City: Seoul
Top Things to do in Seoul
10 Libraries in Seoul That You Shouldn't Miss
Seoul is the business and cultural hub of South Korea, where skyscrapers tower over Buddhist temples. Take it all in from the N Seoul Tower, built atop a peak in Namsan Park. The teahouses and shops of Insadong give you a taste of Korean flavor, which you can further experience with a visit to the grounds and museums of Gyeongbokgung. UNESCO World Heritage Site Changdeokgung Palace is a fine example of authentic ancient architecture.
Restaurants in Seoul
1. The National Library of Korea
2. Starfield Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 307 reviews
A library for citizen what is made by Seoul City. 50 thousands books are here. People can use this library by free.
Reviewed By schia48 - Penang Island, Malaysia
This place has got to be one of the most lovely and unexpected spaces to find in a shopping mall. Located in the huge mall on the main Gangnam boulevards, this Staffield Library is the focal point of one section of the mall, towering nearly 3 storey. The cafe located amongst all the volume of beautiful book shelves on their upper floor (on top of the escalators) serves excellent cakes, coffee and has an outdoor space to catch some sun on cool winter days.
3. Seoul Metropolitan Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By Rumples - Tucson, United States
One of my favorite things to do on international trips is to visit libraries. They often hold fascinating exhibitions as well as books and newspapers in English. Sometimes they have lovely cafes with delicious offerings. Soon after arriving in Seoul, I started off on foot from my hotel on a Monday to visit the nearby Metropolitan Library, which used to be the city hall. Alas, I had not checked the opening hours and discovered that this library remains closed on Mondays. So I had to be content with looking at the 1926 structure's exterior. It displays simple Renaissance architecture and five stories with a big clock at the top above the entrance. The new ultramodern city hall forms a backdrop at the rear. A huge, open square appears at the front. I returned on Tuesday for a look inside the clean, well-maintained building, which opened as a library, after extensive renovations, in 2012. Each floor has a map posted for visitors, but the information is given in Korean. I found it easy, however, to identify where the elevator, steps and restrooms are. An employee, who spoke fluent English, told me that English books are on the fourth floor and I headed there. The books are beautifully displayed and easy to find as are daily newspapers, such as The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Washington Post. After reading a few stories in the papers, I continued to the cafe on the top floor for a light lunch. The cafe opens to the Sky Walk, which offers views over the neighborhood and a close look at the city hall. I noted many locals eating their lunches in this picturesque place. Boardwalks served as paths around the area, which displayed many plants, flowers and trees with autumn colors on this November day. I sat for a while in the sunshine, enjoying the view and the atmosphere before descending to ground level to continue with my exploration of Seoul. The Metropolitan Library is easily reached by Metro (City Hall station, Exit 4 or 5).
4. Hyundai Card Music Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
5. Gyujanggak Library of Seoul National University
6. Hyundai Card Travel Library
7. Chungwoon Literature Library
8. Dobong Culture Information Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
9. Gangbook Culture Information Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
10. Jungdok Public Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
