Citizens enjoy reading and relaxing at the outdoor library “Reading Seoul Plaza” installed in Seoul Plaza. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, July 3 (Korea Bizwire) — Seoul’s outdoor libraries drew a record-breaking 1 million visitors during the first half of 2025, reflecting a growing cultural shift that celebrates reading as a lifestyle trend — especially among younger generations.
According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the three key outdoor reading spaces — Seoul Plaza Library, Gwanghwamun Book Yard, and Clear Stream Reading Park — welcomed nearly 1 million visitors from their seasonal opening on April 23 (World Book Day) through June 29. Since launching in 2022, the program has attracted a cumulative 6.08 million visits.
Public satisfaction with the initiative also reached an all-time high, with 96.6% of respondents expressing overall satisfaction — a 5.3 percentage point increase from last year. Revisit intent (96.6%), likelihood to recommend (97.0%), and support for continued operation (97.5%) all exceeded 90%.
City officials credited the popularity in part to the rise of “text hip” culture — a trend that frames reading as stylish and socially engaging, particularly among the MZ generation (Millennials and Gen Z).
The city’s first public book club, Hipdog Club, has played a key role, with members posting over 60,000 online reading updates and fostering a vibrant literary community both online and offline.
Citizens sit on chairs and read books while relaxing at the “Reading Clear Stream” outdoor library along Seoul’s Cheonggyecheon Stream.
In 2025, the city also expanded its model to local districts, supporting 14 borough-run outdoor libraries and lending “book kits” for popup libraries in public spaces citywide.
The initiative has drawn attention at home and abroad. Over 80 outdoor libraries are now operating across the country, while international organizations — including Pennsylvania State University and Hong Kong-based nonprofit MADi — have visited Seoul sites for benchmarking.
Operations will pause during the peak summer heat in July and August, with the libraries set to reopen on September 5. During the break, a special evening event, Summer Night Library, will run from August 22 to 24, offering a cooling cultural escape in the heart of the city.
“Seoul’s outdoor libraries have become a cultural cornerstone that enhances urban life and enriches citizens’ daily experiences,” said Kim Tae-hee, head of the city’s Cultural Headquarters. “We look forward to welcoming even more readers in the fall season.”
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
What lifestyle trend is contributing to the popularity of reading in Seoul?