IFEZ Journal

A Library That Reads the Seasons

Songdo International Library

At Songdo International Library, light and nature, the city and books come together to create a distinctive atmosphere. Amid Songdo’s forest of high-rise buildings, the low-rise structure immediately catches the eye with its warm wooden exterior and greenery throughout the building.

The calm, eco-friendly exterior gives way to a dramatic change the moment you enter Grace Hall, where towering bookshelves rise toward the sky. The vast book stacks stretch from the first to the third floor, glowing in sunlight filtering through the glass ceiling.

Whether you settle into the stepped seating on the first floor or find a spot on any of the upper levels, the towering wall of books remains in full view. Beyond the shelves packed with books, glimpses of a clear autumn sky complete the scene. Every element of the library comes together to create an ideal autumn outing for book lovers.

Location 

166 Academy-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon

Operating Hours 

- Children’s Library on the 1st floor / Digital Zone on the 3rd floor: 09:00–18:00

- General Reading Rooms on the 2nd–3rd floors 

(Tue–Fri): 09:00–21:00, (Sat–Sun): 09:00–18:00

* Closed every Monday

+Periodicals & Newspapers Corner

A corner of the second floor is dedicated to magazines and newspapers, inviting visitors to browse by their interests. Colorful magazine covers catch the eye first, while the wide floor-to-ceiling windows on the right become a seasonal gallery when the blinds are raised.

Under the autumn sunlight pouring in through the windows, turn the pages of publications filled with stories of every kind. It is a reading experience made especially memorable by the season.

A Deep, Cozy Pause in Everyday Life

Cafe Comma

In the heart of Songdo’s skyline, there is a place where the pleasure of a cup of coffee meets the scent of books. True to its slogan, 

“Life as a Journey,” Cafe Comma is a cultural space where books, coffee, and culture converge to offer a warm moment of rest.

The Songdo branch, spanning approximately 600 pyeong, is especially striking for the bookshelves that line the walls on both the first and second floors. More than a bookstore, it offers a generous selection of books that visitors are welcome to read without purchasing, making it an easy place to linger and unwind.

From office workers at the end of the day to students and neighborhood residents, people gather here to chat quietly and enjoy a 

bit of cultural leisure. On a cool autumn day, it is an inviting place to slow down with someone who matches your pace.

Location

1F, IBS Tower, 263 Central-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon (Songdo Branch)

Operating Hours

Mon–Sun 08:00–20:30 / Last order 20:00

+Curation Corner: _________’s Bookshelf

In this book curation corner, notable figures from various fields select a topic or issue of personal interest and recommend 10 books to read together.

The selection offers a glimpse into each curator’s tastes while providing inspiration and fresh perspectives. Staff-recommended titles throughout the café add another layer of discovery, making the question “What should I read today?” much easier to answer.

A Doorway to Quiet Reflection

Samgong Sammun

Open the door to Room 303 on the third floor, and the noise of the outside world quickly fades. Located in Cheongna, Samgong Sammun is a private book café shaped by the owner’s deep personal taste and genuine love of books.

Warm wooden interiors, the subtle aroma of coffee, and soft instrumental music create an atmosphere ideal for uninterrupted reading and reflection.

The shelves here are not filled with books merely for decoration. Poetry collections, essays, and distinctive independent publications have all been personally read and selected by the owner for readers who want to immerse themselves for an hour or two.

If you are unsure what to read, a simple conversation may be enough. The owner offers thoughtful recommendations tailored to each visitor’s tastes and level of familiarity with books.

This quiet room invites visitors to listen to the lives recorded in others’ words—an idea reflected in its ear-shaped logo—while seeking something new in every moment. For anyone who wants to feel the warmth of books in peaceful solitude, it offers a gentle retreat. Advance reservations make the experience even more intimate.

Location 

Room 303, 3F, 7-15 Cheongnahannae-ro 72beon-gil, Seohae-gu, Incheon

Operating Hours 

Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun 11:30–18:30

* Closed every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday / * Advance reservation required

+Blind Books

Blind Books are among Samgong Sammun’s most thoughtful offerings. Each book is personally read, selected, hand-wrapped, and accompanied by a carefully chosen excerpt.

Like the pleasure of literature that cannot be fully understood until the final page, these wrapped books offer the excitement of choosing a title based solely on the words printed on the cover. They make a meaningful addition to a personal collection and an equally thoughtful gift.