Where would you put an Outdoor Library in Charleston?

The concept is taking over South Korea’s capital city. We’re thinking about where we’d copy it in the Holy City.

Hampton Park in the sunshine. A big tree hangs overhead and a white gazebo is in the distance. The photo is slightly filtered, giving a nostalgic feel. No one is around. It looks peaceful.

Do you know where this is? | Photo via City of Charleston

A cool breeze, some vitamin D, and a good book. Does it get much better than that?

If you ask a resident of South Korea’s capital city, Seoul, the answer would probably be a resounding “no.” The city’s innovative Outdoor Library concept recently drew in a million visitors in just three months, and has attracted 6 million since launching in 2022.

What is it?

“The Seoul Outdoor Library is designed as a vibrant space where people can freely read books and engage in cultural activities outside the traditional library setting,” according to the official city website. The space features chairs, rentable books, and multiple locations.

Where would one go in Charleston?

Our vote? Hampton Park. Across its 60 acres, there’s plenty of tree cover to find a shady spot in the South Carolina summer heat, and open spaces to maximize sunlight in the winter. Couple that with beautiful flora for the perfect visual backdrop, and the gentle sounds of the lake, you’ve got a page-turning haven.

Where would you put one? Let us know.

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