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Seoul's first public library, the Namsan Public Library, originally opened in 1922 as the Gyeongseong Municipal Library in Myeong-dong. Situated in the heart of Namsan, the current building was constructed in 1965 following a public design competition. It has since been recognized as a Seoul Future Heritage building. The library boasts a collection of invaluable resources, including three volumes designated as Seoul City Tangible Cultural Properties and 227 volumes of 30 registered cultural properties.

With a collection of around 500,000 books, 16,000 non-book materials, and 800 serial publications, Namsan Public Library is committed to preserving and sharing knowledge. In collaboration with the National Library of Korea, it has created a digital archive of rare and valuable materials, including ancient books and East Asian texts. Additionally, the library serves as a specialized resource center for Seoul's residents, offering various programs designed to enrich their cultural and intellectual lives.