How can I return public library books after closing time in Korea?
Consider a foreign resident in Ulsan whose work shift ends after the local public library closes. How can they check whether the library has an after-hours return box and whether books left there count as returned that day or the next opening day? If they borrowed an item with several parts, such as a language-learning book with a CD, should they ask staff before using the box?
1 Answer
Check the website of the library that issued your books, rather than assuming all libraries in Ulsan use the same return rules. Look for 이용안내 or 도서관 운영안내, then 무인반납기 or 도서반납함. Confirm the location, whether you can reach it after the building closes, and whether it accepts the type of item you borrowed.
For example, Ulsan Metropolitan Library's official operating guide lists an unattended return service at the first-floor side entrance. It also specifically says supplementary materials must be returned manually in the supplementary-materials box. That is guidance for this library, not necessarily for another local branch.
The guide does not state whether an after-hours deposit is credited to the deposit date or the next opening day. Before relying on the box near your due date, ask your own library: 야간에 반납함에 넣으면 반납일이 넣은 날인가요, 다음 개관일인가요? This means, “If I put a book in the return box at night, is the return date that day or the next opening day?” Also ask whether a book with a CD must be returned together at the desk or whether the CD goes into a separate box: 부록 CD가 있는 책은 어떻게 반납하나요?
Yes, ask staff before using the box for a multi-part item if the instructions are unclear. Keep all parts together until you know the correct procedure. After returning it, check your library account to confirm that both the book and any separately recorded supplement have been cleared; contact the library if anything still appears on loan.
Official operating guide: https://library.ulsan.go.kr/lib/lib/contents.do?mId=001005004000000000
Checked: 2026-10-21.