The Seoul Metropolitan Library is a major public library located directly in front of Seoul City Hall, housed in the former City Hall building, which is preserved as a registered modern cultural heritage site.
Originally built in the 1920s, the building reflects early 20th-century Western architectural influences in Korea. After the new City Hall was completed, the historic structure was repurposed and reopened as a public library, symbolizing Seoul’s approach to urban regeneration and cultural preservation.
Today, the library offers extensive collections of Korean and international books, newspapers, and reference materials, along with quiet reading rooms and exhibition spaces. It serves not only as a place for reading and research but also as a cultural hub where citizens and visitors can better understand Seoul’s history, society, and contemporary urban life.
Its central location makes it an ideal stop for travelers exploring nearby landmarks such as Deoksugung Palace, Seoul Plaza, and Cheonggyecheon Stream.
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In front of the library is the spacious Seoul Plaza.
Throughout the day, a wide range of events take place here, including lying on the grass to read, flea markets, farmers’ festivals, and large-scale public gatherings. After visiting the library, it is an ideal place to relax and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the city.
How many travelers actually take the time to explore a library while sightseeing? Still, once you step inside and realize that a library is housed within such a historic building, it becomes an interesting stop. Afterward, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a large public plaza, cafés, and many excellent restaurants.
The City Hall area is a major business district, so on weekdays between 12:00 and 1:00 PM, almost every restaurant becomes extremely crowded with office workers. I worked in this area until last year, and it was common to see many tourists passing through alongside the daily rush.
For most visitors, a brief look inside the library while visiting the plaza is more than sufficient. After that, it’s highly recommended to spend time exploring nearby sites such as Deoksugung Palace, Hwangudan Altar, or simply enjoying a good local meal in the surrounding area.
Hours of Operation
- General Reading Rooms 1–2, Digital Library, Library for the Disabled
- Weekdays (Tue–Fri): 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Weekends (Sat–Sun): 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- World Collection Room, Seoul Collection Room
- Weekdays (Tue–Fri): 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Weekends (Sat–Sun): 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Regular Closure: Every Monday
- Temporary Closure: Public holidays, except Sundays
Inquiries: +82-2-2133-0300
Address: 110 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul NaverMap
Official Website : http://lib.seoul.go.kr/
FREE Wi-Fi Access:
- SEOUL (no password required)
- SEOUL_Secure (ID: seoul / Password: seoul)
Social Media
- Instagram : @seoul_library
- Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/seoulmetropolitanlibrary
- YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@seoullibrary
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