World’s Largest Design Library is Opened in Seoul

Quietly nestled in the history-rich neighborhood of Gyeonbok Palace and Bukchon hanok village, Hyundai Card’s DESIGN LIBRARY is the world’s largest library for design-related books. We decided to make a visit to see and experience this innovative architecture and concept for ourselves.

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The Exterior: Traditional & Modern Architecture
The Hyundai Card DESIGN LIBRARY is an interesting concept that seamlessly mixes old and new. Originally it was built in 2002 with the intention of being a gallery, but was reopened as a library recently. The location, Gahoe-dong, is a beautiful, nostalgic area of Seoul that retains remnants of Korean history. The actual building that holds the library’s design collection is expressly modernity. On your visit, you will notice a traditional, Hanok rooftop perched atop a modern, square building, symbolically signaling the coexistence of old and new.

The Interior: Harmonious Space and One-of-a-Kind Library Collection

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The building’s interior was as carefully crafted as the exterior. The natural lighting, furniture and space were deliberately chosen to evoke a soothing, comfortable atmosphere that will brighten of visitors’ moods and heighten their creativity. The open space and large glass windows at the building’s center allow natural light to shine through into all corners of the library.

The bookshelves are also a reinterpretation of traditional Korean wooden bookshelves. Using stainless steel frames without any nails, the modern bookshelves are in harmony with the rest of the space. The literary collection found here boasts 11,500 design books and reference materials. According to an article by the Korea Herald, one can find many limited edition collections here as 70% of the books are rarely procured.

In addition to the library space, there is a book cafe and exhibition space. Visitors are encouraged to use the quiet space for studying and reading. In addition, book searches can be done using provided iPads .

Library Hours & Information

If you want to find a peaceful, serene place to cool your mind and from the busy streets of Seoul, head over to Hyundai Card’s DESIGN LIBRARY. Spend some time admiring the architecture, the exclusive literary collection and make a stop at the book cafe inside.

Hours of operation: Tuesday through Thursday from 13:00-22:00; Sunday from 11:00-18:00 (closed on Mondays, Lunar New Year, and Chuseok holiday)
Admission: Free for Hyundai card holders only + one guest (each additional guest costs 5,000 won)
Address: Hyundai Card DESIGN LIBRARY, 31-18, Bukchon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Phone number: 02-3700-2700
Website: library.hyundaicard.com