A Welcoming IT Oasis for Everyone
How many times do you use the Naver portal in a day?
From searching to shopping and news,
the portal service is deeply integrated into our lives.
Yet, not many have visited the Naver headquarters in Bundang, Seongnam.
Entering the Naver headquarters might feel distant due to strict security.
However, I heard that there’s a space where anyone, including residents of Gyeonggi Province, can freely come and recharge their IT sensibilities.
So, I decided to visit.
The Connect Lounge is located on the 1st and 2nd floors of the Green Factory,
Naver Building, Jeongja-dong, Bundang, Seongnam.
After the NAVER LIBRARY, which operated since 2013, closed for renovations,
it reopened on February 3, 2025, under the name 'Connect Lounge.'
The Connect Lounge serves as a bridge connecting Naver to the outside world.
It is an 'open library' and cultural space that shares the values of technology and knowledge that Naver aims for.
Curious about the operating hours?
It's open on weekdays from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM,
but closed on weekends and holidays, so make sure to check!
It’s a perfect spot to visit during a weekday break or a leisurely afternoon.
Now, let’s officially introduce the Connect Lounge space.
Upon entering the first floor,
the impressive open space and high ceilings capture your attention.
Natural light pours in through the large windows,
creating a refreshing atmosphere without feeling cramped.
You can see residents working on laptops or engrossed in reading.
On the first floor, there’s a knowledge forest, 'Naver's Library,' and an 'IT/Design Archive.'
The large white staircase on the left adds a visual rhythm to the space,
feeling like a passage to the world of knowledge.
Naver's Library is filled with books recommended by Naver employees,
offering a glimpse into the thoughts and readings of those at the forefront of Korea's IT industry.
It impressively serves as a communication channel sharing Naver's philosophy and insights.
The bookshelves feature emotional phrases like,
'Reading is a gateway to a world of solitude' and 'A moment to become a philosopher,'
giving a sense of familiarity as if peering into someone’s private library.
As you stroll through the clean white shelves,
the short recommendations written on book covers feel like advice from a kind mentor.
The IT/Design Archive, an enormous bookshelf extending from the first to the second floor,
is a special archive space filled with knowledge accumulated by Naver over the past decade,
containing books selected by industry experts.
It is a treasure trove for professionals and students in related fields.
These are not just bestsellers; they are books that Naver employees have borrowed and read the most.
As you ascend to the second floor,
you'll find a cozier and more serene atmosphere.
Even on a weekday, many people were using the lounge.
The second floor features a focused area called 'Window Seats' and 'Naver Publication.'
The window reading area offers seats where you can focus on reading or working while looking out at the Bundang cityscape.
For cafe-goers or freelancers, it’s an ideal spot.
Naver's Publication showcases high-quality books published directly by Naver.
If you're curious about Naver's philosophy and behind-the-scenes stories,
this is a must-visit corner.
All books can be read only in the lounge and are not available for loan.
The Connect Lounge is special for two main reasons.
Firstly, all the bookshelves and books in the Connect Lounge are organized by Naver Hands employees with developmental disabilities.
In a cutting-edge building showcasing technology,
the sight of disabled and non-disabled individuals working together to cultivate the space
reminds us of the true meaning of 'connection' and 'coexistence' that the Connect Lounge embodies.
Secondly, you can directly experience Naver's advanced technology.
When you order coffee while reading a book,
Naver's autonomous delivery robot, 'Rookie,' delivers coffee throughout the lounge.
Experiencing a future where robots coexist with humans
in the heart of Gyeonggi Province is truly attractive.
The Connect Lounge is a cultural space that is open to residents of Gyeonggi Province.
If you're looking for unique inspiration in your ordinary life,
how about taking a 'knowledge walk' to the Bundang Naver headquarters this week on a weekday afternoon?
Address: Gyeonggi-do, Seongnam-si, Bundang-gu, Buljeong-ro 6, Green Factory 1-2F (875m from Jeongja Station Exit 3)
Operating Hours: Weekdays 09:30-19:30 (Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays)
Admission: Free
Parking: First 15 minutes free, then 500 won every 10 minutes, maximum 20,000 won per day.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/gyeonggi_gov/224212003027
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