English Books in Korea at Your Local Public Library

Words by Richard Feicht | Gyeongsang Province info by Dann Gaymer | Jeju info by Joy Raimondo *2026 Updated by 10 Magazine editorial team

There is always a demand for English books in Korea. Many opt to purchase from the numerous available bookstores, but free options are out there too and they are better than you might expect.

“There is not such a cradle of democracy upon the earth as the Free Public Library, this republic of letters, where neither rank, office, nor wealth receives the slightest consideration.”
— Andrew Carnegie

Free English Books in Korea

Why not combine your love of reading with a cultural day out and save some cash at the same time? Korea is sprinkled with public and university libraries that, while they may not match the size of libraries back home, still offer more English books than you might expect.

University libraries stock large numbers of English textbooks, and many public libraries carry English novels, non-fiction, magazines, and newspapers. Once you get past the initial language barrier, staff are usually friendly and happy to help. Here is an updated guide to the best places to find free English books around the country; if you’re also looking for free resources for foreigners in Korea, we have a separate guide covering legal aid, tourism hotlines, and free Korean classes.

Public Libraries in Korea

Seoul Metropolitan Library (서울도서관)

A major (and sometimes overlooked) option, Seoul Metropolitan Library in the old City Hall building is one of the best places for English books in the capital. Its 4th-floor Global Collections room holds a large selection of English books, plus foreign-language materials in Japanese, Chinese, French, German, Spanish, and more, along with international newspapers and magazines.

Foreign residents with an Alien Registration Card (ARC) can register to borrow books, and the foreign-language room is open Tuesday–Sunday and closed on Mondays and public holidays. Registered users can also borrow e‑books and audiobooks through the library’s website and app.

Website | 02-2133-0300

Jeongdok Public Library (정독도서관)

One of Seoul’s most atmospheric libraries, Jeongdok sits on the former grounds of Gyeonggi High School in Bukchon, with views over central Jongno from its hillside steps. On the first floor you’ll find a modest selection of English novels; the second floor has a wider range of English-language magazines in the Foreign Languages and Periodicals Room.

No registration is needed to browse. Hours vary by room: the Foreign Languages & Periodicals Room is open weekdays 9:00–20:00 (Nov–Feb: 9:00–19:00) and weekends 9:00–17:00. The library is closed on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month, as well as national holidays

Website, 02-2011-5799

National Library of Korea (국립중앙도서관)

This is the biggest library and a 10-minute walk from the green line’s Seocho Station exit 5. It’s worth the walk for the massive collection of books in English. You will need to bring your foreigner registration card, as there is a registration process to enter (bring a Korean friend along if you can’t read Korean). When you register, you’ll create a permanent username and password, which you then enter into one of the kiosk terminals for a single-use passcard similar to the ones for the AREX train to Incheon International Airport.

Website, 02-535-4142

National Assembly Library (국회도서관)

Also has a Korean-language registration process and permanent username/password keycard access system, but it is even more Pentagon-like in that your name shows up on the screen as you are welcomed through the gate. The computerized voice even says “Welcome!” in English for foreigners! A wide variety of newspapers is available on the second floor in the recent publications room, along with tons of recently published books in English.

Website

Korea Foundation Cultural Center (한국국제교류재단문화센터)

Inside the JoongAng Ilbo building near City Hall Station, the Korea Foundation Cultural Center runs a small library focused on books in English about Korea and other countries, plus textbooks for studying Korean. A refundable ₩10,000 deposit and your ARC are required to join, and visitors can enjoy free internet and regular exhibitions and lectures.

Open Monday–Saturday, 10 am–6 pm..

Website, 02-3789-5600

Namsan Public Library (남산도서관)

Time, Newsweek, Forbes Asia, National Geographic, Fortune, the Financial Times and the Wall Street Journal Asia on the second floor, and no registration is needed to browse. In Central Seoul on the road behind the Hilton, it’s open 8 am to 10 pm.

Website, 02-754-7338

Gwangjin Digital Public Library (광진구립도서관)

Walk from Exit 2 toward Walkerhill and turn right; the library is the striking modernist building behind the purple office building. The second floor carries Time and Newsweek, DVDs, and internet terminals. The third floor has a Foreign Books section with English-language titles in non-fiction, business, and current affairs.

Website, 02-3437-5092

Mapo Lifelong Learning Center (마포평생학습관)

Also known as the Mapo Ahyeon Public Library, the MLLC boasts the Financial Times, USA Today, the Economist, Newsweek, Time, and US News & World Report in the “Digital Library” on the 4th floor, where you can, of course, sign up for free Internet use. There’s also a foreign books section. It’s closed on the second and third Monday of each month. 

Website, 02-2137-0000

English periodicals are available in English on the third floor of Yongsan Public Library (용산도서관), the second floor of Guro Public Library (구로도서관), and the second floor of Seodaemun Public Library (서대문도서관) in the Digital Room.

Busan Metropolitan Municipal Simin Library (부산광역시립시민도서관)

The Simin Library holds the first American Corner, which is sponsored by the US Embassy, the second in Daegu, the third in Gwangju, with each library being linked to a sister library in the USA. The section is located on the first floor of the Library and offers the services already outlined with regards to its younger sibling in Daegu, while the staff are equally eager to help with regards to getting a library account or finding books.

The library itself is located in the throbbing downtown of Busan in the Jin-gu district, across the street from the Dae-Kyoung Gyo-Tong bus terminal, which naturally makes the bus the easiest way to reach the library.

Website, 051-810-8200

Pusan National University Library (부산대학교도서관)

Busan’s National University is located in the Geumjeong-gu district of the city, away from the downtown. The University’s library is currently looking into becoming an open library in order to cater for the local community, not just students. Non-students can access all the same services, including borrowing items, interlibrary loans and time in the reading rooms. Their website has an English version and a title search engine in English. Most importantly, under the ‘notes’ heading, it will specify if the publication is indeed in English. Pusan National University Subway Station.

Website. 051-510-1800

Kyungpook National University (경북대학교도서관)

Kyungpook National University’s library is a hidden gem for English books in Daegu, with thousands of titles covering a wide range of subjects. Non-students can visit and use the reading rooms on weekdays and Saturdays without a KNU card, and the English-option website accepts searches in English.

KNU can be reached by subway or bus roughly 15 minutes from the city centre. It’s closest to Sincheon Station exit #2.

Website, 053-950-6484

Daegu Metropolitan Jungang Library (대구광역시립중앙도서관)

Daegu’s Metropolitan Library is located downtown in the beautiful settings of Gukchae-bosang Memorial Park. The library itself is hard to miss as it is the largest building visible. After entering the ground floor entry gallery on your immediate left, ‘the American Corner’ section holding over 2000 English texts can be found. In addition there are plenty of newspapers, magazines and DVD’s, all of quite an eclectic range, all open and free to the public. The staff is incredibly friendly and will help you get a library card from the second floor. Foreigner registration card is required.

Website, 053-420-2700

Kyungpook National University Library (경북대학교도서관)

KNU’s diverse academic departments mean its library holds English books across an unusually wide range of subjects, encompassing thousands of titles. Non-students can visit and use the reading rooms on weekdays and Saturdays without a KNU card, though borrowing is not available without a library card (which can be applied for). The website has an English option and accepts English input in its search engine, even if the interface is partially in Korean.

Website, 053-950-6484

University of Ulsan (울산대학교중앙도서관)

Located in Mu-guh dong district in downtown Ulsan, the University has recently received a massive cash injection from the Hyundai Conglomerate, one of the major industry players in the city. Foreigners can apply for a membership card in order to borrow items, though in order to do this the library website has to be acessed, which is unfortunately only in Korean, so you may need some help. (Select the tab “special member” and select “foreigner”). Then you present your alien registration card and picture to borrow books.

Website, 052-259-246

Ulsan Jungbu Library (울산중부도서관)

Also located downtown in Bukjeong-dong, Ulsan’s Jungbu Library sits near to Ulsan’s sole Home Plus superstore. The library holds a few English texts which are available for visitors to look over while the staff will be more than happy to help you get a library membership card in order to take items out. Furthermore, their website is in English.

052-210-6506

Gwangju Metropolitan Mudeung Library (광주광역시립무등도서관)

The third American Corner to open in Korea is housed in Gwangju’s Metropolitan library, providing services similar to those found in Busan and Daegu’s American Corners. The library is located on the same block as the Malbow Market Place, across the street from the Munhwa Middle School.

Website. gwangju@americancorners.or.kr, 062-613-7753

Halla Library (한라도서관)

A modern, well-equipped facility with a dedicated English section on the second floor, Halla Library holds over 2,000 English books and actively encourages visitors to request new titles the library doesn’t yet carry. The library also has computers, free Wi-Fi, DVD viewing rooms and individual DVD stations, a cafeteria, and plenty of comfortable reading spaces. Getting a library card takes just a few minutes with a photo ID.

Website, 064-710-8666

Jeju National University Libraries (제주대학교중앙도서관)

Jeju National University operates two libraries. The smaller University Journal Reference Library houses professional journals and reference materials in multiple languages. The larger Central Library (중앙도서관) devotes a full floor to English-language books and hosts hundreds of thousands of titles, along with a copy machine, free internet, and ample study spaces. Non-students cannot borrow materials but can freely access both collections on-site. The library is open Monday–Saturday 9:00–20:00; closed Sundays.

Website. 064-754-2220

Seogwipo Miracle Library (서귀포기적의도서관)

The Beautiful Seogwipo Miracle Library is a small children’s library located just east of the Jungang rotary. There is a large selection of English children’s books, tables and couches to sit and read at, a private playroom for younger kids, and a large playground and park right outside.

Website. 064-732-3251

Tips for Getting a Korean Library Card

Most public libraries in Korea require an Alien Registration Card (ARC) to register and borrow books. Keep these in mind:

• Bring your physical ARC—passports, copies, or photos are usually not accepted.
• Seoul Metropolitan Library allows online registration with a Korean phone number, even for foreigners living outside Seoul.
• University libraries often offer “community” or “special member” access—check each site for details.
• The National Assembly Library provides day passes with just a passport.
• For smoother registration, consider bringing a Korean-speaking friend, especially at larger institutions.

Do you know any other great public libraries with English books in Korea? Let us know in the comments!

For more ways to save money and enjoy Korea’s cultural spaces for free, check out our guide to free resources for foreigners in Korea and our English bookstores guide for paid options across the country.