Beanbags and performances at the Seoul Outdoor Library

Seoul Outdoor Library, A Place to Enjoy Reading and Relaxation in the City Center

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Last week, while passing by Seoul City Hall, I saw people sitting on beanbags and reading books. Seeing them leisurely reading or relaxing with family, friends, and partners, I decided to join in. This is the Seoul Outdoor Library. Lying on a beanbag and gazing up at the clear Seoul sky was truly healing in that moment. Books were provided next to the bean bags, so I read, took photos, and enjoyed a brief moment of relaxation. To promote a culture of reading among Seoul citizens, the city has established libraries in central locations Gwanghwamun, Cheonggyecheon, and Seoul Plaza where people can naturally incorporate reading into their daily lives.

Books and a lantern at Seoul Outdoor Library

Seoul Outdoor Library Operating Dates and Hours

Jazz performance stage and beanbags at Seoul Plaza

The Seoul Outdoor Library operates three days a week Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at three locations: Gwanghwamun, Cheonggyecheon, and Seoul Plaza. In the spring, it is open from April 23 to June 29, 2025, and in the fall, from September 5 to November 2. It is closed during the summer months due to the extreme heat outdoors. For more details, please visit the official Seoul Outdoor Library website.

Gwanghwamun Book Plaza

In line with the concept of an urban retreat, the Moonlight Romance Theater and Moonlight Romance Concert are held against the backdrop of Gwanghwamun. Beanbag chairs for comfortable reading and simple playground equipment for children to play on are also provided. In addition to reading, various events and programs are held here. If you get hungry while reading, check out Local Lunch in Seoul at Gwanghwamun and Jonggak (paid for myself), which introduces popular restaurants near Gwanghwamun.

  • Hours: Daytime 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM / Evening 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM

  • Location: In front of Exit 9, Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5)

Seoul Plaza: A Place for Reading

Seoul Plaza, which I visited, features a space where you can read a variety of books. The beanbag chairs are large enough for parents with children to sit together and read. It’s said to be designed as a space where people of all ages—including foreigners and tourists—can relax and take a break without feeling self-conscious. The plaza is divided into four zones: the Performance Zone, Reading Zone, Play Zone, and Pop-up Zone.

Colorful beanbags and character balloons at Seoul Plaza

The Performance Zone hosts a variety of musical performances and shows that the whole family can enjoy together. When I visited, three musicians were performing jazz. Since I love jazz, I had an especially wonderful time. The Reading Zone is, as the name suggests, a space where you can lie back on beanbag chairs and read. The Play Zone is an area with a creative playground where children can play. The Pop-up Zone is a space themed around world travel, featuring a variety of books from around the globe.

  • Hours: Daytime 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM / Evening 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM

  • Location: In front of Exit 5, City Hall Station (Lines 1 and 2)

Clear Stream Reading Area

Seats are set up along Cheonggyecheon Stream. It’s a space where you can sit down and enjoy reading in peace while listening to the sound of the water. I didn’t go down to sit there myself, but I saw it while passing by, and it was already full. It was that popular. It’s said to be designed so that, right in the heart of Seoul, you can escape the noise and focus solely on reading—and on yourself.

People relaxing along Cheonggyecheon Stream in Seoul

There are book baskets near each seat, so you can simply pick out a book you’d like to read and enjoy it. Various performances are also held here, blending with the sound of the water. If you need to use the restroom while reading, check out “Pro tips for finding your own clean public restrooms in Seoul in 2026.”

  • Hours: Daytime 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM / Evening 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM

  • Location: In front of Exit 5 of Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5)

Guidelines for Using the Seoul Outdoor Library

  • Anyone is free to take and read the books available at the Seoul Outdoor Library.

  • Please return the books to their original spots after reading.

  • Pets are not allowed.

  • Please refrain from any behavior that may disturb others.

I’m not much of a reader myself. However, after participating in the Seoul Outdoor Library this time, I realized that reading shouldn’t be something special—I need to make it a daily habit. I came to believe that reading can help me learn about and resolve the problems and questions I face in real life, so I’ve resolved to make books a part of my life from now on.

If you ever visit Seoul and pass by Gwanghwamun Square, Cheonggyecheon Stream, or Seoul Plaza, I hope you won’t hesitate to grab a book, lie back on a beanbag, and take a moment to relax. You’ve probably been jostled by crowds and felt overwhelmed while sightseeing at landmarks or visiting famous restaurants, so I hope this moment brings you some much-needed healing.

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