Gyeonggi Provincial Library Becomes a "Hotspot" with 290,000 Visitors Just Two Months After Opening

Positioning itself as a library unlike any other, the Gyeonggi Provincial Library, which opened in October last year, has established itself as a leading library in Gyeonggi Province, recording a cumulative total of approximately 290,000 visitors just over two months after its opening.

On its opening day, October 25 last year, more than 20,000 people visited the Gyeonggi Provincial Library. Since then, it has become a popular hotspot, attracting an average of over 8,000 visitors on weekends and more than 3,000 on weekdays.

The number of new members reached about 60,000, with Gyeonggi Province accounting for the largest share at 55,744. Outside of Gyeonggi, the breakdown was Seoul (1,743), Busan (239), Gyeongnam (236), and Chungnam (197). This demonstrates that the Gyeonggi Provincial Library has secured accessibility and interest not only among local users but also from visitors across the Seoul metropolitan area and the entire country.

According to a satisfaction survey conducted by Gyeonggi Province from December 19 to 21 last year among 815 adults aged 18 or older who had used the library, the "overall satisfaction rate" was tallied at 88.6%.

The most common reason for visiting was "borrowing or reading books," cited by 71.3% of respondents.

In terms of age, users were in their 40s (35.0%), 30s (22.7%), 50s (18.0%), 18-29 (14.5%), and 60s (9.8%), in that order.

Users also gave high marks to the library's space and environment. A total of 94.1% responded that "the space is comfortable and has a warm atmosphere," while 90.8% rated "the overall environment, including air quality, lighting, temperature, and noise, as pleasant." Additionally, 80.5% recognized the library as "a meaningful space beyond a simple library."

Evaluations of digital-based services were also positive. A total of 28.5% of respondents said they had used digital technology services such as the AI Studio, LED Studio, or AI Book Therapy. Among users, 79.7% stated that "the new technologies are designed so that anyone can easily experience and learn them."

Gyeonggi Provincial Library became a popular destination attracting 270,000 visitors just two months after its opening in October last year. Provided by Gyeonggi Province

The Gyeonggi Provincial Library operates a variety of programs and services under the themes of climate and environment, artificial intelligence, and a people-centered approach. Through the AI Studio, AI reading discussions, AI Book Therapy for children, and various lectures, exhibitions, and experiential programs, the library is expanding beyond a "place to read" into a "space to learn and connect."

At the opening ceremony, Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dongyeon stated, "I did not want to simply build a large building and fill it with books," adding, "I hope the library becomes a platform that connects people beyond just being a library."

The Gyeonggi Provincial Library has reflected this vision in its spatial design. By adopting a spiral circulation structure, the library encourages visitors to linger, explore, and reflect, rather than simply move quickly through the space. One of its hallmarks is that children's reading, individual study, research activities, and digital work coexist naturally within a single area.

Yoon Myunghee, Director of the Gyeonggi Provincial Library, said, "The Gyeonggi Provincial Library is not a finished space, but a library created together with the residents of the province," adding, "We will continue to faithfully fulfill our role and responsibilities as the metropolitan representative library of Gyeonggi Province."