Whether you’re a bookworm or an aesthetic curator, visiting one of the many unique bookstores has become a must-do when traveling to Seoul. In this blog, we’ll break down the top stores from iconic Insta-faves to hidden indie gems!
**Please note that opening hours are subject to change.
Iconic Seoul Bookstores
1. Coex Mall Starfield Library
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With a spacious area of 2800 m² and a 13-meter high bookshelf, Starfield Library in the middle of COEX Mall is easily Seoul’s most iconic bookstore. It offers over 50,000 books in a wide selection of books & magazines, arranged to aesthetic perfection. Visitors can read e-books with iPads, enjoy a book with coffee, and even admire various art installations.
Location｜B1, COEX Mall, 513, Yeongdongdae-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Kakao Map)
Subway Station｜Line 2 Samseong Station, Exit 5, 6/Line 9 Bongeunsa Station, Exit 1, 6, 7/ Line 7 Cheongdam Station, Exit 2
Opening Hours｜10:30 – 22:00, every day
[Recommended Nearby Attractions & Activities]
🐋 Get a Ticket for COEX Aquarium
🤸♀️ VAUNCE Trampoline Park Seoul Samseong Center Discount Ticket
🎤 K-pop Dance & Vocal Training 1 Day Class + Video Shooting Experience in Gangnam
🎵 K-pop Music Video Recording Experience (+ Dance Training) in Gangnam
BONUS: Starfield Library in Suwon
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The new Starfield Library in Suwon opened in 2024, & features an impressive public area that has quickly become a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Located within the Starfield Suwon Shopping Mall, this library is more than just a place to read; it is a cultural landmark that offers a serene and aesthetically pleasing environment. With its towering bookshelves, modern design, and extensive collection, the Starfield Library provides an exceptional experience for book lovers, students, and more!
Location｜4F, 175, Suseong-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do (Kakao Map)
Subway Station｜Line 1 Hwaseo Station, Exit 1
Opening Hours｜10:00 – 22:00, every day
[Hassle-free Ways to Get to Starfield Suwon from Seoul]
🛍️Suwon Hwaseong Fortress + Waujeongsa Temple + Starfield Library 1 Day Tour
🛍️Suwon Hwaseong Fortress + Haengnidan-gil Street + Starfield 1 Day Tour
🛍️Seohaerang Jebu Marine Cable Car + Starfield Suwon + Gwangmyeong Cave 1 Day Tour
🛍️Suwon Hwaseong Fortress + Gwangmyeong Cave + Starfield Suwon 1 Day Tour
2. Arc N Book
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The entrancing Arc N Book is located on the 4th floor at Lotte World Mall in Jamsil. Jamsil is also known to have a lot of famous attractions, such as Lotte World Theme Park, Lotte World Tower, Lotte World Aquarium, and Seokchon Lake Park.
Location｜4F, 300 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul (Kakao Map)
Subway Station｜Line 2 Jamsil Station, Exit 11
Opening Hours｜10:30 – 22:00, every day
[Recommended Nearby Attractions & Activities]
🎠 Lotte World Discount Ticket
🌇 Seoul Sky Observatory – Lotte World Tower Discount Ticket
🐠 Lotte World Theme Park & Aquarium Combo Discount Ticket
👩🎓 Korean School Uniform Rental near Lotte World
3. Book Park Lounge
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Book Park is nestled within Blue Square, a culture complex built by the Interpark Group to help advance the performing arts. It is a cozy place to stay and read, featuring a gallery, cafe, bookstore, and lecture halls. We promise you will be surprised by how tall the bookshelves are. It’s also well known as the filming location for popular K-dramas like ‘Chicago Typewriter’ and ‘Romance Is a Bonus Book.’
Location｜Seoul, Yongsan-gu, Hannam-dong, Itaewon-ro, 294 2F & 3F (Kakao Map)
Subway Station｜Line 6 Hangangjin Station, Exit 1, 2
Opening Hours｜11:30 – 21:00 (Last Order: 19:30 / Closed on Mondays)
Closed Days｜ Lunar New Year, Chuseok
[Recommended Nearby Attractions & Activities]
🍸 Seoul Nightlife Tour & Premium Pub Crawl in Itaewon/ Haebangchon/ Hongdae/ Gangnam
✨ Korean Traditional Mother-of-Pearl Lacquerware Craft Experience in Yongsan
📷 K-pop Concept Photoshoot near Itaewon
4. Kyobo Bookstore
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As the largest bookstore chain in Korea, Kyobo Books has always been popular with travelers. It has ten stores in seven cities, but most of the visitors visit the flagship store in Gwanghwamun. You can easily find whatever you are looking for through their electric system, and defintely cannot skip their stationery store!
Location｜1, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Kakao Map)
Subway Station｜Line 5 Gwanghwamun Station, Exit 4
Opening Hours｜09:30 – 22:00
Closed Days｜ Lunar New Year, Chuseok
[Recommended Nearby Attractions & Activities]
🛕 Korean Palace Tour
🚶 Seoul Walking Tour: Gyeonghuigung & Deoksugung Palace
✨ Must-Visit Spots 1 Day Tour (+ Interactive Busking Performance)
📸 Seoul Travel Snap Photoshoot (Day/Night)
5. Seoul Treasure Den for Books (Seoul Book Bogo)
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Operated by Seoul Metropolitan Library, the Seoul Treasure Den for Books (Seoul Book Bogo) is a cultural space featuring a secondhand bookstore, library, and cultural programs. Although once an empty warehouse, it’s now a beloved bookstore separated into four spaces for value, sharing, enjoyment, and experience. It has become even more popular since appearing in Hotel Del Luna as a filming location.
Location｜1, Ogeum-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea (Kakao Map)
Subway Station｜Line 2 Jamsillaru Station, Exit #1
Opening Hours｜11:00 am – 20:00 pm (Closed on Mondays)
Closed Days｜Monday, New Year’s Day, Lunar New Year, Chuseok
[Recommended Nearby Attractions & Activities]
🚢 Hangang River E-land Ferry Cruise (Day & Night) – from Yeouido/Jamsil
🎨 Acrylic Painting Class with Drinks in Jamsil
Local Bookstores
1. Your Mind
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A cult favorite in Mangwon, Your Mind is an indie bookstore and publisher that offers a curated selection of Korean and international zines, art books, and self-published works.
Location｜10-6 Yeonhui-ro 11-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul (Kakao Map)
Subway Station｜Line 2 Hongik University Station, Exit 4
Opening Hours｜13:00 – 20:00, every day except Tuesdays
[Recommended Nearby Attractions & Activities]
👨🍳 Authentic Korean Cooking Class with a Local Market Tour
💗 4 Kinds of Kimchi Making Class
✨ Hanji & Mother-of-Pearl Craft Experience
2. Booktique
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Tucked in one of Seoul’s hottest neighborhoods, Booktique specializes in independently published Korean books and runs a wide variety of literary events including book talks & book clubs. The minimalist interior is perfect for slow browsing & cozy reads.
Location｜9 Dokmak-ro 31-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul (Kakao Map)
Subway Station｜Line 2 Seongsu Station, Exit 4
Opening Hours｜14:00 – 23:00 Tuesday – Friday, 11:00 – 20:00 Sat & Sun
[Recommended Nearby Attractions & Activities]
🎨 Action Painting Experience
📸 odt.mode Self Photo Studio Experience
☕ Seoul Walking Tour: Seongsu-dong Cafes, Shopping, K-pop & Culture
3. Thanks Books
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Located in Hongdae, Thanks Books is popular among creatives and students for their rotating collection of contemporary art, design and photography books.
Location｜57-6 Yanghwa-ro 6-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul (Kakao Map)
Subway Station｜Line 2 Hapjeong Station, Exit 3
Opening Hours｜12:00 – 21:00 daily
[Recommended Nearby Attractions & Activities]
💍 Make Your Own Custom Ring/Bracelet/Necklace
💇♀️ OU Hair Design Hair Salon
💄 K-Beauty: 1 Day Makeup Class/Professional Makeup Service
We hope you find the stories (& vibes) you’re looking for at one of these great bookstores in Seoul! Don’t forget to check Trazy.com, Korea’s #1 Travel Shop, for the latest and trendiest things to do in South Korea.
[Photo Credits]
Starfield Library Official Site
Instagram of @dunaskwhotakesthephoto
For those who prefer small, cozy bookstores, there is a little locally owned one near Gireum station that I love going to. I always find something there. They have a great variety of used books in English. It’s called Sehwa’s English Bookstore. You can find it on Facebook if you need directions or more information. They are open every day (11am-9:30pm) except Tuesday.
Hi! I’m curious if these can all be visited in one day? 😅 Thanks!
Hello!
Yes, you could probably visit each spot in one day but it might be easier to separate them into two days based on location.
Thanks 😀