Youngsan University has renovated the first floor of its Yangsan Campus central library to create "Youngsan Maru," a student-centered multipurpose cultural space, and has begun full-scale operations. The university is accelerating educational environment innovation by transforming the area into a "library lounge" space that encompasses learning, rest, and communication.
Youngsan Maru was established by reconfiguring unused space to the right of the central library's first-floor entrance. The name combines "Youngsan" from the university's name with "Maru," a Korean word symbolizing rest and communication, signifying an open learning hub where anyone can stay comfortably.
The renovation was carried out with support from the University Innovation Support Project. The university explained that it focused on transforming a long-underutilized space into a student-centered creative and convergence space. This represents a concrete example of educational innovation goals: "establishing a flexible system based on student demand" and "expanding creative and convergence spaces."
The university incorporated students' diverse usage purposes from the design stage. An open structure maximizing natural light enhances comfort, while wood-tone interior design adds psychological stability. Inside, various seating types are arranged, including individual study seats, small-group discussion tables, sofa zones with beanbag rest areas, and window seats, allowing users to choose freely according to their situation.
Youngsan Maru operates from 6 a.m. to midnight. As a space students can use at any time outside regular class hours, it is expected to serve as an on-campus hub supporting both academic immersion and interaction. The university projected that the space reconfiguration will increase library stay times and improve learning satisfaction.
Kim In-gyu, Director of the Central Library, said, "There has been steady student demand for convergence spaces that go beyond simple study rooms to enable rest and communication." He added, "We will continue to improve aging spaces and expand creative educational infrastructure."