Over the weekend, while sitting on a park bench reading a book in the warm autumn weather, this thought suddenly crossed my mind
“I’m truly happy.”
Between the sweltering heat of summer and the bitter cold of winter—amidst such harsh extremes—the season we’ve been waiting for is all too brief.
We’ve prepared this space for readers who want to fully enjoy this season—one that’s all the more precious precisely because it’s so fleeting.
Here are some of Seoul’s hidden gems where you can fully savor the complete, fleeting happiness that forests, books, autumn, and reading offer all at once.
Odong Forest Library
A small, log-cabin-style library perched on a hill within Odong Neighborhood Park in Wolgok-dong.
It exudes a cozy atmosphere, just as you might expect to encounter while strolling down a forest path in a fairy tale. With its unique wooden architecture and a small café wafting the subtle aroma of coffee, it is a healing space that offers the perfect respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Inwangsan The Forest Outpost Bookstore
Revised Version
A former police outpost has been transformed into an atmospheric forest-themed book café in the heart of the city. It’s the perfect spot to read a book in peace while taking in the panoramic view of downtown Seoul and enjoying the scenery with a cup of aromatic coffee.
With a plentiful selection of delicious baked goods, it’s the ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and enjoy a leisurely day.
Samcheong Park Forest Library
Though modest in size, it’s a great place to escape the bustling streets of Samcheong-dong and catch your breath in peace.
It’s the perfect spot to take off your shoes, settle back comfortably in the well-lit floor-seating area, and read a book while basking in the sunlight.
Yangcheon Park Book Rest Area
Tucked away in a corner of Yangcheon Park, this small library stands out for its beautiful architectural design. It is a warm and welcoming space where people of all ages can relax and spend time comfortably.
It’s a great spot to sit by the window and work on your laptop, and when you need to clear your head while working, we recommend stepping outside and taking a stroll along the park’s green walking paths.
Cheonggye Plaza Seoul Outdoor Library
Revised Version
Every weekend in September, the “Seoul Outdoor Library” makes its way along the Cheonggyecheon Stream.
Hours are from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM. It’s a special gift from Seoul that can only be enjoyed twice a year—in spring and fall. Don’t miss out on the unique experience of reading a book amid the sound of flowing water and the cool night breeze this fall.
Hang-dong Blue Library
Hang-dong Blue Library is nestled comfortably within the embrace of the Blue Arboretum. It’s the perfect spot to stop by and enjoy a moment of relaxation with a book after strolling along the arboretum’s paths, bathed in autumn colors, and soaking up the vitality of the season.
It’s the perfect outing spot to spend a fulfilling day with your children, experiencing the autumn forest and reading books together.
