Korean Dictionary
How to say "Library" in Korean
“Library” in Korean is 도서관 (pronounced "Doseogwan").
도서관
Doseogwan
Usage & Context
Public spaces for reading and studying. Korean libraries are modern, quiet, and well-resourced. National Library of Korea (국립중앙도서관) and local district libraries are popular study spots for students preparing for exams. Many now offer e-book lending and maker spaces.
Example Sentence
시험 기간에 도서관은 항상 자리가 없어요.
During exam periods, the library always has no seats available.
How to use 도서관 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Library” is 도서관, romanized as Doseogwan.
Usage tip
Practice this word inside a full daily-life sentence, because particles and sentence endings make the Korean sound natural.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 도서관.
Pronunciation Guide
도 (do) sounds like 'doh' in 'dough'. 서 (seo) is like 'suh' in 'sum'. 관 (gwan) sounds like 'gwan' in 'swan' but with a hard 'g'. Put it together: 'Doh-suh-gwan'.
More Example Sentences
Planning weekend activities.
주말에 도서관 가서 책 좀 빌려야겠어요.
I should go to the library this weekend and borrow some books.
Praising local amenities.
우리 동네 도서관은 시설이 정말 좋아요.
Our neighborhood library has really good facilities.
Recounting a daily student experience.
도서관에서 공부하다가 친구를 만났어요.
I met a friend while studying at the library.
Cultural Context
Korean libraries, especially public and university ones, are highly valued as quiet study spaces. During exam periods (시험 기간), it's common for students to arrive early to secure a seat, and finding an empty spot can be challenging. Many libraries offer not just books but also access to digital resources, study rooms, and cultural programs, serving as important community hubs for learning.
Editorial note
We review entries like 도서관 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
도서관에 가다
to go to the library
도서관에서 공부하다
to study at the library
도서관 카드
library card
Related Expressions
책
chaek
book
공부
gongbu
study
열람실
yeollamsil
reading room
독서실
dokseosil
private study room (often paid)
More Daily Life Words
Master Korean with AI-Powered Learning
Practice Library and 10,000+ words with native pronunciation and AI conversation.
