Global Economic Times

Bucheon SimGok Library Reopens... Newly Renovated for 40th Anniversary Customized Spaces Including Youth and Children's Areas Transform it into a Multi-Purpose Cultural Hub: KO YONG-CHUL Reporter / Updated : 2025-09-02 16:00:33

Bucheon City held a reopening ceremony for the SimGok Library on September 1st, unveiling the newly renovated library. The SimGok Library, which opened in 1985 as Bucheon's first public library, underwent a complete remodeling to celebrate its 40th anniversary this year.

The SimGok Library is a four-story building with one basement level (a total floor area of 2,450㎡), with specialized spaces tailored to different users on each floor. The first floor includes spaces for infants and children, as well as a media creation room. The second and third floors are resource rooms for adults, while the fourth floor is the 'Sosa Youth Space,' exclusively for young people. The library also features a makerspace, a single-person interview room, a shared kitchen, and a book cafe called ‘Gipeun-guji’.

The reopening ceremony was attended by approximately 200 people, including Bucheon Mayor Cho Yong-ik, National Assembly member Lee Geon-tae, City Council Chairman Kim Byeong-jeon, Mok Il-shin Cultural Foundation Chairman Yang Jae-su, along with library officials, heads of public and private libraries, school principals, and citizens. Following the ceremony, citizen-participation programs were held, such as ‘Witch's Storybook Playground,’ ‘My Own Life's Four Cuts,’ and ‘Planner Making.’

The library's fifth-floor rooftop has been transformed into a garden and is open to the public as a relaxation area. Mayor Cho Yong-ik and the distinguished guests held a commemorative photo session on the rooftop.

Bucheon Mayor Cho Yong-ik stated, "The SimGok Library is the fifth public library to open during the 8th popular election term." He added, "We aimed to create a space that not only functions as a library but also allows for creation, interaction, and relaxation, responding to the diverse needs of our citizens."

The SimGok Library's operating hours are from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. The library is closed on Mondays and national holidays. For more information, you can visit the Bucheon Municipal Library website or contact the Byeolbitmaru Library (032-625-9752).