National Library of Korea

Explore a world of knowledge with your child at the National Library of Korea

About the National Library of Korea

The National Library of Korea is one of the country's leading libraries, located on Banpo-daero in Seocho-gu, Seoul. It consists of the main library building and the Digital Library, and serves as a comprehensive cultural space filled with countless books, diverse materials, exhibitions, and cultural programs.

Spaces and features to enjoy with your child

• Diverse resources and an extensive collection

  • The library holds more than 3 million volumes as well as rare books, photographs, videos, CDs, microfilms, and map materials.
  • At the Digital Library, you can also experience a wide range of electronic resources and multimedia content.

• A place where culture and hands-on experiences come together

  • The library interior is quiet and pleasant, making it a nice place not only for reading and studying but also for relaxing and taking a walk.
  • Cultural events are held throughout the year, including exhibitions, film screenings, author talks, and writing contests, giving children opportunities for a wide range of experiences.
  • There are also engaging facilities for children, such as the Immersive Reading Room, Media Creation Room, and the Museum of Recorded Media.

• Convenience for children and families

  • The library is well equipped with customized facilities and equipment for visitors with disabilities and older adults, so everyone can use it comfortably.
  • With spacious outdoor areas and the natural surroundings of Seocho Park, it is also well suited for walks and family outings.

Getting there and visitor information

• Easy access by public transportation

  • About a 10-minute walk from Seocho Station on Line 2, Exit 6 and Express Bus Terminal Station on Lines 3, 7, and 9, Exit 5
  • You can also visit easily by taking various trunk, branch, and local buses.

• Facilities

  • Main building: A 7-floor building with various reading rooms, exhibition spaces, and individual study areas
  • Digital Library: Advanced facilities for experiencing media content, using studios, and accessing digital materials
  • A separate National Library for Children and Young Adults is also operated in Yeoksam-dong for younger visitors

Helpful tips for your visit

1. On Wednesdays, the night library is in operation, so except for the Digital Library, you can use the facilities until 21:00.
2. We recommend joining the exhibition docent program called K-Culture with Commentary with your child. The explanation takes about 50 minutes, and there are quite a few media exhibits that you can experience directly, so you can spend additional time on your own afterward. Advance reservation through the website is required for K-Culture with Commentary.
3. Please note that the second and fourth Mondays of each month are regular closing days.
4. Bags are not allowed inside the library, so please store them separately when attending the program.
5. There is a restaurant inside the library available from 11:30 to 14:00. It can be used in a buffet style, and the fee is 5,000 won.
6. Free parking is available for 30 minutes. After that, the fee is 500 won per 15 minutes. The maximum daily fee is 10,000 won.

Closing note

"The National Library of Korea is a wonderful place where books, culture, hands-on experiences, and nature come together, making it ideal for exploring a new world of knowledge with your child. If you would like to enjoy a relaxed and meaningful day of walking and learning together as a family, this is a place well worth visiting."