Gangseo-gu District Mayor Jin Kyo-hoon attended the opening ceremony of the "Sky-Embracing Outdoor Library" on Saturday, spending time mingling with local residents.
The event was held along Magok Culture Street near exits 1 and 9 of Balsan Station. About 100 people attended, including Jin, Assembly member Han Jeong-ae of the Gangseo-byeong constituency (secretary-general of the Democratic Party of Korea), Assembly member Jin Seong-jun of the Gangseo-eul constituency (chairman of the National Defense Committee), and representatives from local libraries.
A pre-ceremony magic show invited audience participation, and Jin was called to the stage by the magician to take part in a trick.
After the opening ceremony, Jin toured the venue and continued meeting residents, exchanging warm greetings and holding impromptu conversations throughout the grounds.
He joined members of a poetry-recitation club from Pureundeul Youth Library in a discussion about their favorite poems and recited two works himself — "Flowers Blooming While Swaying" by poet Do Jong-hwan and "The Wooden Horse and the Lady" by poet Park In-hwan.
Jin visited each event booth to encourage organizers and took part in a range of hands-on activities, including handprint art, caricature drawing, bookmark making and an AI-based mood-check program.
Around 2,000 books curated by librarians from the district's public libraries were on display throughout the venue, along with chairs and tables for visitors to relax. A highlight was the "silent reading zone," equipped with camping chairs and headsets so visitors could listen to music while reading.
The Sky-Embracing Outdoor Library runs through Sept. 13 along Magok Culture Street. Operating hours are 2 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
"As if celebrating the opening of the Sky-Embracing Outdoor Library, even the clouds in the sky seem to take the shape of birds soaring freely," Jin said. "I hope you will come to the library, set down the burdens of daily life for a moment, and find time to soothe your tired body and mind."
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