Seoul Outdoor Library: An Outdoor Library Where You Can Read On Bean Bags, Open Till 29th Oct 2022

Seoul Outdoor Library 

If you’re a bookworm at heart, here’s a piece of good news for you: Seoul Outdoor Library is an open space library where you can read to your heart’s content. Better still, you can sit on bean bags and munch on snacks while reading in the heart of Seoul!

Outdoor reading space with bean bags

Image credit: @such_a_joyy

Seoul Outdoor Library is an outdoor event aimed to bring book lovers together, and it’s located on the grassy lawn in front of the City Hall and Seoul Metropolitan Library.

You don’t have to worry about losing your way or struggling with directions as it’s just a stone’s throw away from City Hall train station.

Friends who read together, stay together.
Image credit: @such_a_joyy

Avid readers can choose from more than 3,000 books provided by the government. You can also bring along your own book to the event. 

Bean bags provided for you
Image credit: @_jjaehee

The highlight of this event would be the bean bags and picnic mats spread out on the lawn. There are also parasols provided so that you won’t melt under the sun.

These seating options are provided by the government in the hopes that people can enjoy a cosy and comfortable environment while reading a good book. 

Books talks & exhibitions 

Image credit: @movingbookstore

Besides reading, you can also visit the special zone where books talks and exhibitions are held. The government invites an author every month to hold discussions about books with the public. 

The first author to grace the event this year was none other than book illustrator Lee Suzy, also known as the first Korean to be awarded the Hans Christian Andersen Award.

Image credit: @movingbookstore

After two years of outdoor events being cancelled due to the pandemic, it feels quite surreal that the Seoul Outdoor Library is happening. In fact, it marks the first outdoor event held in the plaza in two years!

Enjoy a variety of performances 

Image credit: @hyeonju_bp

You can even get a taste of traditional Korean music during the event as there are free musical performances. Bring along food and drinks, but don’t forget to clean up after yourself!

Image credit: @ssinnnyragoo

Since the event is only held until October 2022, it can get crowded with upwards of 2,000 attendees each day.

Seoul Outdoor Library opens every Friday and Saturday from 11AM to 4PM. Take note that the event will be closed in July and August due to the monsoon season.

Seoul Outdoor Library is the best place for bookworms 

Image credit: @such_a_joyy

Getting to Seoul Outdoor Library is easy-peasy. Simply take a train to City Hall station and head to exit 5.

The event is held till 29th October 2022, so mark your calendars and head down to City Hall before it comes to a close. 

For further information, you can check their Instagram page here.

Also check out:

• Pohang Space Walk: Korea’s largest walkable art installation
• Tic Tac Toc: Cafe that looks like a set on Sesame Street
• Ssalssal Cafe: Enjoy rose-shaped bingsu
• Café Sinola: Experience Paris in Seoul
• Happy House Santorini: A holiday pension that will transport you to Greece

Cover image adapted from (clockwise from left): @_jjaehee, @such_a_joyy and @such_a_joyy