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Experience the Joys of Reading and Drinking

A Journey of Books and Booze in Seoul

The emergence of bookstore pubs is the latest phenomenon in Seoul. It’s quite trendy these days in Seoul to undertake activities by yourself. Solo dining and drinking are on the rise, and the emergence of bookstore pubs matches the solo trend well. Bookstore pubs are more than just bookstores that sell alcoholic drinks, they are places of community and cultural spaces. Many bookstore pubs also host writers’ circles, hold film screenings, mini-concerts, and other artistic and cultural events. Young Koreans in their 20s and 30s are the most frequent patrons of bookstore pubs and now visitors to Seoul can learn more about the city’s most popular bookstore pubs.

 

Book Café by Day, Book Bar by Night

Tucked away in Hapjeong-dong's print shop alley, between the books and magazines is the popular book café Editorial Café B Plus. There is a wide range of printed material, from comics to novels, magazines, and more. This unassuming book café transforms into a book bar at night, replete with a disco ball. Though there are countless tomes here, most of the volumes are in Korean so non-Korean speakers may want to visit for the ambience and drinks rather than for the books. Café B Plus has imported beers, cocktails, and liquors of all kinds; Blue Moon and Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier (which has refreshing hints of banana) are two of the most popular beers at the café. There are many non-alcoholic alternatives as well, with the milk tea and dark chocolate brownies being especially well-known. A special twist on the milk tea that Café B Plus pioneered is ice cubes made of milk, which are then added to the tea. The dark chocolate brownie, made with imported Belgium chocolate is a great treat. Editorial Café B Plus is a must-visit for lovers of books and drinking.

Seogyo-dong's Quirky Cafés and Escape Rooms

The Seogyo-dong neighborhood is located near the famous youth mecca of Hongdae. The area is well-known for having many unique and exotic cafés. Relax in a massage chair and have a first class experience at an airplane café, play with Doraemon and Marvel superhero figurines, and use your brain to make an escape at one of Seoul’s escape rooms! Make memories and unwind at one of these quirky cafés in Seogyo-dong.

Books, Liquor, and Colorful Cultural Performances

Korea’s first bookstore pub, Book by Book is located in Sangam-dong. The bar is divided into two sections; section 1 functions as the bar and has mostly novels for sale. Section 2 has cultural books and vinyl records. There is a range of refreshing drinks and nibbles, everything from incredible craft beers from Spain, to organic doughnuts from Doughnut Plant NYC (DPNY). Additionally, there are regularly scheduled events at the bar. Every Monday, Thursday, and Friday, starting in the evening at about 8 p.m., there are mini concerts and writing circles held at the bar. Not only is Book by Book a great place to stop by for a drink and to browse books, it’s also an established cultural space in Seoul.

Explore Sangam-dong's Dining Scene

Sangam-dong is home to Korea’s largest broadcasting companies. Sangam-dong is also full of tasty eateries that offer a full range of dining options. Everything from steak, to Korean food, to more exotic fare can be found in Sangam-dong.

Have a Drink at This Cozy Neighborhood Bookstore

Yeomni-dong is a glimpse of old Seoul, and on Yeomni-dong’s Salt Road, there is a cozy neighborhood bookstore that is modern yet suits the area’s old-school atmosphere. Book & Pub is bursting with art books and unique publications from independent publishers. The energy at Book & Pub is very relaxed and welcoming; patrons are free to browse and have a drink. Choose from a range of imported beers and wines, and browse the unique books and publications on offer. This bookstore pub also has a weekly movie screening on Fridays.

Dining and Shopping at Yeomni-dong's Salt Road

Yeomni-dong’s Salt Road was once home to numerous salt merchants in Seoul, hence the road’s current name. The Salt Road today is lined with fun and interesting businesses of all kinds. The diverse range of shops and eateries makes the area perfect for exploration. Visit a dessert café, a fun flower shop, or a healthy bakery. Visit this hip little neighborhood and explore the many shops and restaurants the Salt Road has to offer.