From an Abandoned School to a Library Visited by Over 700,000 People a Year An Interview with Yoon Seong-hwa, Public Officer at Masan “Wisdom Sea Library,” Changwon, Korea

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Hello, this is Jiro!

It has been a while since our last post.

We hope you have all been doing well.

Today, we would like to introduce a compelling case of regional revitalization through the reuse of a closed school—a growing issue faced by many regions experiencing population decline.

When Schools Close: A Growing Challenge

As South Korea continues to face low birth rates and a steady decline in the school-age population, the number of closed schools has increased year by year.

In 2016, the school-age population stood at approximately 8.67 million.

By 2025, that number had dropped to about 6.98 million—a decrease of more than 1.69 million in just nine years.

As of March 2025, there are 4,008 closed schools nationwide, and another 49 schools are expected to close within the year.

This trend is particularly pronounced in regional areas, where population decline is compounded by the concentration of people and resources in the Seoul metropolitan area.

When abandoned school sites are left unused, they risk becoming neglected spaces that negatively affect local safety and landscape. In response, both central and local governments have been exploring ways to repurpose these sites for public and community use.

A Library That Changed the Neighborhood

One notable example can be found in Changwon City, South Gyeongsang Province.

Here, a former school site was transformed into a unique cultural library known as Masan Wisdom Sea Library—a space that now attracts over 700,000 visitors annually, equivalent to nearly 70% of Changwon’s total population.

To better understand how this transformation came to life, we interviewed Ms. Yoon Seong-hwa, a public officer currently working at the library.

Exterior view of Masan Wisdom Sea Library

Interview: Masan Wisdom Sea Library

Q1. The library was created by repurposing a closed school. What led to this decision?

A:

Until a few years ago, this site was home to Gu-am Middle School. In 2016, a plan was established to merge Gu-am Middle School and Gu-am Girls’ Middle School, and the integration was completed in March 2017. As a result, the original Gu-am Middle School site became a closed school facility.

After careful consideration, the Gyeongsangnam-do Office of Education decided to repurpose the remaining facilities. The former school buildings were converted into art and alternative education schools, while the gymnasium was transformed into what is now known as “Wisdom Sea.”

Inspired by the region’s proximity to the sea, the concept was to create “an ocean of infinite wisdom.” What was once an empty gymnasium was reborn as a highly valued public space for local residents. The library officially opened in April 2018.

Q2. There are few precedents for libraries created from school gymnasiums. Were there challenges in this process?

A:

One major advantage was the gymnasium’s high ceiling and open layout, which allowed us to design the space in a flexible and creative way. We drew inspiration from places such as Forest of Wisdom in Paju Book City and Starfield Library at COEX.

However, this openness also posed challenges. The building was not originally designed to support the weight of large volumes of books, so we placed bookshelves along the walls rather than in the center of the space. Interestingly, this constraint ultimately became one of the library’s defining and most appealing features.

Lecture in progress

Q3. The library hosts a wide range of programs. Is there a guiding philosophy behind them?

A:

Even in this rapidly changing era, libraries remain essential institutions—not simply as repositories of knowledge, but as cultural and social spaces for the community.

Children who finish school early, office workers seeking mental refreshment, and students preparing for exams all gather here. Regardless of whether programs are centered on books, lectures, or performances, the ultimate goal is to enrich people’s lives and help them develop the skills needed to thrive as members of society.

Healing Room

Q4. Have these programs strengthened community interaction among local residents?

A:

Absolutely. By offering humanities lectures at least once a month, people with shared interests naturally come together and form connections. The same effect can be seen in book clubs, where participants read the same book, share perspectives, and gradually build relationships through conversation.

These activities go beyond knowledge acquisition—they foster regular interaction and help strengthen a sense of community among residents.

Exterior view of Masan Wisdom Sea Library

Performance in progress

Q5. Does the library collaborate with local artists and organizations?

A:

Yes. We regularly host performance programs featuring artists primarily from Changwon and the surrounding Gyeongsangnam-do region. In many cases, artists also reach out to us directly.

By providing a stage for these performances, we believe the library contributes to the local cultural ecosystem. Additionally, we operate a Public Relations Supporters Program, where library users and residents participate in promoting library events, writing reviews, and assisting with outreach efforts.

Bookshelf view

Q6. Many visitors come from outside the region. What makes the library so attractive?

A:

On social media, the library is often introduced as a “unique date spot in Changwon” or a “must-visit place.” One image that frequently appears online is the breathtaking view of the bookshelves from the third floor looking down to the second.

The wall-lined shelves filled to the ceiling create a visual effect reminiscent of an ocean of books. Another appealing aspect is the relaxed atmosphere—unlike traditional silent libraries, a certain level of ambient sound is allowed. Families with children especially appreciate this openness, as well as the café where visitors can read while enjoying a drink.

Is this the kind of atmosphere you imagined?

From left: Webtoon Room, Board Game Room, Creative Space “Onna”

Q7. How did you balance quiet reading spaces with active cultural functions?

A:

Wisdom Sea began as part of an urban regeneration project led by the provincial education office. The goal was to move beyond the conventional public library model and create a future-oriented reading culture space where books, exhibitions, lectures, performances, and cafés coexist.

The layout reflects this balance:

The first floor consists of themed rooms such as children’s storytelling spaces, webtoon rooms, and creative studios.

The second floor combines performance spaces with reading areas.

The third floor is designed as a terrace-style quiet zone for focused reading and study.

Overview of the third floor

Q8. From a regional revitalization perspective, what impact has the library had?

A:

This area previously had relatively low foot traffic. Since the library opened, people now spend entire days here, which has naturally revitalized nearby commercial areas. Local markets and shops in the surrounding neighborhoods have experienced noticeable positive effects.

Q9. There is a second Wisdom Sea Library in Gimhae. How does it differ?

Bookshelf view

A:

The Gimhae branch follows the same basic philosophy but uses the entire former school building rather than just a gymnasium. While the interior design shares similarities, Gimhae benefits from multiple former classrooms that now function as lecture rooms.

This year, both libraries jointly operated a children’s summer program called “Night Sea Book Vacation,” and we plan to continue collaborative programs in the future.

Q10. What advice would you give to other regions planning similar libraries?

A:

Even in a multifunctional cultural space, books and information must remain at the core of a library’s identity. Performances and lectures should complement—not overshadow—reading.

It is also crucial to plan spatial design carefully, separating quiet reading areas from active community spaces and minimizing noise through acoustic design. Equally important is staffing—placing professionals where expertise is required and building organizational structures that allow librarians to fully develop their specialized skills.

Q11. What is the future vision for Masan Wisdom Sea Library?

A:

Although more than seven years have passed since its opening, the library continues to be recognized as a successful example of school reuse and old-town regeneration. We aim to keep offering creative and surprising reading experiences, positioning the library as a familiar and welcoming space.

At the same time, we hope to strengthen our role as a community hub—instilling pride among local residents while introducing the region to visitors from outside.

Closing Thoughts

What was once a silent, abandoned school has become a vibrant space where people gather, stay, and connect throughout the day.

Masan Wisdom Sea Library stands not only as a library, but as a symbol of community pride and a cornerstone of regional revitalization.

We hope that more regions will continue to discover new possibilities by actively reimagining closed schools and local resources—and we look forward to sharing more stories like this soon.