South Korea is leading most industries globally due to its innovation, advanced technologies, and rapid globalization. Different aspects of this country are under discussion worldwide regarding significance, like food, technology, economic growth, etc. Its education sector is one of those aspects that you cannot ignore while evaluating its true worth. Its libraries especially play a key role in spreading awareness about its rich cultural heritage and educating its residents with valuable information resources.
Libraries like the National Library of Korea, National Assembly Library of Korea, Seoul Metropolitan Library, etc., are visited by locals and foreigners. According to a survey conducted in 2022, around 216 thousand visitors visited the public libraries in Seoul. This figure keeps on growing with the addition of more informative materials and documents. In the article, you will get insight into all the biggest libraries in South Korea that are worth visiting.
List of Top 7 Biggest Libraries in South Korea
Here is the list of the top 7 libraries in South Korea:
- National Library of Korea
- National Assembly Library of Korea
- Seoul Metropolitan Library
- Namsan Public Library
- Jeongdok Public Library
- Cheongun Literature Library
- Korea University Library System
1. National Library of Korea
This is one of the top libraries in Seoul. It was established on October 15, 1945. It is located at 201 Aero, Seocho-gu, Seoul, and is free to enter during its operational hours, which are 10 am to 5 pm. This library is primarily focused on promoting and preserving the rich cultural heritage of South Korea, and it has a wide range of books and documents.
Its collection is around 12,768,751 items, including both book and non-book materials. The total number of Korean-language books in the book category is 9,158,363, and foreign-language books are 1,552,489. The library offers a relaxing atmosphere for readers, and you can also use the restrooms in this library. For the education of the locals and tourists, it also offers a guided tour of library science and provides authentic information. Some of the major attractions that are available near it are Soigné, Montmartre Park, Seorae Village, Tombola, etc.
2. National Assembly Library of Korea
This is another one of the biggest libraries in Seoul province and offers a huge amount of valuable information assets. The National Assembly Library of Korea was opened in 1952 but opened to the general public in 1998. Currently, its main branch is located at the Uisadnag-daero Yeongdeungpo-gu Seoul, and its Dokdo Island Branch was opened in 2009.
In 2012, it expanded its reach by initiating the mobile service, which provides access to its resources without any time and day limitations. Most of its visitors are members, staff, college students, foreign nationals, etc., and it offers a rich collection of 5.8 million items, including both books and non-book materials. It is under the supervision of Lee Eun Chul, who is the Chief Librarian. This library had the privilege to host the Asian Special Libraries’ 4th International Conference in 2015 and got worldwide recognition.
3. Seoul Metropolitan Library
Seoul Metropolitan Library is located in Taepyeongno, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea, and is famous for its rich collection. This public library is well-connected to the major attractions of this city, and Seoul City Hall, Seoul Plaza, and City Hall Station are nearby. It offers a diverse range of facilities for a comfortable reading experience, like a face-to-face reading room, children’s bathroom, sign language video room, lactation room, electronic newspaper, etc.
It was built in 1926 as the headquarters of the Governor-General of Korea. This building was demolished in 2006 to construct a new city hall. In 2008, it gained the status of a library, and now it has a collection of 200,000 books. It is open to all citizens aged over 19 and offers both local and foreign materials for in-depth research.
4. Namsan Public Library
This is another largest public company, established on October 22, 1922. Namsan Public Library is famous for its wide range of historical books and valuable, informative materials. If you want insight into the Japanese occupation era, this is the right place to explore ancient events. Along with old material, it offers a wide range of modern resources for research work, including digital technological assets.
It is highly developed and offers free access to adults, including college students, for their thesis or assignment work. Special rooms are designed for kids as well. This library is situated in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, and offers various data search methods, like digital and electronic libraries. It also runs a reading therapy program to make people happy with therapeutic reading. It also strives to improve reading habits among adults and children with its comfortable reading environment and other support programs.
5. Jeongdok Public Library
This is also a significant library situated in Hwa-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul. Initially, it was used as a government building called Jongchinbu during the Joseon Dynasty and was constructed in 1433. Kyunggi High School occupied the building in 1976, and it became a library in 1977. This library has a huge collection of both book and non-book materials. It gives insight into historical events and also offers modern informational assets for research work.
Also Read: Top 11 Libraries in the UK
6. Cheongun Literature Library
This library is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul, and is famous for its hanok-style wooden structure. Inwangsan Mountain is in close proximity, and its natural structure blends well with its scenic beauty. If you are fond of Hanok architecture, then this is the right spot to learn valuable information about history and the Joseon Dynasty. Its handmade roof tiles are also a source of attraction not just for readers but also for tourists.
Cheongun Literature Library has a wide area covering both reading and seminar rooms separately. Its first and second floors are designated for readers only, where they can enjoy a peaceful environment while going through valuable books. Yun Dong-ju Literature Museum, the Site of Gyeomjae Jeongseon’s House, and the Hill of Poet Yun Dong-Ju, etc., are also in proximity.
7. Korea University Library System
Korea University runs a library system known as the Korea University Libraries. With a collection of more than 2.5 million items, it is recognized as the biggest academic system in South Korea. Its Main Library was developed in 1978 and comprises around 800,000 items offering both historical and modern research data. If you are searching for Korean law, then Haesong Law Library is the right place to get access to thousands of law-related items.
For books related to engineering, natural science, and medicine, the Centennial Digital Library is the right place. Here, you can explore more than 330,000 books, enough to meet any academic requirement, including thesis and research work. Each and every aspect of this system is top-notch, playing a key role in improving educational standards.
Also Read: Biggest Libraries in the USA
Bottom Line
South Korea is an enriched source of information in the form of its libraries, which continue to expand in both the public and private sectors. Universities like the National Assembly Library of Korea, Seoul, Metropolitan Library, Jeongdok Public Library, Cheongun Literature Library, etc., are offering real support to researchers and students. They are improving the literacy rate and educational standards. This article highlighted all the prestigious libraries that are worth visiting for in-depth learning and education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which South Korean Province Has Most of the Libraries?
According to the 2020 survey, Gyeonggi Province has the highest number of libraries, around 300.
What Is the Oldest Library in South Korea?
Gyeongbokgung Palace has a royal library named the Jibokjae, which was used as a king’s study in history. Currently, it is famous for international exhibitions.
What Is the Biggest Library in South Korea?
The National Library of Korea is considered the biggest library in South Korea. It has a collection of over 10 million volumes, as well as National Treasures of South Korea and a collection of foreign books.
What Is the Biggest Library in the World?
The Library of Congress is the biggest library in the world and is located in the United States. It has a wide range of collections comprising more than 175 million items.
What Is the Biggest Library in Asia?
The National Library of China is the biggest library in Asia. It has a wide range of books and non-book material and offers more than 33.78 million items.
