Published Date : Oct 25, 2019 / Edited Date : May 23, 2024
Unique Bookstores in Seoul
A new perspective on books
Unique Bookstores in Seoul
These days, bookstores aren’t just places for selling books anymore. Instead, they’ve been shifting and growing into something more, slowly becoming unique spaces where people can gather, relax, and escape the daily grind of the city. As the weather grows colder, come visit these unique Seoul bookstores to rest your weary soul and body.
#1 Check n Grow
A few minute walk from Exit 4 of Mapo Station will bring you to Chaegeulo, a book café with a great view of Hangang River. Equipped with a great river view, Chaegeulo, serving as both a cafe and a bookstore, is the perfect place to go for some peace and quiet. Also fully equipped with trending books, bestsellers, and hard-to-find really old books, this place is a famous hangout for bibliophiles and booklovers. Come escape the noise of the city and enjoy some leisure reading while watching the calming view of Hangang River.
Located in Itaewon, Blue Square Book Park is a cultural space and event venue originally created with the purpose to popularize basic science and act as an archive of valuable literary works to promote and open up more academic communication and exchanges. (Reference : Book Park official website)
Located inside Blue Square, Book Park is the perfect place to enjoy both books and delicious beverages. Because of how it’s located near the hip and trendy Itaewon, it’s also a perfect spot to add to your itinerary during your exploration of this area.
Editor’s Recommendation TIP!
A visit to the Book Park is not complete without a photo! Be sure to grab a selfie of yourself surrounded by books!
Address 2-3F, 294 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (Blue Square)
Like its name, Starfield Library is literally a field of twinkling lights and glass. The first library to be opened up inside a shopping mall, Starfield Library is also sometimes called the “library within the noise”. Although located within the very busy building of COEX, the library offers visitor a space of quiet, relaxation, and leisure.
A two story 2,800 square meter of space featuring over 70,000 books, visitors will have no trouble finding something to read during their visit here. The corner featuring 600 domestic and foreign magazines is a popular spot among visitors and is one of the main features that separate this particular library from other libraries.
Additionally, this place also acts as a venue for various lectures, mini-concert, and more, allowing visitors to enjoy a variety of cultural events within its premises.
Editor’s Recommendation TIP!
A place to enjoy both books and beverages regardless of the weather, Starfield Library is the perfect place to go for the true “reading entertainment” experience!
Address B1, 513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (COEX Mall)
Upon entering Book by Book, visitors will come upon a unique scene where people are enjoying their books with a beer. Just hearing the combination of words like books, coffee, and beer give us a sense of relaxation and a good time. Located in Gwanghwamun, Book by Book is a spot especially popular amongst businessmen working near the area.
Book by Book also offers book signing, book talk events, and one-day classes, allowing visitors to not only enjoy books but a variety of events as well.
Additionally, walking around the store and reading the book reviews left behind by actual readers is a fun way to pass the time.
After work, skip the normal chicken and beer and stop by to enjoy some book and beer instead.
Editor’s Recommendation TIP!
A place to enjoy both book and beer? That’s plenty enough reason to visit this place!
Address 1F, 5-19 Saemunan-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
본 코스는 보행약자(거동이 불편한 고령자, 장애인, 유모차 이용자 등)를 위한 코스입니다.
보호자를 동반하지 않을 시 이용이 불가능 합니다.※ 보행약자 1명당 보호자 최소 1인 이상 동반 ※ 전동보장구(전동휠체어, 전동스쿠터 등) 사용자의 경우 보호자 1인당 보행약자 최대 4인까지 동반 가능
희망하시는 날짜 및 코스에 활동가능한 해설사가 없는 경우 예약은 취소될 수 있습니다.
예약확인을 위해 도보관광 사무국(02-6925-0777)에서 확인 연락이 진행됩니다.(최소 5일~한달 전)3회 이상 전화통화가 이뤄지지 않을 시 예약이 취소될 수 있습니다.
해설 진행 시 발생하는 안전사고에 대해서 도보관광 사무국과 서울문화관광해설사는 책임을 지지 않습니다.
미세먼지 비상저감조치 발령 및 기타 기상악화(폭염, 태풍, 폭우 등)로 인해 도보관광 운영이 어려운 경우 모든 예약은 일괄 취소됩니다. (관광일 전날 기준)
Reservations must be made at least three days prior to the tour date.
Additional reservations, one or two days before the tour starts, are only allowed for the tour that is already fixed.
In the case of group tour, more than 10people, please contact us by e-mail.
Reservations for the following month are available from the 15th of the current month.
Please refrain from participating in any tour programs should you be experiencing any symptoms, including fever, coughing, congestion, muscle pain, stuffy nose, and/or sore throat.
Reservations for tourists 14 years & under without an accompanying adult or guardian shall be canceled on site.
All reservations will be canceled in the event of a weather warning being issued. (e.g. heatwave, typhoon, heavy rain, fine dust, etc.) (Cancellation will be processed immediately upon implementation)
※ Please always check the weather warning on the day of the reservation on the site below.
(https://www.accuweather.com/en/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)
The Seoul Guided Walking Tour administration office and tour guide affiliates are not responsible for any accidents that happen to occur during the tour program.
Reservation shall be made at least 1 week before the tour day.
The course is for tourists with mobility problems (Senior, people with disability, stroller user).
You may not use the course without an assistant (or companion) ※ At least one assistant shall accompany a tourist with mobility problem ※ In case of electric assisting device users (electric wheelchair, electric scooter users), one assistant may accompany up to 4 tourists with mobility problem
Reservation may be canceled when a guide is unavailable on the desired date and course.
Seoul Guided Walking Tour Office (02-6925-0777) will contact you to confirm reservation. (At least 5 days~1 month before tour day) Reservation may be canceled when Seoul Guided Walking Tour Office cannot reach you for more than 3 times.
Seoul Guided Walking Tour Office and Seoul culture and tourism guide are not liable for the safety accidents during the Seoul Guided Walking Tour.
All reservations will be canceled in the event of a weather warning being issued. (e.g. heatwave, typhoon, heavy rain, fine dust, etc.) (Cancellation will be processed immediately upon implementation)
※ Please always check the weather warning on the day of the reservation on the site below.
(https://www.accuweather.com/en/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)