Gangseo English Library Selected as Seoul's Outstanding Library

Recognized for Excellence in English Collection and Native Speaker Programs

Gangseo English Library, operated by Gangseo District in Seoul (Mayor Jin Kyohoon), was selected as an outstanding library in the '2025 Public Library Operation Evaluation' conducted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and received a commendation from the Mayor of Seoul.

On July 23 last year, attendees took a commemorative photo at the letter delivery ceremony celebrating the accession of King Charles III held at the British Embassy in Korea. (From left) Namkyung Oh, librarian at Gangseo English Library; Colin James Crooks, British Ambassador to Korea; children representatives Minjae Hyun (5th grade at Sinjeong Elementary School) and Seoyoon Kim (4th grade at Sinnam Elementary School); Paul Clemenson, Director of the British Council Korea; Hyunil Lee, Director of Gangseo English Library; Insu Seo, Team Leader at Gangseo English Library. Provided by Gangseo-gu.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government evaluates a total of 164 libraries each year, including district-run public libraries and Seoul Library. Outstanding libraries are selected based on 21 indicators across 8 categories, including budget, collection, librarians, space, services, cooperation, and management plans.

Gangseo English Library ranked among the top 10 libraries. It also received a commendation for outstanding librarians who contributed to the library's development. Since its opening in 2012, Gangseo English Library has served as an English-specialized public library, offering English books and multilingual materials tailored to the needs and levels of children, adolescents, and adults. By curating its collection around English originals and providing customized services suited to users' proficiency, the library has enabled residents to naturally encounter English reading in their daily lives.

The library has consistently operated experiential programs that go beyond simply providing a space for reading materials. These include native English conversation programs, the Gangseo English City Camp, and global cultural experience events themed around the cultures of various countries.

Such efforts, which encourage people to perceive English as an 'experience' rather than just 'study,' have established the library as a local hub for global culture and education, earning high praise from parents and users alike.

In particular, in July last year, children participating in the library's programs wrote congratulatory letters in English for the accession of King Charles III of the United Kingdom, which were delivered to the British Royal Family. In March this year, a reply was received from the Royal Family.

Jin Kyohoon, Mayor of Gangseo District, stated, "Gangseo English Library has steadily developed programs and services that residents can truly benefit from, based on its clear direction as an English-specialized institution. We will continue to actively support the library so that it can become an open cultural space that connects our community with the world through books."