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[Anchor] An outdoor library at Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Plaza—designed for reading and relaxation—has reopened for the season. Large numbers of people turned out to enjoy a leisurely weekend. Observers say Gwanghwamun Plaza, once closely identified with rallies and protests, is increasingly being used as a cultural public space. This is Kim Tae-wook. [Reporter] Along Cheonggyecheon in central Seoul, readers filled the riverside, accompanied by the soft sound of flowing water. Under warm spring sun, visitors lingered and relaxed. Hwang Hye-kyung (Gwanak District, Seoul) said, “I used to picture the downtown area as noisy, so it feels special to have a peaceful place to read.” A \”book yard\” also opened at Gwanghwamun Plaza. Some lounged on colorful cushioned chairs; others settled into small tents, reading without worrying about their surroundings. The outdoor library gives city residents open urban spaces where they can read freely. Many welcomed the shift: Gwanghwamun and Seoul Plaza—locations that frequently became scenes of clashes during political protests—are returning to roles as places for citizens to relax. Choi Bo-reum (Songpa District, Seoul) said, “Compared with when protests made the area noisy, it’s certainly more relaxed. It’s great for families to spend the weekend together.” Seoul’s outdoor library first launched in 2022 as “Reading Seoul Plaza” to encourage everyday reading. By expanding the traditional indoor library model, the program drew strong public support and has attracted roughly 8 million visitors through last year. Mayor Oh Se-hoon said, “Except for midsummer and midwinter, this space becomes a reading area for citizens, and that atmosphere has spread from Gwanghwamun Plaza to the banks of Cheonggyecheon…” The initiative won recognition as an OECD best practice in government innovation and has been highlighted as a benchmarking model studied by 22 organizations overseas, including institutions in Japan and the United States. Seoul plans to open an additional Reading Seoul Plaza on May 1 and will stock about 12,000 books across the sites—5,000 each at Seoul Plaza and Gwanghwamun Plaza, and 2,000 along Cheonggyecheon. This is Kim Tae-wook of Yonhap News TV. [Video reporting: Choi Seung-ah] [Video editing: Lee Ye-rim] [Graphics: Kim Se-yeon] [News review] For inquiries and tips to Yonhap News TV: KakaoTalk/LINE jebo23 Kim Tae-wook (tw@yna.co.kr)
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