Discover Seoul’s Hidden Hanok Library at the Foot of Inwangsan
Cheongun Literature Library (청운문학도서관) is a spot for every book lover in Seoul. Tucked into the hillside just a few meters up from the foot of Inwangsan Mountain, the library had long been on my radar. I’d seen photos of the hanok-style structure, admired the wooden beams and sweeping tiled roof, and imagined myself curled up with a book as mountain breezes whispered outside. Always in search of serene corners of Seoul, I knew I’d enjoy it.
Cheongun Literature Library isn’t just a spot for reading, it’s a place that lets you breathe slower, think more deeply, and sit in a beautiful harmony of nature, literature, and history.
Cheongun Literature Library offers a peaceful escape into literature and nature right in the middle of Seoul:
(This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission at no cost to you if you make a purchase. Thank you for supporting The Soul of Seoul.)
Basic Info
Address: 40 Jahamun-ro 36-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 자하문로36길 40)
Directions: This spot isn’t right next to a subway station, but the journey is part of the charm. From Gyeongbokgung Station, take a bus—1020, 7022, or 7212—and get off at Jahamun Pass (자하문고개), Poet Yun Dong-ju’s Hill (윤동주 시인의 언덕). From here you walk.
Hours: Weekdays: 10:00am ~ 9:00pm; Weekends: 10:00am ~ 7:00pm
Days: Mondays
Admission: Free
The Architecture & Design
Opened in the spring of 2018, Cheongun Literature Library is both modern and yet reflects history, it’s set in the city, but just so that you feel you’ve completely escaped the chaos. The building’s structure follows the natural slope of the land, a staggered layout that combines a sleek, contemporary library hidden below with upper-level hanok buildings reminiscent of 14th-century Joseon Dynasty architecture.
The lower-level modern building houses the main library facilities, including access services, a children’s area, a small café, a lecture room, and cozy reading spots that overlook a bamboo garden. It’s minimalist yet warm, with glass walls and wooden accents that allow the forest outside to feel just within reach.
Above, sits my favorite part of the complex, the hanok reading spaces where tradition takes center stage. Climb the outdoor staircase or follow the winding path from the upper parking lot, and you’ll arrive at the elegant wooden structure with its handmade tiled roof.
This upper level is dedicated to reading, reflection, and retreat. Step inside to find a place to sit and read, or go outside to the pavilion that allows you to listen to the sounds of the waterfall dropping into the koi pond.
The Reading Experience
Stepping into the hanok, you’ll find reading rooms (열람실) equipped with low wooden tables, cushions on the floor, and modern ondol (heated) flooring for comfort in winter. Large windows frame the lush trees outside, and on warmer days, open doors let in the sound of birdsong and a nearby gently flowing waterfall.
Electric outlets, strong Wi-Fi, and an abundance of natural light make this space surprisingly functional despite its historical aesthetic. It’s where old meets new, not in opposition, but in perfect balance.
The Nearby Literary Trail
Step outside and you’re immediately on a 3-km classical landscape-themed walking trail, a poetic journey through the lives of renowned Korean figures like poet Yoon Dong-ju and artist Gyeomjae Jeongseon.
The trail connects landmarks including the Yoon Dong-ju Literature Museum, Poet Yun Dong-ju’s Hill, and the site of Gyeomjae Jeongseon’s house. If you keep climbing behind the library, the paths open to panoramic views over Jongno, the glimmering city skyline, and a glowing Korean sunset bathing the hanok rooftops in gold.
For lovers of books, architecture, and soul-stirring quiet, this library is perfection. One of sitting on warm wooden floors, cradling a book, with the sound of a mountain breeze and a waterfall as your background music.
So grab a book, take the winding path up the hill, and let Cheongun Literature Library remind you what it means to slow down, breathe deep, and read well.
Did you like this post? Pin IT!
