Seoul Outdoor Library opens Wednesday with new programs

People read books at an outdoor library, which opened along the Cheonggye Stream in central Seoul in 2024. (Seoul Metropolitan Government)

Seoul Metropolitan Library will reopen its iconic outdoor reading program, the Seoul Outdoor Library, on Wednesday, marking the start of a new season and celebrating World Book and Copyright Day.

The Gwanghwamun Plaza and Cheonggye Stream locations will welcome visitors Wednesday, while the Seoul Plaza library will open May 4.

This year, the three outdoor libraries will operate on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The schedule will be split into two phases: the first from April to June and the second from September through early November, with special emphasis on evening programs during the summer months.

People watch a film at an outdoor library opened at Gwanghwamun Plaza in central Seoul in 2024. (Seoul Metropolitan Government)

Each outdoor venue will offer programs reflecting the character of its location. At Gwanghwamun Plaza, film screenings and live concerts will take place against the scenic backdrop of Bukaksan and the main palace gate of Gyeongbokgung.

At Seoul Plaza, weekly busking performances will be held on the grassy lawn. For more details, visitors are encouraged to check each venue's Instagram page.

The city has also enhanced the user experience, introducing Keep Service, which allows visitors to reserve books for future visits if they are unable to finish reading them in one sitting.

In a bid to expand access, 14 districts across Seoul will each launch their open-air programs this year in public parks and library-adjacent outdoor spaces to bring the reading experience closer to local communities.