Creation of a Large Library on the Entire Basement 1st Floor of Yeouido Brighton Donation Site in Yeongdeungpo-gu

Yeongdeungpo-gu Decides to Transform Entire 1,050-Pyeong Basement Floor of Yeouido Brighton Donation Site into Large Library
Policy Decided After 14 Public Hearings Including Resident Briefings and Meetings... Confirmed at Work Report Meeting, Yeouido Residents Respond with Cheers and Applause... Creating a Premium Library with Spaces for Future Talent Development and Diverse Community Use

Yeongdeungpo-gu (District Mayor Choi Ho-kwon) announced on the 2nd at the Yeouido-dong New Year work report meeting that the entire 1,050 pyeong (exclusive area 3,488㎡) of the underground 1st floor donation space in 'Yeouido Brighton' will be developed into a large-scale library.

Since the building usage permit was granted in August last year, the district has conducted a total of 14 sessions including resident briefings and meetings to gather residents' opinions on the library development. Mayor Choi Ho-kwon has repeatedly stated during the review process of utilizing the donated space, “We will listen to many residents' opinions and make policy decisions in the direction that residents want regarding the Yeouido Brighton donation space.”

Mayor Choi announced this decision at the Yeouido-dong New Year work report meeting on the 2nd. “The Yeouido Brighton Library will be developed as a large library occupying the entire 1,050 pyeong of the underground 1st floor, reflecting diverse residents' opinions,” he said. “We will create a dignified and differentiated space, an attractive space for various social groups, so that the Brighton Library can become a landmark of Yeongdeungpo.” The residents gathered at the meeting responded with cheers and applause.

In November 2021, the project conditionally passed the central investment review by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, an administrative procedure required for library construction. The district had to meet two conditions: ▲develop the facility for use by all residents ▲minimize maintenance costs.

Since the 8th local government administration began, the district has been striving to find ways to utilize the space while meeting these two conditions. Considering financial conditions, efforts were made to attract the National Library under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Seoul English Library, but these plans were ultimately unsuccessful. Various options, including a complex space usable by different age groups, were also reviewed. During this process, relocating the Yeouido-dong Community Service Center to part of the space was considered, but with the decision to develop the entire 1,050 pyeong of the underground 1st floor donation space into a library, it was confirmed that the community service center will not be relocated.

A Yeouido-dong resident who attended the work report meeting said, “I was deeply moved that Mayor Choi Ho-kwon listened to residents' opinions with an open mind and made policy decisions accordingly. I am so happy that a large library will be established in Yeouido.”

The district announced that the Yeouido Brighton Library will be designed as a complex cultural space accessible to all generations, featuring three major specialized themes.

First, the library’s original function as a reading space will be developed as a multi-generational library where various social groups can enjoy books. Reflecting the current reality where learning has no age limit, a study cafe open to everyone, and cultural education spaces for humanities lectures and book concerts tailored to different age groups and social classes will also be created.

Second, reflecting the characteristics of the international financial special zone, an English-specialized space will be established, including English musical performances and English book reading programs. The library will also provide a dedicated foreign book section stocked with a variety of excellent overseas original works not commonly found in other libraries.

Third, the biggest distinguishing feature of the Yeouido Brighton Library is the creation of a ‘science-specialized space.’ The district described this as an investment for future generations. The space will include experiential areas to foster children’s imagination and creativity through various hands-on activities, growth spaces for nurturing talents in the 4th industrial revolution sciences, and healing spaces suitable for adolescents to freely interact and play with friends.

Library Composition Example

The district plans to develop the library as a premium facility by gathering residents’ opinions and wisdom on specific space development plans, including a library for all generations, English-specialized spaces, and areas for nurturing future scientific talents.

Choi Ho-kwon, Mayor of Yeongdeungpo-gu, said, “The power to change Yeongdeungpo’s future lies in the ‘power of the residents,’ the true owners of local autonomy. I hope everyone will join forces to create a 1,050-pyeong large premium library worthy of Yeouido’s pride as the heart of democracy where the National Assembly is located and the forefront of new politics.”

The Yeouido Brighton Library is scheduled to begin design services this year and start construction in 2025.