Former Seogyo Police Substation Reborn as "Peon Hwalryeokso"
Creation of a Small Library and Community Lounge
The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on February 20 that it has renovated the long-vacant former police substation in Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu into a small library named "Seogyo Peon Hwalryeokso" and has begun operating it.
Seogyo Peon Hwalryeokso is the first project utilizing a closed police substation under the underused urban space innovation initiative. The city is carrying out this initiative to transform idle spaces into local landmarks where people want to stay. Previously, in June 2025, the city collaborated with the private sector to host a K-pop pop-up event in an underground bunker in Yeouido, which was well received. It is currently being operated as a cultural space that exhibits photographs and videos.
The newly opened Seogyo Peon Hwalryeokso is the former Seogyo Police Substation, which was closed in early 2025. Although it is located near Hongik University Station and Hapjeong Station, where there is very heavy foot traffic, it had been left vacant. Through a public call for operators, the city partnered with a private operator, carried out remodeling work to improve the space, and turned it into a venue where programs tailored to the neighborhood are offered. As a non-budget project, the city sought a private operator that both possesses creative content and runs a public library.
Seogyo Peon Hwalryeokso serves as a complex neighborhood hub that combines a small library, a community lounge, and a local pop-up space. Reflecting the creative atmosphere of the Hongik University area, it has been designed as a small library and community lounge that can be visited by people in their 20s and 30s as well as foreign visitors.
In addition to curation specialized in travel, design, music, and urban culture, the space also offers books themed on Seoul. It provides an easy-writing artificial intelligence (AI) service that converts text into more accessible language. The lounge is equipped with seats with power outlets and tables for small gatherings so that creators, freelancers, international students, and tourists can stay, sharing information and experiences.
Going forward, the city plans to expand "Peon Hwalryeokso" by identifying vacant spaces, aging public facilities, and small empty storefronts. Through curation that reflects each area's identity and user-tailored programs for young people, seniors, and foreigners, the city aims to transform idle spaces into vibrant places.
Kim Yonghak, Director-General for Future Space Planning at the Seoul Metropolitan Government, said, "A once-abandoned small space has been reborn as a hub that creates enjoyment in the neighborhood," adding, "Starting with Seogyo Peon Hwalryeokso, we will continue to discover attractive idle spaces so that every citizen can enjoy culture and relaxation close to home."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
