Busan’s National Assembly Library is a must-see for book lovers and architecture buffs alike. One of only two National Assembly libraries in Korea—the other is in Seoul—it was modeled after the U.S. Library of Congress and opened in 2022 to safeguard the nation’s literary heritage while spreading knowledge beyond the capital.
Why visit?
- Striking design: Light-soaked reading halls, floor-to-ceiling shelves, and river views.
- Curated collections: Everything from Korean classics to global bestsellers.
- Traveler-friendly: Quiet study nooks, cozy lounge seating, and free Wi-Fi make it an ideal recharge spot between sightseeing stops.
Address
161 Myeongjigukje 1-ro (Myeongji-dong), Gangseo-gu, Busan
Hours
- Mon–Fri: 09:00 – 21:00
- Sat–Sun: 09:00 – 17:00
Closed Tuesdays and national holidays.
Tip: Arrive early on weekends for the best window seats overlooking the West Nakdong River.
The National Assembly Busan Library is located north-western part of Busan City. Behind the library, you can see the West Nakdong River flows. The building symbolizes books and book pages; A building whose design is inspired by stacks of books piled layer upon layer, with their pages gently warped.
When you enter the library, you will feel it its very modern and well contructed. A bright, double-height atrium with glossy terrazzo floors and black inlays leads to a magazine stand area beneath a huge LED screen showing media arts and notices. To the left, warm wooden stacks behind folding glass doors create a cozy book zone, while to the right, floor-to-ceiling windows and lush planters form a sunlit lounge area with casual seating and a café beyond.
Entrance to the reading zone on the first floor
Walking in, I’d feel an instant hush of calm. Honey-oak shelves rise like warm architecture, books neatly staged beneath soft ceiling lights. A long communal table, lit by minimalist lamps, invites quiet study without crowding the room.
Open lattice walls create cozy alcoves that stay visually connected, guiding you deeper while keeping the space airy. Small potted plants soften the modern lines, and every movement is absorbed by high ceilings and carpeted floors. I’d leave refreshed, thankful for a contemporary space that preserves the timeless comfort of being surrounded by books.
A striking way to ascend and decend is via the grand “book-terrace” staircase: broad wooden tiers flanked by a floor-to-ceiling book wall, each platform dotted with low cushions, side tables, and discreet power outlets. More lounge than stairway, it invites visitors to pause, sink into a seat, and read while sunlight streams through the lofty atrium before continuing up to the second floor.
The second floor opens into a broad, light-filled gallery lined with low, honey-oak stacks and framed artwork stands. Just beyond the entrance, the “International Collection” alcove (국제자료실) anchors one corner, its charcoal accent wall and wood-slat ceiling adding a quiet sense of refinement.
Reading options range from open tables—ideal for casual browsing—to tucked-away carrels for focused study. Potted greenery softens the generous aisle, while the muted carpet shifts subtly from warm brown to cool gray to signal different zones without disrupting the flow.
A continuous band of floor-to-ceiling windows runs the length of the room. From some of these these seats you can trace the slow bend of the West Nakdong River as it widens toward the sea.
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