• ‘Seoul Outdoor Library’ was named a best case of ‘innovation in public services’ by the OECD OPSI
• Recognized as the world’s first model of a ‘social space’ to solve social problems in the post-pandemic era

‘Seoul Outdoor Library,’ which was voted as no. 1 policy by Seoul citizens last year, was selected as an outstanding case in ‘2023 OECD Call for Innovations in Public Services’ led by the Observatory of Public Sector Innovation (OPSI) of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), adding yet another accolade to its achievements after receiving awards from the ‘International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA),’ the world’s most renowned organization in the library field, for two consecutive years.

Co-organized by the OECD and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government, the call for innovations in public services aims to identify and disseminate innovative social problem-solving practices from around the world. The ‘Seoul Outdoor Library’ was selected as the world’s first model for addressing social challenges that have emerged since the pandemic.

The ‘Seoul Outdoor Library’ has provided a safe social space to address ‘depression,’ ‘social disconnection,’ and the citizens’ desire for culture and rest’ after COVID-19. The libraries were visited by 1.7 million people in 2023 alone. 93% of them were satisfied with their experience, and 94% showed their intention to revisit. In addition, 83% of visitors to the libraries were found to have read at least one book, indicating that they are contributing greatly to the promotion of reading.

The Seoul Outdoor Library project was also highly commended for its innovative concept of a ‘Buildingless Library,’ which involves building a library in an open public space that everyone can access with ease. The project was also recognized for creating a ‘platform for cooperation and coexistence’ as a venue for continuous exchange between citizens and the local community.

The ‘Seoul Outdoor Library’ can be found on the case study library of the OPSI (https://oecd-opsi.org/case_type/opsi).

Meanwhile, the Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) expanded the ‘Seoul Outdoor Library’ to include Cheonggyecheon Stream this year along with the existing libraries in Seoul Plaza and Gwanghwamun Square, and held 94 events (as of Jul. 28) with various programs. Around 1.4 million people visited the Seoul Outdoor Libraries during their operation, proving once again that they are attractive cultural platforms loved by citizens.