These days, many people study in study cafes. But during your school days, didn’t you at least once visit a library with friends, saying you were going to study for exams?
Of course, the memories are often more about the snacks bought at the library’s snack bar and chatting than actual studying. Hearing the news that the space has shed its old image and adopted a new look to make visitors feel more comfortable and relaxed, I decided to visit the Jeonju Municipal Library, Wansan.

“The Jeonju Municipal Library, Wansan, has been reborn as a multi-cultural space.”

The steep slope made me catch my breath as soon as I saw it in the hot weather. But after climbing it, the view of the Jeonju cityscape was refreshing.

• Address : 12, Gonjisan 4-gil, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si
• Phone : 063) 230-1817
• Closed : Every Friday
• Operating hours on public holidays : Mon-Thu 09:00~22:00 / Weekends 09:00~18:00

For the residents of Wansan-dong and Seohak-dong, where cultural facilities are relatively lacking, the Jeonju Municipal Library, Wansan, has been transformed into a multi-cultural facility after 1 year and 5 months of renovation work. It goes beyond its role as a place for borrowing books and studying.

As soon as you enter, you get the feeling of being in a large café in the forest, with the view of Wansan Chilbong through the large windows.

On the first floor, there are various cultural spaces like ‘Wansan Maru,’ an experiential exhibition space filled with play and art. There is the ‘Media Creation Studio,’ with a studio and lecture rooms for producing media content. There is also the ‘Open Stage,’ where various cultural events take place.

At that moment, in ‘Wansan Maru,’ there was an exhibition by 16 local artists titled “Painting, Becoming Friends with Books,” featuring Western painting, Korean painting, crafts, and photography.
An exhibition in a library…!
While reading books, you can take a break and refresh your tired eyes with some artwork. It feels like the magic of a transformed space!

On one side, there was a place where you could complete phrases using magnetic words, along with a beautiful floral sculpture. Next to it was a writing experience space with a vintage feel.
Children who are just beginning to learn Hangul can enjoy this space. Adults who want to leave a phrase from a favorite book will also find the library more welcoming and enjoyable.

There was also a section featuring independent publications. These books are different from general ones, as they do not follow conventional styles and norms. They cover genres or topics that commercial publishers find difficult to handle.

Opposite ‘Wansan Maru,’ there is an unmanned café and a mini movie theater. The ‘Media Creation Studio’ is also available. You can take a break with a cup of coffee while reading a book. This space is also great for those who want to create their own broadcasts. It looks like it can be used in many ways by visitors.

On the 3rd floor of Jeonju Municipal Library, Wansan, there is a dedicated space for writers. This is something that sets it apart from other libraries.

As a library that focuses on independent publications, it is a place where books are read, written, and created. It supports 22 resident writers with their studios to discover talented authors and encourage creative work.

In the ‘Publication Experience Room,’ digital printers, paper cutters, and binding machines are available. You can freely try bookbinding and publishing. This somehow makes the idea of being a writer feel more approachable.

Writing classes are also available for visitors. It offers a chance for people to bring out their hidden stories and share them with the world.

On the 2nd floor, there is a children’s playroom, a resource room, and a general reading room where families can spend time together. Many people were studying, and quite a few were enjoying reading in a cool and comfortable setting.

There is also a multi-function printer available. There is a system for borrowing and returning books for the visually impaired, making it even more convenient!

Most importantly, when you look at the scenery through the large windows while reading a book, your eyes don’t get tired. This is a big plus.

Why not visit Jeonju Municipal Library, Wansan, where you can enjoy not only reading but also various activities in a cool and comfortable space?

📍 Jeonju Municipal Library, Wansan   12 Gonjisan 4-gil, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do