Seoul Metropolitan Library, Public library in Jung District, Seoul, South Korea
The Seoul Metropolitan Library is a public library in the Jung District of central Seoul, located directly next to City Hall. It spans several floors with reading areas, study rooms, and spaces open to the general public.
The building was put up in 1926 as an administrative center during Japan's colonial rule over Korea and served various governmental functions for decades. In 2008, it was converted into a public library.
The library sits right next to Seoul City Hall and draws a steady flow of locals who come to read or study on weekday afternoons. The collection includes books in languages other than Korean, making it a welcoming stop for foreign visitors too.
The library is within walking distance of City Hall Station, served by multiple subway lines, so getting there by public transit is straightforward. Entry is free, though access is limited to visitors aged 19 and above.
The outer shell of the building dates from the colonial period and was deliberately kept intact during the renovation. Stepping inside, visitors find a sharp contrast between that original exterior and a completely rebuilt interior with modern reading and research facilities.
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