8 Gorgeous K-Drama Libraries That We'd Love To Study In

Mar 24, 2022

Whenever a K-drama goes viral, its filming locations become spots for sightseeing by fans, both domestic and international. Aside from national landmarks and food joints, there is another type of site that may lure in K-drama admirers: libraries. That’s right! Be it a public library, a bookstore, or one that was specifically constructed to be part of the main character’s home study, these book-hosting spaces are on a whole new level of K-drama aesthetics.

Here are eight gorgeous K-drama libraries that we’d love to study in! (Wouldn’t you?)

Warning: minor spoilers ahead.

1-2. “The King: Eternal Monarch” – Hallim library and Lee Gon’s study

In “The King: Eternal Monarch,” Lee Gon (Lee Min Ho) and Jung Tae Eul (Kim Go Eun) secretly meet at Hallim library. This library is one of Suwon’s public libraries located in the city’s Gokseon neighborhood in the Gwonseon district. Reflecting its motto, the library is “a space for nature, culture, and people to communicate.”

But that’s not all! Albeit fictional, another book-filled place in this drama is none other than Lee Gon’s marvelous private study. The architecture combines authenticity and wisdom, making every bookworm instantly fall in love with its charms.

3. “Hotel Del Luna” – Seoul Book Repository

If you watched “Hotel Del Luna,” you’ll know that the residents of this place work on their unfinished business within the establishment. One ghost’s final wish is to read all the books she couldn’t finish in her lifetime. The drama features the real-life Seoul Book Repository, also known as Seoul Book Bogo, to satiate this ghost’s desire for learning. It is known for being Seoul’s first secondhand bookstore, located in Sincheon neighborhood in the Songpa district. It previously used to be a warehouse.

Watch this elderly ghost deal with her unfinished literary business in “Hotel Del Luna”:

Watch Now

4. “My Love From The Star” – Do Min Joon’s study

Min Joon’s (Kim Soo Hyun) study is another on-set design so perfect that we could swear it actually exists somewhere in Korea. In fact, this study was so popular (as is the drama itself) that it got displayed at an exhibition at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza. Many lucky fans got to visit the exhibition and take memorable photos of the fascinating room that reflects intellect and poise, two traits that perfectly describe Kim Soo Hyun’s character.

Admire Min Joon’s study in “My Love From The Star”:

Watch Now

5. “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” – Uijeongbu Art Library

This library is where Moon Kang Tae (Kim Soo Hyun), his brother Sang Tae (Oh Jung Se), and author Go Moon Young (Seo Ye Ji) go to research children’s book illustrations. Located in the Gyeonggi province, the mesmerizing place is labeled as an art library and aims to embrace culture, art, knowledge, and transgenerational experiences in an attempt to channel talent and make dreams come true.

Other dramas featuring the library include: “Our Beloved Summer,” “High Class,” and “Doom at Your Service.”

6. “The Devil Judge” – Kang Yo Han’s chambers

This drama may not have filmed scenes at a library, but judge Kang Yo Han (Ji Sung) sure knows how to own class-act chambers. The library comprises most of the office’s decoration, and its dark theme goes well with both the storyline and the protagonist’s strong personality, which sends shivers down the spines of his defendants and audiences alike.

Enjoy Kang Yo Han’s home office moments in “The Devil Judge”:

Watch Now

7. “She Was Pretty” – Forest of Wisdom

In addition to Kim Hye Jin (Hwang Jung Eum), who gets lost in her book at this library in “She Was Pretty,” this filming location has no doubt hosted a long list of famous K-dramas. Forest of Wisdom is particularly unique because it is neither a library nor a bookstore. In fact, books in this place cannot be bought or borrowed. Instead, people are welcome to visit and read, have a cup of coffee, organize events, and of course, film K-dramas. This literary site is located in Paju in a cultural complex called Paju Book City that is dedicated to books from their creation to their publication and marketing.

Other dramas featuring the library include: “I Am Not a Robot,” “Hwayugi,” “The King: Eternal Monarch,” “The World of the Married,” “Search: WWW,” “What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim,” “Memorist,” “The Devil Judge,” “Chicago Typewriter,” and “Hotel Del Luna,” among others.

See if you can glimpse Forest of Wisdom in “She Was Pretty”:

Watch Now

8. “Chicago Typewriter” – Han Se Joo’s study

Okay, let’s get one thing clear: Han Se Joo (Yoo Ah In) doesn’t have a library – he lives in one. That’s right, our main character has an entire home designed to be library-esque. The framework screams vintage, and with the drama’s nod to the 1930s, it is quite fitting. Furthermore, partitions and walls are all turned into bookshelves. Talk about a bibliophile’s ultimate dream!