Full-length Glass Windows Overlooking the Park, Outdoor Theater, and More: A Multi-purpose Cultural Space
Over 10,000 Books and Dedicated Club Rooms Available
Geumcheon-gu (District Mayor Yoo Seonghun) announced the reopening of the “Malkkeun Nuri Small Library” at the Open Plaza of Geumbit Park, where visitors can enjoy reading in harmony with nature.
The “Malkkeun Nuri Small Library,” previously located in the Siheung 1-dong Community Service Center building, has been relocated to the Open Plaza of Geumbit Park (668 Geumha-ro), which will be completed in March. The library has been reborn as a multi-purpose cultural space within the park.
The library features a full wall of floor-to-ceiling glass windows, allowing users to enjoy views of the park’s lush scenery. Its dedicated area has also been expanded from 99 square meters to 233.08 square meters, providing a more comfortable environment for reading.
Inside the library, there are reading rooms and club rooms where visitors can access more than 10,000 books, including literature, history, and children’s books. Various cultural programs, such as reading clubs and reading-related activities, are also planned.
Outside the library, an outdoor theater will be set up in the park, where visitors can comfortably watch movies while seated on benches, creating an open and integrated cultural space.
Library members in Geumcheon-gu can borrow and return books, and also utilize the interlibrary loan service with other libraries in the district. The library operates from Tuesday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and on Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM. It is closed every Monday and Sunday.
A district official stated, “We moved up the opening date to minimize the library’s closure period,” and added, “We hope the newly established Malkkeun Nuri Small Library receives a lot of interest from the community.”
Yoo Seonghun, Mayor of Geumcheon-gu, said, “I hope this small library within the park becomes a multi-purpose cultural space that offers residents both a place to relax in their daily lives and the joy of reading. We will continue to provide strong support so that residents can enjoy a diverse cultural life.”
“Let’s Understand Youth Appearance Care Together” ... Special Lecture at Mapo Central Library
Special lecture by Professor Lee Wonjae from KAIST to be held at Mapo Central Library seminar room on February 19
Analysis of the impact of youth appearance care on healthy growth and self-esteem
Mapo-gu (District Mayor Park Kangsoo) will host a special lecture titled “Media Use and Appearance Care Among Youth” for 50 teenagers and adults at 2:00 PM on February 19 in the seminar room of Mapo Central Library.
Youth appearance care has long been a common issue that often clashes with the values of older generations. With the advancement of various media, conflicts between youth and parents regarding appearance care have deepened.
In response, Mapo-gu has organized this lecture to dispel misunderstandings among older generations about youth appearance care and to promote better communication between generations.
This lecture is being held in collaboration with the SSK Research Group “ReMedia” at Sogang University’s College of Knowledge Convergence Media, which studies modern media and mental health, to provide more in-depth content.
Professor Lee Wonjae from the Graduate School of Culture Technology at KAIST will deliver the lecture, explaining through data analysis that youth appearance care is not merely a trend or decoration, but a means of self-expression and identity formation.
Professor Lee will also elaborate, using concrete examples and research findings, that understanding and support from parents and older generations regarding youth appearance care greatly contribute to the development of self-esteem and healthy growth among teenagers.
Registration for the lecture is on a first-come, first-served basis via the Mapo Central Library website. For more information, contact the Lifelong Learning and Library Operations Team at Mapo-gu Office.
Park Kangsoo, Mayor of Mapo-gu, said, “I hope this lecture helps parents and older generations gain a new perspective on youth appearance care and fosters better relationships. Mapo-gu will continue to develop and operate various programs to support the healthy growth of our youth.”
Opening of Junghwa Literature Library in Jungnang-gu
Located within the Junghwa 2-dong Complex Office... 822㎡ (about 248 pyeong) in size, with a collection of approximately 10,000 books
A specialized library focused on literature... offering a variety of reading programs
Jungnang-gu (District Mayor Ryu Gyeonggi) officially opened the “Junghwa Literature Library,” a public library specializing in literature, on January 22 within the Junghwa 2-dong Complex Office, and has begun full operations.
The Junghwa Literature Library is a specialized library that provides a variety of reading culture programs centered on literature, aiming to offer local residents a broad reading experience and opportunities to enjoy culture.
The library occupies a total area of 822 square meters (about 248 pyeong) and houses approximately 10,800 books. In line with its identity as a literature-specialized library, 100% of its collection consists of literary works. However, a limited number of books on other subjects, such as early childhood books, classics, and humanities, are also available.
Beyond simply being a space for borrowing books, the library aims to serve as a multi-purpose cultural space for reading and communication, activating the local reading ecosystem by operating resident-participatory reading culture programs.
This year, the library’s core program, “Enriching Life Through Literature (2025),” will be offered. The program includes ▲Reading Classics Together, which involves in-depth reading and discussion of Korean and world literary classics; ▲Genre-Specific Literature Workshops, which explore and create works in various literary genres such as essays, novels, and poetry; and ▲Season’s Greetings, a year-end cultural event. These programs are expected to provide residents with a richer reading experience.
In addition, the library offers early childhood reading programs such as “Jungnang Bookstart” and “Reading a Thousand Books” in collaboration with other public libraries in the district, as well as expert-dispatched programs like “Reading Debate Leader” and “Storytelling Activist.” There are also specialized programs such as humanities lectures and bibliotherapy sessions, allowing for even more enriching reading activities.
Furthermore, the library features a “book step” space connecting the third and fourth floors, creating a reading environment that is easily accessible to everyone. The library also actively supports reading groups and community activities by making full use of its classroom spaces.
The Junghwa Literature Library is currently open from Tuesday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Starting March 4, to better accommodate busy workers and students, weekday hours (Tuesday to Friday) will be extended to 10:00 PM, and Sunday hours will be from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The library is closed on Mondays and legal holidays.
Each person may borrow up to seven books at a time, with one renewal allowed. Interlibrary loan services with other public and small libraries in the district are also available, making it easier to access desired books.
Ryu Gyeonggi, Mayor of Jungnang-gu, said, “I hope the Junghwa Literature Library becomes more than just a library-a place where local residents can gather, communicate, and enrich their lives through literature. We will continue to provide strong support to promote a vibrant reading culture.”
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