Seoul Transforms into a Large ‘Outdoor Library’

Citizens and visitors connect with nature while reading their favorite books.

Central squares in Seoul have been turned into open reading rooms, where residents can read their favorite books and enjoy the sun.

For the second year, on the initiative of the Metropolitan Authority of the capital of South Korea, the action “Seoul Outdoor Library” is implemented with 3,000 books available for visitors to read, as well as pouf armchairs, picnic mats and umbrellas.

Residents can also participate in book-related activities, such as camping and environmental themed events and picnics with the backdrop of Bugaskan Mountain and Gyeongbokgung Palace.

The initiative started with the creation of an outdoor library in the square in front of the City Library allowing visitors to connect with nature and appreciate its value.

The “Seoul Open Air Library” was held last year for the first time in Seoul Square and over 1.7 million visitors participated. This year it has also expanded to Gwanghwamun Square and the banks of the Cheonggyecheon River and will be held from April 18 to November 10 every Thursday to Sunday.

Daily programs focus on workers and weekend programs on families and include yoga sessions, classic readings and poetry classes, and activities for children.

Source: RES-MPE