More than ten million books. Can you imagine? That’s how many the National Library of Korea holds. This incredible repository of knowledge stands before you a testament to Korea’s rich history and its bright future.
The National Library of Korea didn’t always exist. In fact Korea lacked a national modern library until the Korean Empire. The Daehan Library established in 1906 was the first. It wasn’t publicly accessible though. Its books were sadly confiscated. The first publicly accessible library was Daedong Seogwan. This library even printed its own books. But the Japanese colonial government limited access to publications. They restricted printing to approved media.
After the 1919 March 1st Movement the Japanese government loosened restrictions. They constructed the Government-General of Choson Library in Seoul. Weeks after Korea’s liberation in 1945 the National Library of Korea inherited this library. Park Bong-seok gathered materials from many libraries. He played a key role in building a national library system. He established a national library school to train librarians.
A nationwide movement called One Country One Library formed in 1948. Its goal was to build more libraries and preserve materials. This movement promoted literacy in Hangul the Korean script. Only 20% of Koreans could read Korean at the time. The library joined the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions in 1955. The library has moved several times. It’s now in its current location in Seocho District. In 1991 it moved from the Ministry of Education to the Ministry of Culture.
Today the National Library of Korea boasts millions of books. It holds a vast digital collection. These resources are available online. Some require special permission. The library is accessible via Seoul Subway Lines 3 7 and 9. It’s a no-kid zone though. Children under 16 need special permission to enter.
This building is more than just a library. It’s a living archive a testament to Korea’s resilience. It represents the nation’s ongoing commitment to knowledge preservation. Step inside and discover the stories within. Let the pages unfold before you revealing the heart of Korea.