Latest news with #SeoulMetropolitanLibrary
Korea Herald
08-08-2025
- General
- Korea Herald
Decked out for Liberation Day
A week ahead of Liberation Day, a citizen photographs a large display of Taegukgi, South Korea's national flag, set up in front of the Seoul Metropolitan Library in central Seoul on Friday. Liberation Day on Aug.15 commemorates Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule in 1945. (Yonhap) Citizens walk past a wall covered with hundreds of Taegukgi, South Korea's national flag, set up in front of the Seoul Metropolitan Library in central Seoul on Friday. (Yonhap) khnews@
Korea Herald
10-06-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
Seoul library opens book lending service to all residents of S. Korea
Foreign nationals also eligible for service The Seoul Metropolitan Library has officially expanded the availability of its book lending service to residents outside Seoul, including foreign nationals living in Korea, according to the Seoul Metropolitan Government on Tuesday. Previously, only residents of Seoul and individuals who were working or studying in the capital city were eligible to borrow books from the city-run library. However, under the newly revised policy, any Korean or foreign national residing in Korea can borrow books from the library with a membership on Seoul Metropolitan Library's official website. Starting Tuesday, each person may borrow up to seven books, with the borrowing limit doubled to 14 books every Wednesday. According to the city government, membership levels will now be divided between those residing in Seoul and those living outside of Seoul. Those living in Seoul will be granted a regular membership, while those living outside of Seoul will be granted an associate membership. Although both full and associate members are allowed to borrow books, e-book rentals will be limited to those with full membership. The city government added that it is also implementing several improvements to enhance user convenience. Users will now be able to update their addresses directly through the Seoul Metropolitan Library's website instead of having to visit the library in person, and the library will also allow family members to share and view each other's borrowing records online. 'The expansion of the lending service marks a major turning point in the identity of Seoul Metropolitan Library — from being a city library to a national library,' said Ma Chae-sook, director of the city government's Culture Headquarters. 'The city government will work to ensure all residents of Korea have access to high-quality library services and a richer cultural life, regardless of where they live.'
Korea Herald
06-06-2025
- General
- Korea Herald
Remembering the sacrifices
Commemorating the 70th Memorial Day on Friday, bereaved families of soldiers and independence fighters who died during Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule and the 1950–53 Korean War paid tribute to their loved ones with white chrysanthemums, silent prayers and solemn tears. Established in April 1956, Memorial Day honors the sacrifices made not only by fallen soldiers but also by public servants who died in service to the nation. It was set for June 6 to align with "mangjong," one of the 24 seasonal divisions on the lunar calendar that signals the beginning of the planting season. Traditionally, Koreans viewed this time as a symbol of renewal and hope. In Daegu, Pabashi Mohan, daughter of Col. M.K. Unni Nayar, an Indian officer who was killed in action during the Battle of the Pusan Perimeter near Waegwan in the Korean War, laid flowers at a memorial service held at the Nayar Memorial in Beomeo-dong, Suseong District. Citizens visited Seoul Plaza to express gratitude for the sacrifices of veterans in front of a large banner on the outer wall of the Seoul Metropolitan Library that reads, 'We will remember the sacrifices of war veterans as a 'garden of gratitude.'" At Cheong Wa Dae, where the national flag was flown at half-staff, some visitors paused to observe a moment of silence during their tour.
Korea Herald
06-06-2025
- General
- Korea Herald
[Photo News] Remembering the sacrifices
Commemorating the 70th Memorial Day on Friday, bereaved families of soldiers and independence fighters who died during Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule and the 1950–53 Korean War paid tribute to their loved ones with white chrysanthemums, silent prayers and solemn tears. Established in April 1956, Memorial Day honors the sacrifices made not only by fallen soldiers but also by public servants who died in service to the nation. It was set for June 6 to align with "mangjong," one of the 24 seasonal divisions on the lunar calendar that signals the beginning of the planting season. Traditionally, Koreans viewed this time as a symbol of renewal and hope. In Daegu, Pabashi Mohan, daughter of Col. M.K. Unni Nayar, an Indian officer who was killed in action during the Battle of the Pusan Perimeter near Waegwan in the Korean War, laid flowers at a memorial service held at the Nayar Memorial in Beomeo-dong, Suseong District. Citizens visited Seoul Plaza to express gratitude for the sacrifices of veterans in front of a large banner on the outer wall of the Seoul Metropolitan Library that reads, 'We will remember the sacrifices of war veterans as a 'garden of gratitude.'"
Korea Herald
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Seoul Outdoor Library opens Wednesday with new programs
Seoul Metropolitan Library will reopen its iconic outdoor reading program, the Seoul Outdoor Library, on Wednesday, marking the start of a new season and celebrating World Book and Copyright Day. The Gwanghwamun Plaza and Cheonggye Stream locations will welcome visitors Wednesday, while the Seoul Plaza library will open May 4. This year, the three outdoor libraries will operate on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The schedule will be split into two phases: the first from April to June and the second from September through early November, with special emphasis on evening programs during the summer months. Each outdoor venue will offer programs reflecting the character of its location. At Gwanghwamun Plaza, film screenings and live concerts will take place against the scenic backdrop of Bukaksan and the main palace gate of Gyeongbokgung. At Seoul Plaza, weekly busking performances will be held on the grassy lawn. For more details, visitors are encouraged to check each venue's Instagram page. The city has also enhanced the user experience, introducing Keep Service, which allows visitors to reserve books for future visits if they are unable to finish reading them in one sitting. In a bid to expand access, 14 districts across Seoul will each launch their open-air programs this year in public parks and library-adjacent outdoor spaces to bring the reading experience closer to local communities.
