Seoul Metropolitan Library, Public library in Jung District, Seoul, South Korea
Seoul Metropolitan Library is a public library in central Seoul with six floors containing reading areas, study spaces, and meeting rooms designed for research and learning. The building features a preserved historic facade paired with a completely modernized interior that accommodates contemporary library operations.
The building was constructed in 1926 as an administrative headquarters during Japan's occupation of Korea and served different purposes for decades. It was transformed into a library in 2008 to serve the public.
The library serves as a gathering space where Seoulites and visitors come to read, study, and explore collections spanning different languages and topics. You can sense here a blend of intellectual curiosity and connection to the surrounding city.
The library is located next to City Hall Station on Subway Line 1, making it easy to reach by public transportation. Free access is available to all visitors aged 19 and above.
The building preserves its colonial-era exterior while its interior was completely rebuilt with modern library technologies. This contrast between old and new shows how historic structures in Seoul find new purpose in contemporary urban life.
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