Local library in Jeonju, Korea

Not only did I sightsee the popular spots of Jeonju, my family also shared a slice of their everyday life. Attending sunday service, eating cold noodles and dumplings, and visiting the local library, From my other pages you can tell that I Iove to visit local bookstores but libraries are a different space.

The library is called Geum-am-do, Jeonju Municipality Library. It was renovated recently and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

The entrance hall is serene and dimly lit, as you enter on your left are the bestsellers and popular readings and a small cafe where moms were having a chat. On the right, was a play area-like space where the kids read and a dad taking a nap from babysitting. Korea is a small country with a dense population so most architecture here is built vertically and here the library stood four stories tall with high ceilings. On the second and third floor are the adults and study sections. Here the bookcase forms were designed in a white modular grid, evenly creating divisions so readers may distinguish between varying genres and simultaneously, the negative spaces create a sense of openness. It can seem a bit of a clutter, but I enjoyed how the lines varied at different perspectives as I moved thru the space.

My favorite was the the outdoor area on the third floor where you can enjoy the picturesque view of the city and mountains. On the balcony were bean bags and wide steps to sit in groups and families to chat around.

Often times, libraries are not my favorite places to be or study in and more often opt for coffee shops. It’s oddly too silent, instills a sense of nervewrack I’ll make too loud of a noise. Or even the unpleasant, stark, yet greyish lighting we see more often in local libraries in America. I think we can learn a thing or two from this example if Geumamdo Library to apply to our public spaces of learning in Americs because space influences our actions and our very impression of the activity. A communal space where learning is enjoyable and relaxing.

13 Geobukbau-ro, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea