Seoul’s high 5 studying retreats

Ever thought-about indulging in a book-reading binge, proper within the coronary heart of the town, but removed from its typical hustle and bustle?

The solutions are scattered throughout Seoul’s foothills: Forest libraries.

These retreats are the place book-loving spirits wander by pages and gaze past the window to a world written within the language of bushes, which shift from the plush inexperienced of spring and summer season to the golden hues of autumn and the pristine white of winter.

Listed below are just a few chosen libraries throughout the capital metropolis — some hidden, others extra outstanding — which The Korea Herald has ranked based mostly on ebook assortment selection, environment, accessibility and total expertise for readers of all types.

One factor to notice: Regardless of their variations in measurement and form, every of them goals to recreate the sensation of studying in nature in its personal distinct means.

No. 1 Odong Forest Library: Aesthetic expertise

Odong Forest Library, perched atop 119-meter Wolgoksan, is the centerpiece of Odong Neighborhood Park in Seongbuk-gu, northern Seoul, mixing in seamlessly with its pure environment.

Constructed final yr, the library was acclaimed for its distinctive design, profitable each the 2023 Korean Institute of Architects’ award and the 2024 Seoul Structure Awards’ Greatest Award.

It tops our record for its intensive ebook assortment, a comfortable ebook cafe, and, most significantly, its design that evokes the sensation of being in a forest, bathed in pure gentle from high to backside.

On the outside, the library resembles a hanok, or conventional Korean home, with a contemporary twist. The construction options layered gable roofs at various heights, with facet home windows permitting pure gentle to flood in. Picket beams and columns additional improve its sense of concord with nature.

Inside, the structure is exclusive, with readers seated on the heart of the constructing and alongside the sides, partially divided by bookshelves. The bookshelves stand tall like bushes, inviting readers to meander by the library in quest of new literary discoveries.

The library’s mountaintop location makes it considerably tough to entry, however the effort is properly price it for somebody who values the aesthetics of 1’s studying surroundings.

No. 2 Inwangsan Mountain Relaxation Space: Hikers’ library

As its identify suggests, Inwangsan Mountain Relaxation Space straddles the road between a relaxation cease and a small library.

Tucked into 338-meter Inwangsan in central Seoul, it is among the metropolis’s best-kept secrets and techniques, the place hikers bump into it by probability and devoted ebook lovers make the climb to succeed in it.

Although this spot has the smallest ebook assortment on the record and solely permits water, it gives the quintessential expertise of studying in nature — the important thing issue that made this reporter select it for second place.

Its secluded location, framed by expansive glass partitions that supply sweeping views of the dense, lush forest, offers the closest connection to nature, the place studying turns into as a lot about admiring the surroundings as it’s in regards to the ebook in hand.

Its remoted location, actually, is tied to its historical past, initially constructed as one of many navy guard posts on the mountain after the 1968 tried raid by North Korean commandos on the Cheong Wa Dae, the presidential workplace and residence on the time. Following the revamp, the area unveiled its new wood construction in 2020, changing its outdated concrete shell, incomes the Korea Wooden Design Award in 2021 amongst different accolades.

The literary nook is well-suited for these climbing the mountain in quest of a tranquil pause and a few gentle studying, particularly if they will forgo espresso.

No. 3 Achasan Forest Library: In depth in measurement, ebook assortment

Achasan Forest Library, established in 2022, is a two-story library set towards the backdrop of 295-meter-high Achasan stretching throughout on Seoul’s japanese outskirts.

Positioned inside Achasan Ecological Park, the library could seem peculiar at first look. However don’t choose a ebook by its cowl, or a library — ebook lovers are certain to be delighted as soon as inside.

The library is the biggest of the 5 chosen for this text, with hovering ceilings and vertical strip lights that illuminate bookshelves stocked with an unlimited assortment. The primary ground is devoted to a kids’s part and a basic studying space, whereas the second ground options magazines, newspapers and a espresso dispenser.

The library appears to prioritize book-reading over surroundings, as it’s positioned with its again to the mountain, blocking a direct view of the forest. As a substitute, its home windows present picturesque scenes of the park in entrance and the town skyline, together with the long-lasting Lotte World Tower.

An enormous plus is the wealth of latest releases out there within the library, together with a wide range of English books.

In case you have a style for books throughout a variety of genres, and like studying in English, Achasan Forest Library is the proper spot, with an off-the-cuff stroll alongside the mountain trails earlier than or after your studying expertise.

No. 4 Bongjesan Guide Shelter: Cabin-like library

Bongjesan Guide Shelter, positioned in Bongjesan Neighborhood Park within the western a part of Seoul’s Gangseo-gu, takes its identify from the close by Bongjesan, with an altitude of 117 meters.

True to its identify, the library resembles a cabin, designed to supply guests with a shelter-like environment. Whereas the primary ground homes loos and a room for group applications, its attraction is discovered on the second ground, the place the studying space is positioned.

Within the heart of the second ground, an extended desk invitations readers, whereas the terrace has wood benches put in the place they will take occasional breaks.

Additional inside, the primary studying space is lined with bookshelves stocked with a small assortment. Regardless of the constructing’s bigger measurement, the studying area feels considerably confined, with triangular home windows on reverse sides framing a restricted but beautiful view of the park and mountainside.

For these craving for a cabin retreat, the library gives a serene escape with out the necessity to enterprise far into the mountain, although it’s finest for these you don’t thoughts gentle studying in an intimate-sized area.

No. 5 Baebongsan Forest Library: Neighborhood hub

Baebongsan Forest Library, nestled on the base of its namesake mountain in Dongdaemun-gu, northeastern Seoul, serves as each a library and a group hub inside Baebongsan Neighborhood Park.

Divided into two sections — a kids’s space and a basic space — the library shops a various collection of books. Its on-site cafe additionally permits guests to sip espresso whereas studying.

Whereas this library remains to be an incredible place to learn, it falls brief in providing the identical breathtaking forest views because the others, with its home windows overlooking the park’s playground and the mountainside within the distance.

Positioned close to colleges and house complexes, it attracts many dad and mom with youngsters, because the constructing’s first ground options rooms with an indoor playground. Nonetheless, this additionally makes the library considerably crowded.

The library is good for these in search of an simply accessible spot for a quiet stroll and a few leisurely studying with a cup of espresso. The mountain park, with its modest altitude of 106 meters, is fashionable for brief hikes and incorporates a 19-meter synthetic waterfall close to the library.