From Gwanghwamun Plaza to Cheonggyecheon Stream, Seoul transforms into a giant library. Free books, cool vibes, and starry-night reading await.
If you’ve ever dreamed of lounging under the sky with a good book while the city buzzes around you, the Seoul Library has you covered. The city library is officially bringing back its Outdoor Library program, which officially kicks off on September 5th, World Book Day. That means book lovers, casual readers, and even curious passersby get a chance to experience literature in some of the beautiful city’s most iconic outdoor spaces.
No more being stuck indoors under fluorescent lights. Now it’s time to get comfy on a beanbag at Gwanghwamun Plaza or next to the shimmering waters of Cheonggyecheon Stream, reading as the breeze flips through your pages.
Where Stories Come Alive
The Seoul Outdoor Library Program isn’t just taking place in one spot. This year, people can explore books and literature in three stunning public locations across the city.
- Gwanghwamun Plaza: the cultural heart of Seoul, right in front of Gyeongbokgung Palace. Ideal for any history buffs who want a sense of the culture and heritage of Seoul.
- Cheonggyecheon Stream: a tranquil spot where the quiet rush of water adds a natural melody to enjoy as you indulge yourself in your book.
- Seoul Plaza: this location isn’t opening until the spring, but it is right in the heart of the city, and will involve the whole square being transformed into a book-filled oasis, designed for any book lover.
Each site has its own brilliantly curated vibe, but the goal is the same: to make reading accessible, joyful, and part of everyday modern life.
Timing is Everything
Before you start packing your suitcase or your tote bag, it’s important to know when these sessions take place. The Outdoor Library runs in two phases. The Autumn sessions begin on September 5th, and run through to November, every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. You can enjoy the Gwanghwamun Plaza or Cheonggyecheon Stream from 11 AM to 6 PM in the day. The summer sessions, which include Seoul Plaza, run from April through June.
Evening Magic
The Outdoor Library’s evening sessions are also available in the evening; think cooler night air, fairy lights, and the chance to enjoy stories under the stars. It’s straight off of Pinterest!
This is arguably the most exciting feature of the outdoor library, especially during the hotter months. Just think about it… sunset, lights dotted about, books in hand, culture all around you. Plus, it’s a great opportunity for families. Kids can stay up a little later, enjoy a bedtime story outdoors, and associate reading with adventure, not just homework.
For young adults, it’s a cozy social space without the price tag of a café latte. And for anyone working in the city, it’s a much-needed breather after a long day.
Why It’s a Big Deal
At first glance, an outdoor library might sound like a fun seasonal activity. But it’s also part of a larger movement to rethink how we connect with books. By bringing reading into lively, open spaces, the city library is essentially saying: books aren’t just for hushed rooms and academic vibes, they’re for everyone, everywhere. It’s an open invite, one that says: look, it’s fun, come join us.
This program also lowers barriers. Not everyone feels at home in a library, but an open plaza? That’s for everyone. You can drop in, pick up a book, and enjoy it without any pressure.
More Than Just Books
Beyond reading itself, outdoor libraries like these often host talks, workshops, and performances. While this year’s full lineup hasn’t been announced yet, past programs at Seoul Plaza have included poetry readings, interactive storytelling for kids, and even live music to accompany the reading experience. Pairing literature with other art forms creates a mini cultural festival in the middle of the city.
And because Seoul knows how to do things with style, you just know you can expect cozy seating, curated book selections, and activities that celebrate both Korean and international literature.
World Book and Copyright Day
The choice to relaunch the program on World Book and Copyright Day isn’t just symbolic; it’s meaningful. This international day of celebration highlights the importance of books, the protection of authors, and the promotion of reading. Seoul’s outdoor libraries embody this spirit by taking literature out of the abstract and putting it directly in the hands of everyday people.
It’s not just about honoring famous authors or classic novels; it’s about sparking that all-important curiosity. Maybe you’ll stumble across a book you’d never have picked up otherwise. Maybe you’ll meet someone who recommends a story that changes your perspective (or even your life). That’s the power of community reading spaces.
Why You Should Go
If, for whatever reason, you’re still on the fence, here’s why it’s worth your time.
First and foremost, it’s free. No tickets, no entry fees, just great stories and a great time. But not just that, it’s absolutely Instagram-worthy, whilst still being good for your mind and soul. All that fresh air, sunlight… the break from the screens that absorb our every waking moment—your body will thank you for it!
And, of course, it’s social. There will be people reading books you’ve read, people eager to make recommendations, to ask, and chat about the stories you each pick up. It’s the perfect place to make some bookish friends.
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Millie Ramm
Millie has been writing since she was a child, and has spent more time with her nose in books than anywhere else. She has been ghostwriting novels and editing for the past few years, and when not working she is curled up with her cats, looking for her next read.
