SEOUL, April 27 (Korea Bizwire) – A 120-year-old royal study has been given new life as a public library, as the government has recently intensified efforts to utilize historic places in practical ways.

At the opening ceremony in the tranquil Gyeongbok Palace in Seoul on Wednesday, some 200 people including government officials, students and tourists celebrated the reinvention of Jibokjae, or the Hall of Collecting Jade in Korean, as a more useful, daily place for the people.

In collaboration with the Cultural Heritage Administration, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism revitalized the old study that used to belong to King Gojong, the 26th king of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897) and the first Emperor of Korea, into the open library by adding bookshelves, tables and chairs while keeping the main structure intact.

Built in 1891, the place was used mainly for the king’s study and a reception hall for receiving foreign envoys.

The main, high-ceiling study is connected to an octagonal two-story pavilion that is now a small cafe where a visitor can relax over a cup of coffee or tea and some snacks.

Image Credit: Yonhap / photonews@koreabizwire.com