'Outdoor Library' Meeting in Songpa

Open at Major Parks Including Seokchon Lake on the 18th
‘Seoul Outdoor Library’ Songpa-gu Version Held from October 18 to November 2
Theme ‘Library Met in the Park’... at Seokchon Lake, Garak Nuri Park, and Asia Park
1,000 Selected Books Considering Age and Preferences, Abundant Performances and Experiences Available

Upcoming weekend, major parks in Songpa-gu (District Mayor Seo Gang-seok) will transform into outdoor libraries that harmonize with autumn.

The district announced on the 16th that it will operate "Library Met in the Park," an outdoor reading event in parks, for three weeks from October 18 to November 2.

This event is the Songpa-gu version of the "Seoul Outdoor Library," which is operated by the Seoul Library in different regions. Outdoor libraries in autonomous districts are available in only four locations, including Songpa-gu.

Considering the regional characteristic of having the third highest number of parks in Seoul, the district planned this event as "Library Met in the Park" to create differentiation. Starting with the representative tourist spot ▲Seokchon Lake (Songpa Naru Park), it will be followed by ▲Garaknuri Park and ▲Asia Park, which are popular among residents.

Each park will be stocked with about 1,000 books, including curated books tailored to different ages and tastes. Various experiences and busking performances will also be held to provide a special reading culture experience.

On the opening days, October 18 and 19, the "Book Yard" will be held around the Seokchon Lake West Lake waterfront stage. Visitors can lie on bean bags of various colors and enjoy curated books on themes such as travel and environment. Experience activities such as making pressed flower bookmarks, balloon art, and pipe cleaner doll making will also be available.

Especially, at 5 p.m. on the 18th, an autumn concert celebrating the opening of the outdoor library will take place. Hosted by music columnist writer Choi Young-ok, the event will feature a "Classics with Commentary" performance. Trumpeter Ahn Hee-chan and the "Myung Ensemble" will deliver wonderful performances to deepen the autumn atmosphere.

On October 24, the stage will move to Garaknuri Park (next to Songpa Book Museum). From the 24th to the 26th, a "Book Playground" will be operated where visitors can enjoy reading and experiences at wooden tables and chairs. The book curation themes include art, history, and picture books, and child- and family-friendly programs such as face painting, bead bracelet making, bubble & magic shows, and traditional games will be held.

Asia Park (in front of Songpa Cultural Center) will transform into the "Book Plaza." From October 31 to November 2, a space composed of a camping zone, Indian tents, and camping mats will be set up. Books on themes such as companion animals and plants, health, and poetry will be available, along with cultural experiences like gardening and making mother-of-pearl bookmarks. Busking performances including classical and Korean traditional music will also be held, offering a diverse cultural experience.

Songpa-gu outdoor libraries will operate from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. and are open to everyone.

Seo Gang-seok, Mayor of Songpa-gu, said, "Through 'Library Met in the Park,' we will provide a unique experience where people can comfortably enjoy books, nature, and culture in familiar parks," adding, "We will continue to create spaces where neighbors can interact through books and enjoy various cultures to improve the quality of life for residents."