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What is it like to surround yourself with books and search for the one that could change your life? You can find a bookstore that will help you do that in Seoul! Take a journey into a Seoul Book Bogo, the treasure trove of books!

Treasure hunting

What is Seoul Book Bogo?

On March 27, 2019, what was once an empty warehouse under Jamsil Railway Bridge reopened as a grand bookstore with over 13,000 used books. Operated by Seoul Metropolitan Library, Seoul Book Bogo, which means “a treasure trove of books,” sells around 120,000 consignment books from about 25 used bookstores that had lined Cheonggyecheon-ro for decades. The new store functions as a cultural complex that not only sells books but also offers specially curated book exhibitions, as well as a stylish café area wherevisitorscan order a beverage while reading. For K-drama fans, Seoul Book Bogo is a must-see spot as the space served as a backdrop for the hit Korean TV series “Hotel de Luna.”

Exploring by theme

Introduction to Seoul Book Bogo

Seoul Book Bogo houses five themed spaces. The most visible space, the “Space of Value,” is designed with elegant steel-framed bookshelves inspired by the idea of a bookworm. This space displays and sells around 120,000 used books, making it truly valuable. The “Space of Sharing” displays books donated by well-known people who sometimes give speeches at events. The “Space of Pleasure” is a space where visitors can collect, exhibit, or display unique, independently-created publications. Lastly, the “Space of Experience” is a space reserved for cultural programs such as lectures, book talks, book markets and more, while visitors can enjoy reading books over drinks at its adjacent book café.

Activities available

Information on Cultural Programs

Seoul Book Bogo is more than a store where visitors can read or buy books; it is a unique participatory space for citizens where visitors of all age groups can take part in various cultural programs and enjoy books.

As a way of connecting with local communities, the store operates programs in conjunction with kindergartens and elementary schools in the area. Programs organized at the store include book debates, book clubs, writing sessions, books recommended by famous people, humanity lectures, late-night reading sessions, and more.

In addition to book-related cultural programs, the store also offers special exhibitions featuring donated books, book talks, and concerts with authors, as well as book markets where visitors can buy or leisurely browse hard-to-find used books or independent publications.These programs do not require the purchase of a book to join, so why not come make memories at these events?

Getting the most of your visit

Useful Tips for Visitors

Here are tips on how you can make the most of Seoul Book Bogo, which combines the benefits of a library and a bookstore. Seoul Book Bogo neither accepts donations nor purchases used books directly from individual users. Used books can be purchased at the Used Books Sales Corner. Depending on the condition, used books are priced between KRW 2,000 (acceptable condition) and KRW 4,000 (very good condition). All books for sale can be purchased and picked up at the offline store only, since books are neither sold online nor delivered. Independent publications and donated books are not for sale but for reading only.

Photographing or taking content from any of the publications displayed at and/or owned by Seoul Book Bogo is considered an infringement of copyrights. To keep the space clean and functional, Seoul Book Bogo strictly prohibits bringing food and pets into the store and any acts that disrupt public order.