culture

Gyujanggak Library of Seoul National University (서울대학교 규장각)

1, Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul

About

Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Gyujanggak Library. Once the royal library of the Joseon Dynasty, this site offers a journey back to 18th-century scholarly life. Expect to explore rare historical documents and artifacts preserved within a beautifully maintained traditional Korean building. This is an essential visit for history enthusiasts and culture lovers keen to understand Korea’s past. While the collection is permanent, timing your visit during autumn provides beautiful seasonal contrast.

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Gyujanggak Library was founded in 1776 during the reign of King Jeongjo, the 22nd ruler of the Joseon dynasty, at which time it was located within the Changdeokgung Palace grounds. It functioned as the royal library, which housed writings of the previous kings, their relics and books from home and abroad.

Today Seoul National University maintains the items of Gyujanggak in a traditional Korean building which is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities necessary for the preservation of cultural heritages. Moreover, Gyujanggak Library of Seoul National University collects and publishes books from a variety of sectors such as politics, economy and society.

Gyujanggak now houses more than 270,000 items including 7 national treasures, 8 treasures, 180,000-plus old books, about 50,000 documents and 18,000 printing blocks. Among them, Joseon Wangjo Sillok (the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty, a National Treasure), Seungjeongwon Ilgi (the Diaries of the Royal Secretariat, a National Treasure) and Uigwe (the Royal Protocols of the Joseon Dynasty) have been designated as UNESCO World Cultural Heritages.

Information

Phone

+82-2-880-6030

Website

kyujanggak.snu.ac.kr

Hours

09:30-17:30 (Last admission 30 min before closing)

Closed

Weekends, public holidays, university foundation day & other days decided by SNU

Parking

Available

Fee