Best Bookstores in South Korea
Anytime you find yourself in South Korea there are bookshops you can visit for the best books you love reading. If you are in Seoul you can find lovely bookstores where you get enveloped by thousands of books perfect for those seeking moments of solitude and literary immersion. Here’s a list of the most captivating bookstores and cafes in Seoul.
Starfield Library Coex
Starfield Library is located in the heart of COEX Mall and has a captivating design with a towering 13-meter bookshelf adorning a spacious 2,800-square-meter atrium. This library offers a vast collection of 70,000 books across diverse genres, magazines, e-books, and even celebrity reads. Starfield Library is perfect for bibliophiles and students alike. It provides comfortable seating, power outlets, and even hosts book-themed events like author talks and literary concerts. You will definitely be happy to visit this place.
Seoul Chaekbogo
Seoul Chaekbogo is a city-run used bookstore in Songpa-gu. It features stunning arched tunnel bookshelves that would stop anyone in their tracks. They have a massive selection of books, from pre-loved finds and donated treasures to independent publications. They also host literary programs like exhibits, performances, and talks by authors and experts. It is one of the most sought-after bookstores in Korea.
Book Park Lounge
Book ParK Lounge is located on the third floor of Blue Square’s Book Park in Hannam-dong. It has over 3,000 titles, including recent releases, bestsellers, and celebrity or publisher picks. With ample natural light and lushious green views, the Book Park Lounge is a wonderful space to spend an afternoon with a captivating read. It has a wide range of titles that definitely include your choice books.
Songpa Book Museum
Songpa Book Museum is another major bookstore in Korea. This is Korea’s first public museum dedicated to the written word. Beyond permanent and special exhibitions exploring the history of books, the museum offers interactive experiences for book lovers. This museum itself is designed like a giant bookshelf, with ample spaces for reading, and interactive experiences like traditional bookbinding techniques in the museum’s studio. It has the right atmosphere for booklovers to enjoy their peace of mind for the time they spend in the edifice. Songpa Book Museum has visitors from across the world.
Kyobo Bookstore (Gwanghwamun Branch)
Kyobo Bookstore was founded in 1981 and has since grown to become the largest bookstore in Korea. It is a renowned chain of bookstores in South Korea, with its flagship store located in the bustling area of Gwanghwamun in Seoul. The flagship store in Gwanghwamun is a massive complex that spans multiple floors and offers an extensive selection of books, magazines, stationery, and other reading-related items. In this location there exists a significant collection of both Korean and international titles, making it a favorite destination for both locals and foreigners. In recognition of its cultural significance, Kyobo Bookstore in Gwanghwamun was honored as one of Seoul’s Future Heritage sites in 2022. This is one bookstore in Korea you would love to visit.
