Songdo International Library Opens in Incheon... Birth of a 'Complex Cultural Space' Through International Design Competition

The Songdo International Library, a 'complex cultural space' where books, culture, and new experiences coexist, opened its doors on October 30.

The Songdo International Library was constructed with a total project cost of 49.6 billion won, covering an area of 8,197 square meters (2,480 pyeong), and consists of one basement level and three floors above ground.

The first floor houses the 'Grace Hall,' 'Live Room,' 'International Art Hall,' and 'Dream Zone' (children's creative room, children's library, nursing room, and book cafe). The second floor features a general reading room, 'Arcadia,' 'Community Room,' and 'Hyeyum.' The third floor is designed with a general reading room and a digital zone.

The opening ceremony of Songdo International Library was held on the 30th with the attendance of residents of Yeonsu-gu, Incheon. Yeonsu-gu, Incheon

The Songdo International Library opened with a collection of 44,909 books and plans to expand its holdings to up to 120,000 volumes in the future. It also operates an automated lending and return service using the latest RFID system, and provides a variety of cultural content through a digital gallery, LED display boards, and internet video services (OTT streaming services).

Until November 18, the library will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for book reading only. After that, both reading and lending services will be available until 6 p.m. The district office plans to finalize next year’s operating hours after considering residents’ feedback.

Previously, the Songdo International Library was completed as a new cultural hub for Songdo International City through a world-class design competition. The building was jointly designed by Sun Architects & Engineers (Korea) and Pentatonic LLC (USA), winning the international design competition in February 2021.

Lee Jaeho, head of Yeonsu District Office, said, "I hope that new generations will learn, neighbors will meet and interact, and that life will become even richer at the Songdo International Library."

Jaewo Lee, head of Yeonsu District Office (center), is touring the interior of Songdo International Library, which opened on the 30th. Yeonsu District, Incheon

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