A unique library is coming, Naver Library & Hyundai Card Design Library - Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
Naver Library and Hyundai Card Design Library
A unique library is coming, Naver Library & Hyundai Card Design Library
Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
Is it attracted to analog sensibility in the cutting edge era? You can read an e-book with a smartphone, tablet PC, or dedicated terminal, but it cannot replace the warm feeling of a paper book. Reading a book is more than just reading text, it is an act of combining various elements into one, such as feeling the texture of a paper, turning a bookcase, measuring the thickness of a book, and smelling paper. Turning off your smartphone for a while and opening a book is sometimes a pleasant break. It is in the same context that the two new libraries are welcome. In addition, both libraries have great designs and interiors, and it is even more pleasing to say that collections are rare books that are not easily accessible.
The library is full of freshness, Naver Library
The Naver Library is located in the Naver office located in Jeongja-dong, Seongnam-si. Right after entering the front door is the library. On the left is a book cafe where you can read various magazines in a more comfortable atmosphere. Libraries are only accessible with ID cards, and food is not allowed. Instead, anyone can go in and out of the book cafe, and enjoy a relaxing reading with fragrant coffee.
Design book corner consisting of U and K characters
The Naver Library was opened in 2010 as a library specialized in information and communication technology (IT) and design. It was closed for a while last summer, and it was reopened in early November, renovating its internal composition and books.
There are many green pots around the library, so it's fresh.
It is interesting that Naver, the leader of Internet companies leading the era of digitalization and knowledge, has established a library for paper books. It is said that the entire lobby of the office building was made into a library, considering that 'Naver', an online space where people share knowledge, information, know-how or pleasure, and 'books' with various stories and experiences resemble each other.
Guests sitting at a simple table between bookcases
The first floor of the library consisted of information desk, locker, new book, design, architecture / interior, and small / independent publishing corner. The design section that occupies the largest area is divided into art, illustration, graphic, and industrial design / UX. The bookshelf is arranged in U, K, K, and so on, making it feel as if you have entered a forest of books. The road that breaks between the bookshelves is winding like a trail. A green plant growing on a bookshelf puts a pot on it, and it actually smells fresh.
Small and independent publications
The design book boasts the highest level in Korea, and it is said that it has gathered major design books from around the world to help those working or interested in the design field. Most of the magazines are in book cafes, but design-related magazines are available in the design corner. You can easily find the magazine you want by showing the cover page.
Encyclopedia corner on the second floor and users
On the 2nd floor, there is a comprehensive encyclopedia / collection and IT books. There is also a space decorated like an attic so that you can sit comfortably and read it through a thick encyclopedia.
A space to experience a web without barriers
There are some single-use desks that are great for connecting laptops, and there are also desks that are big enough to open multiple books. It is impressive that desks and chairs are prepared in various designs according to the type of reading.
Even desks and chairs are sensual.
One side of the second floor is ‘a space to experience a web without barriers’. This is a space where people with disabilities who can't see or use one or both hands can use the web.
Naver Library main entrance
Looking down from the second floor, you can see the green pots on your head, and the bookshelves on the first floor look like an installation art. Place fresh pots around the library to relieve tired eyes from reading.
Book cafe where you can see magazines
Modern card design library, both in form and content, unique to ‘design’
The Hyundai Card Design Library nestled in Gahoe-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul. There are many cute shops on the alleyway from Anguk Station to the library, so it's fun to walk around.
Hyundai Card Design Library
The exterior of the library, which incorporates Hanok building techniques to match the Bukchon Hanok Village, attracts attention. Traditional architectural techniques, such as entrances built with black stones, ㅁ -shaped courtyards, windows and girders with Korean paper, are alive everywhere. It is a simple and modern building, and it is a building that utilizes natural light and the beauty of the blank space.
Exhibition hall where photo exhibition is held
As the name suggests, the Hyundai Card Design Library focuses on 'design'. He has selected over 1,500 books, including rare books and books related to design, from all over the world, along with professional book curators. Above all, in a digital world dominated by speed and efficiency, “Let's not just react, but take time and time to think.” “The oldest but most vital book offers analog immersion and new inspiration.” The philosophy of Hyundai Card comes to mind.
Rare books should be worn with gloves
The library is a space dedicated to Hyundai Card members. To enter, you must have a Hyundai Card in your name, or you must be accompanied by a member who has a Hyundai Card. It is also interesting that only adults over the age of 19 can enter. After receiving the information from the information desk, leave the bag and enter the exhibition hall. It is a space where various exhibitions, small film festivals, and lectures are held. Now, photo exhibitions are being held by world-class photographers, such as William Eagleston and Nan Goldin, with ordinary digital cameras. Next to the exhibition hall is a book cafe where you can enjoy books with coffee.
A good floor reading book in the house
Books are mainly concentrated on the second floor. It is also unique that it has a unique operating system, such as designating a unique color for each field and marking it on a book label. The second floor is divided into 1, 2, and 3 zones.
IPad and memo paper that can print bookshelf location
There are rare books and designer books in zone 1, brand design and visual communication books in zone 2, industrial design and architecture / space design books in zone 3. The 4th zone on the 3rd floor is equipped with photo books. In rare books, the exhibition books change according to the theme every month, and you must wear gloves to prevent damage to the books. Between the bookshelves, there is an iPad that can search for books or print out the location of books, and there are also sensuous notes and bookmarks made by Hyundai Card.
Hyundai Card Design Library 2nd floor interior
The organic connection between book contents and interior is also good. For example, in the book section related to architecture, there is a house-shaped structure, “House in House. In a space that looks like a hanok floor, you can feel the fun of looking out as if unfolding a large architectural drawing and admiring it.
A library that utilizes the architectural beauty of Hanok (Photo provided by Hyundai Card Design Library)
Reading and relaxing are possible at the same time in a fluffy chair lined up along the window facing the courtyard. There is a small space like an attic next to the photo book on the third floor. Over the roof of the hanok in Bukchon, you can see the skyscrapers of Jongno and Namsan afterwards.
A library that utilizes the architectural beauty of Hanok (Photo provided by Hyundai Card Design Library)
There is no place to get bored even if you are there all day, but if you are tired of sitting for a long time, you might want to take a walk through the Hanok Village along the entangled alleyways.
A library that utilizes the architectural beauty of Hanok (Photo provided by Hyundai Card Design Library)
※ The above information was updated in May 2016, and may be changed later, so be sure to check it before you travel.
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