Mapo-gu Opens Study Cafe, Metaverse, and Video·Electronic Content Library

Mapo-gu to Open ‘Study Cafe-Type Learning Space and Metaverse Video Electronic Library’ (Tentative Name) in March

Community Reading Space + Youth Learning Space... Established as a Convenient Facility to Enhance Operational Efficiency

Name Contest Reflecting Various Operational Plans and Library Features Open Until the 8th

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Mapo-gu (Mayor Park Gang-su) will open a complex space combining a study cafe-type learning space with a metaverse and video electronic library in March.

To this end, the official name is being solicited until the 8th of this month.

The district is creating the ‘Study Cafe-Type Learning Space and Metaverse Video Electronic Library’ (tentative name) on the first floor of Hotel Naru at 8 Mapodaero (Dohwa-dong). This project is being carried out as a donation from the Mapo-ro 1-24 district urban maintenance-type redevelopment project, with a scale of 835.7㎡.

It will be equipped with a collection room housing about 4,400 volumes and a reading room with about 150 seats, as well as a space where metaverse library services using media devices and video/electronic library services are possible.

Most notably, during hours when the library (collection room and reading room) is not in operation, the space will be used as a study cafe-type learning space. It will be available from 6 p.m., when library operations end, until 6 a.m. the next day, operating on weekdays as well as weekends to enhance convenience for residents.

The creation of the study cafe-type learning space reflects the regional characteristic that 10 elementary, middle, and high schools are located within a 1.5 km radius of the library. Additionally, a survey conducted in August last year with 128 Dohwa-dong residents showed that 35% of respondents wanted “the establishment and operation of a learning space available at all times,” reflecting residents’ opinions.

The district is holding a naming contest until the 8th to reflect the purpose and utilization plans of this library operation and its features.

Anyone can participate regardless of residence area or age by filling out an application form and submitting it via email. The application form and detailed information can be found on the Mapo-gu website (Announcements).

The proposed names will be evaluated based on creativity, suitability, symbolism, and popularity, with a total of 10 names selected including the winning entry. The results will be announced on the district website on the 15th.

The final winner will receive a book culture gift certificate worth 50,000 KRW, four excellence award winners will each receive 20,000 KRW, and five participation award winners will each receive 10,000 KRW in book culture gift certificates.

Park Gang-su, Mayor of Mapo-gu, said, “Through electronic library services utilizing metaverse and video electronic content, we expect to satisfy the reading and cultural needs of local residents while also using the space as a study cafe-type learning area for youth, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and becoming a new convenient facility in the community. We ask for active participation in creating a creative and popular name that reflects this library operation concept and the characteristics of the Dohwa-dong area.”