Opening of Jung-gu's First Forest-Style Dasan Fortress Library

6 Billion KRW Invested to Remodel Existing Dasan Art Public Parking Lot Above Ground, Creating a 976m² Library Space Including Indoor and Outdoor Areas on the 3rd Floor

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Jung-gu District Office (Mayor Seoyangho) opened the first forest-style Dasan Fortress Library in Jung-gu (173 Dongho-ro 17-gil, Jung-gu) on the 26th, harmonizing with the natural scenery of the Hanyang Fortress Trail.

The Dasan Fortress Trail, a roughly 1km section of the fortress wall surrounding Hanyangdoseong from Jangchung Gymnasium to Dasan Pavilion, offers a panoramic view of Namsan and downtown Seoul, making it a beloved spot not only for Seoul citizens but also for foreigners.

The district invested a total of 600 million KRW to remodel the ground level of the existing Dasan Art Public Parking Lot, creating a library with a total area of 976m² across three floors, including indoor and outdoor spaces, to blend with the surrounding scenery.

As a result, the number of public libraries, which was only three in 2019, expanded to six with the opening of the Son Gijeong Children's Library in May last year, followed by Sindang Nuri Library and Dasan Fortress Library.

Including the Son Gijeong Public Library scheduled to open in June, a total of seven public libraries will be established in Jung-gu, fulfilling the cultural needs of residents.

From the planning stage, the Dasan Fortress Library was designed by gathering diverse ideas from local residents. More than 34 resident interviews were conducted, and the voices of youths from Jangchung Elementary and Jangwon Middle Schools were attentively heard. Continuous discussions with a seven-member resident promotion group led to the creation of a comfortable, caf?-like library and a forest library that harmonizes with the fortress trail.

Upon entering the library, visitors are greeted by a grand circular bookshelf extending from the first to the second floor and a refreshing indoor garden that runs through the library.

Additionally, the installation of folding doors in the center of the library allows visitors to enjoy the antique beauty of the fortress wall from inside the library, a rare experience in the urban setting.

The third-floor youth zone secures reading spaces where elementary to middle school students can freely read books and engage in various activities.

Moreover, the outdoor reading rest area located in the outdoor performance hall and the rooftop garden provide vitality and relaxation to residents weary from COVID-19.

The opening ceremony was held simply in compliance with COVID-19 prevention guidelines. National Assembly member Park Seongjun sent congratulatory remarks via video, and the event was graced by the presence of Jung-gu Mayor Seoyangho, Jung-gu Council Chairman Jo Younghoon, City Council member Park Gijae, Jung-gu council members, and resident representatives.

The district has been striving to expand libraries so that residents can meet books and neighbors within a 10-minute walk, currently operating six public libraries and eleven small libraries.

Reading and cultural programs are provided tailored to each generation, from children to adults, and programs are also offered for information-vulnerable groups such as children with special educational needs and multicultural families. Even amid the COVID-19 situation, various programs are conducted both online and offline to ensure uninterrupted enjoyment of reading culture.

For detailed information about Jung-gu library reading culture programs, please contact the Library Operations Team at the Jung-gu Cultural Foundation.

Jung-gu Mayor Seoyangho said, "We have opened a library on the Dasan Fortress Trail, one of Jung-gu’s attractions where you can enjoy nature in the city." He added, "I hope it will serve as a community space where residents can gather within a 10-minute walk, not just a place to read books but a space to communicate with neighbors and share culture."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.