Mayor Lee Donghwan: "Envisioning Goyang as a Global Cultural City with the Goyang English Library"

Goyang City to Open the Nation’s Largest ‘Goyang English Library’ in September 2026
Baekseok Library Reborn as English Library... 29% Construction Progress
Specialized Spaces Including Children’s, Magazine, Literature, and General Zones
Goyang English Library: A Civic Window Connecting with the World

"English should not be just a subject for exams, but a tool to connect the world."

Perspective view of Goyang English Library. Provided by Goyang Special City

This is the philosophy behind the envisioned 'Goyang English Library' (tentative name) proposed by Lee Donghwan, Mayor of Goyang Special City. The goal is to go beyond a simple repository of books and create a platform where knowledge and culture flow, providing a civic space that fosters global sensibility.

According to Goyang Special City on September 27, the city is currently undertaking a full-scale remodeling of Baekseok Library to establish the nation’s largest public library specializing in English. The construction progress stands at 29%, with demolition work nearing completion, and the target opening date is set for September 2026.

The new library will have a total floor area of 4,077 square meters, featuring specialized spaces from one basement level to three above-ground floors. The 'Children’s Zone' on the basement level will allow children to become familiar with the language through original English books and picture books. The 'Magazine Zone' on the first floor will offer English newspapers, magazines, and ongoing book club activities. The 'Literature Zone' on the second floor and the 'General Zone' on the third floor will serve as venues for cultural exchange, where people of all ages can access English books that match their interests.

The library will secure 35,000 books at the time of opening, with plans to steadily expand its collection to enhance content competitiveness. In addition, age- and level-specific reading programs, English book clubs, and international cultural exchange events will be held to broaden opportunities for everyday English experiences. An online e-library system will also be established, enabling access to English learning resources anytime and anywhere.

Over the past two years, Goyang Special City has developed the operational framework for the library through consulting, benchmarking, and a remodeling task force. Notably, feedback from a survey of over 800 citizens was reflected, including preferences for an open structure, an eco-friendly image, and enhanced English programs.

Meanwhile, branding and design work is also underway to more clearly communicate the philosophy and functions of the Goyang English Library. Core messages such as "A library that greets you in English" and "A space for English experiences for everyone" are being visually realized so that citizens can intuitively understand and connect with the identity of the Goyang English Library as a brand.

Exterior view of Baekseok Library, which will be reborn as Goyang English Library. Provided by Goyang Special City

The Goyang English Library will be transformed into a sustainable green building, going beyond mere structural improvements. A total project budget of 12.3 billion won will be invested, with high-efficiency insulation, energy-saving heating, cooling, and lighting systems, as well as air quality improvement facilities. The interior will be finished with eco-friendly materials to ensure a healthy indoor environment, while the exterior will be connected to the nearby Baekseok Park, providing an outdoor reading space.

This 'green remodeling' is expected to position the Goyang English Library as a new model for public libraries, realizing both environmental and public values, not just English education.

Goyang Special City has already established a 'Goyang English Library Mid- to Long-Term Operation Plan (2025-2028)' last year, preparing an operational strategy that looks beyond the opening. This represents a blueprint for sustainable operation, rather than a one-off project.

Mayor Lee Donghwan emphasized, "The Goyang English Library will be a space where English is embraced as a tool for communication and relationships. We will not only provide a wide range of content befitting its scale, but also enhance its competitiveness as a platform for knowledge and cultural exchange, propelling Goyang to become a global cultural city connected to the world."

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