Kookmin University (KMU)’s Sungkok Library received the Excellent Organization Award from the 2023 University Library Evaluation’s Specialization category and the Special Award from the 2024 University Library Competition, which included all cities of the Republic of Korea. KMU students use Sungkok Library in diverse ways, such as for studying, reading books, and holding conferences. It has various 
facilities that have made it the largest student interaction space around the university.

In 1946, Sungkok Library was just a small library that it was located in the university building and did not have a separate structure. There were only two genres of books, and there were only tables and chairs for reading. After becoming the central library, the area was expanded by establishing a separate building apart from the university. Additionally, more facilities were created, such as a reference reading room where students could read their major textbooks and an assignment library room where students could complete assignments given in classes. 
In 2000, with advancements in technology, Sungkok library implemented a computerized system by opening a multimedia information center and an unmanned system for borrowing and returning books. By 2011, Sungkok Library had expanded to every building on campus, and all facilities were moved to separate buildings. There are libraries for the College of Design and the College of Law to support in-depth knowledge in each major.

Since 2012, Sungkok Library has received several awards and high evaluations from various associations. In Nov. 2012, it received the 10th Excellence Organization Award from the Korea Association for Research Information (KARI) for its well-developed facilities that provide students with a pleasant environment. In Sep. 2014, it received the grand prize from the Library Environment Improvement Example Exhibition, hosted by the Korea Association of Private University Libraries (KAPUL), for its well-organized system. I
n Feb. 2016, it received the 48th Korea Library Award from the Korea Library Association (KLA) as a whole organiza- tion, including all employees, under the name of KMU’s Sungkok Library. In May 2017, it also received the Director of the National Assembly Library Award at the 15th KARI Conference for its innovative changes. These awards show that Sungkok Library has received outstanding evaluations from several organizations, making it a symbol of KMU compared to other universi- ties’ libraries. Until now, Sungkok Library continues to develop by applying technological  

innovations.
Sungkok Library has diverse facilities that students can use for multiple purposes. The building has a total of seven floors, five on the ground level and two in the basement. The ground floors mainly consist of libraries with books related to each major. Additionally, there are several study rooms where students can hold conferences for their assignments or projects. Chairs and tables are provided for students to study or read books. The basement floors have various rooms that can be used for assignments or for studying more in-depth topics. There are study areas and various studios related to metal manufacturing and three-dimensional printing. Among these areas, including those on the ground and basement floors, there are spaces that can be recommended to international students.

1. Gum-Ha Reading Room – 5th Floor
The Gum-Ha Reading Room was original- ly named ‘Reading Room Number Five,’ but its name was changed in honor of professor Gum-Ha Kim Sun-Hee from the major of Food and Nutrition for her dedication. In 2010, Sungkok Library was downgraded, and professor Kim donated four billion KRW to improve the library’s environment, making it more pleasant. The Gum-Ha Reading Room not only has study areas but also spaces for collaborative work. These are called ‘Carol,’ and each room has a manual that is translated into English and other languages, so foreign students can easily read the instructions for using the rooms.

2. Open Study Room (K* Room, Rea Room, Tor Room) – 1st Basement
There are several study rooms in the first basement that do not require any reservations. These study rooms are open to all students, and students can use them for meetings, whether to work on assignments or simply interact with others. There is also K*afe Infinity, where students can socialize while enjoying drinks and snacks. For some foreign students, the reservation process can be difficult when they need to work on team projects or assignments, and these study rooms offer an easy alternative for using rooms without reservations.

3. Reading Room & Making Hub – 2nd Basement A lot of students normally use facilities on the ground level, but the basement’s facilities also offer an outstanding environment for students’ convenience. The second basement’s reading room has comfortable couches, providing a convenient atmosphere for studying, and these spaces also allow for active communication. Additionally, the ‘Making Hub’ space can be an attractive area for foreign students since this room has all of the equipment for conferences, including a large monitor and 
standing table for doing team projects comfortably.

Over time, Sungkok Library has become an interactive space for all students, including foreign students. Whether want to study or read books, Sungkok Library offers an optimal environment.