeon Bridge to Gwangtong Bridge, beneath Cheonggye Plaza, which features cone-shaped sculptures. To reach this spot, exit from Gwanghwamun Station via Exit 5 on Line 5 and head down towards Cheonggyecheon via Cheonggye Plaza. This reading space is adorned with ‘Form & Foam’ benches designed by Song Bong-kyu and cloud-shaped lights, and small Seoul-colored tables created by artist Haji Hoon with support from LG Chem.

In collaboration with Youngpoong Bookstore, the reading area has been equipped with ‘See a Book, Pick One’ baskets, creating an environment where visitors can easily pick up a book right where they sit. The collection includes picture books, new releases, and other books that appeal to all ages, with over 2,000 volumes available across four animal-themed bookshelves and 100 baskets.

The directions are as follows:

Category	Stops	Routes
Bus	Gwanghwamun Gwanghwamun Building	[♦Blue Bus] 101, 150, 501, 506, 708, N51 [♦Green Bus] 1711, 7016 [♦Red Bus] 1000, 1100, 1200, 1900, G7111, 9714, M7111, M7119, M7129, M7154 (♦Local)
	Seoul Shinmun	[♦Blue Bus] 700, 703, N51 [♦Green Bus] 799 [♦Red Bus]  (♦Local) 01A
Subway	♦ Line 1	Jonggak Station Exit 6, and head towards Gwanghwamun for about 600 meters
	♦ Line 1/♦ Line 2	City Hall Station Exit 4, and walk towards Gwanghwamun for about 600 meters
	♦ Line 5	Gwanghwamun Station Exit 5