1st Anniversary Celebration... Jazz Performance, Book Curation, and More
Environment-Specialized Library Attracts 1,000 Visitors Daily
Seocho-gu, Seoul (Mayor Jeon Seong-su) will hold a "Rooftop Concert" to celebrate the 1st anniversary of the opening at Bangbae Forest Environmental Library on the 22nd. In this concert, the library's rooftop space "Gureum, Tteul" will be transformed into a wonderful outdoor music hall.
Bangbae Forest Environmental Library is Seocho-gu's representative eco-friendly specialized library. At the time of its opening, it was also notable for its beautiful architecture. At the center of the building is a round-shaped central garden called "Haetsal, Tteul," and the rooftop "Gureum, Tteul" features a wide lawn with a comma-shaped path symbolizing rest, creating a structure where visitors can be close to nature from anywhere.
On the rooftop garden surrounded by forest, a midsummer night's "Rooftop Concert" blending nature and jazz will take place to escape the intense heat. The performing group, "The New Jazz Band," will play songs such as Bibi's "Bamyanggaeng" and Howl's Moving Castle OST "Carousel of Life," enjoyable for all age groups, and the library will provide vegan refreshments.
An environmental book curation corner has also been prepared. Environmental books that received strong interest and positive responses from residents over the past year will be reorganized and introduced in three categories: climate crisis, ecology, and practice.
A session will be held where local residents who frequently use the library can share their pride in the library, and the district will present the operational achievements of the past year. Within just one year of operation, Bangbae Forest Environmental Library has established itself as a local hot spot combining reading and relaxation, with up to 1,000 residents using it daily. On average, 380 books are borrowed daily, and 12 resident reading clubs focusing on environmental practice and reading discussions are active.
The library operates a solar power generation system and practices zero waste by not using disposable cups, straws, etc., in its internal caf?. Through these efforts, it has reduced 22,867 kg of carbon over one year, equivalent to planting 3,465 pine trees. Various environment-specialized programs such as Bangbae Forest Sound Walk (migratory and resident bird exploration), Library Birdwatching Group (bird observation and recording), forest experience classes, and Seoripul Park plogging are also in operation.
Thanks to these characteristics, many overseas countries including China, Vietnam, T?rkiye, and Taiwan have visited for benchmarking purposes.
Mayor Jeon Seong-su stated, "Bangbae Forest Environmental Library is a unique eco-friendly specialized library in our district where anyone can think about, experience, and practice environmental awareness through books. On the occasion of its 1st anniversary, we will continue to grow as an eco-friendly library where reading and relaxation coexist."
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