5 Unique Bookstores in Seoul

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Index Shop - Between Seongsu and Konkuk University

[Sensuous Bookstore]

Enter the Common Ground building and go up to the 3rd floor to find the bookstore index shop. I came here thinking it was a book cafe, but it was a space that sold books and coffee. The reason why it is not a book cafe is because you have to buy a book, not a drink, to sit and read a book that has been printed. You don't have to buy the book, but if you want to read it without buying it, you can stand and read it. Instead, you can stand and read a book without ordering a drink. Personally, I was unfamiliar with Kyobo Bookstores and book cafes, so I was unfamiliar with this concept of bookstores.

Space is sensuous. As soon as you enter, you will forget that the exterior of this place was a blue container. The light and the white tone of the interior harmonize, giving you peace of mind. I also felt that there were different types of books. It may be the case only at the time I visited, but most of them were standing and reading books, but since there is no desk that can stand on their own, I naturally stand in front of the library and read, and it is regrettable that the structure creates an environment where it is difficult for other people to choose a book. Is this bookstore concept more profitable than a book cafe? I think I'll visit to read a book when my legs don't hurt.

Americano - 4500

#Common Ground 3F, 200 Achasan-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul

INDEX SHOP

Paid parking available

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Dohwa Books & Dohwa Apartment (@dohwa_apt ) - Mapo
(@dohwabooks)

[Locals and foreigners read books together]

The space I would like to introduce today is a building with an unusual exterior located next to Samsung Apartment in Dohwa-dong, Mapo-gu. In this space, locals and foreigners coexist. The entire building is run by a cafe called Dohwa Apartment. Orders can be placed in the basement. There is a cafe on the basement and first floors, a roasting room and cafe on the second floor, and a bookstore called #DohwaBooks on the third floor. If you order a drink, you can sit down and read a sample book.

Coffee is delicious as they run their own roastery. My favorite is cold brew. Personally, I like the cold brew here the most. Recently, coffee beans, capsules, dream bags, and cold brew undiluted solutions are also being sold through the smart store. I want to buy and sell. If it doesn't sell, it's better for me to eat it.

Dohwa Books on the 3rd floor is an independent bookstore that collects various fields from humanities to art books. I fell in love with the stories and books about the cities of Paris and London. There was also a book by Architect Hyeonjun Yoo, and I felt that he was very interested in the city and space as it is the only complex cultural space in Dohwa-dong. I know that they also play a role as a local community by holding reading groups and lectures, but I would like to participate if the time is right.

Recently, they also sell HACCP-certified bakeries, and I know that they opened a second store inside a hotel in Myeong-dong. Although it is an #independent bookstore and cafe in front of the house that only I want to know, we actively support growth and expansion because our city will only revive when there are more and more spaces like this. It is my hope that the Dohwa Company will successfully settle down as a single brand, like Able Coffee Group (Bean Brothers).

Americano - 4500

Dohwa Apartment, 27, Dohwa 2-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

no parking

#Mapo Cafe #Mapo Bookstore #Mapo Station Cafe #Reading Meeting #Book Cafe

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Nodeul Books - Yongsan

[Romantic Bookstore in the middle of the Han River]

Nodeulseom is an island located in the middle of the Han River between Yongsan and Noryangjin. Until the 1950s, it was called 'Jungjido' and was a cultural center loved by citizens, but it was reduced to a forgotten island after the Han River development plan in the 1960s and 1970s. While various plans and failures to revitalize Nodeul Island were repeated, in September 2019, Nodeul Island was renovated as a 'music-mediated cultural base'. However, with the corona virus in 2020, the live performance, which was an existing concept, became difficult, and Nodeul Island was forgotten in people's memories.

Nevertheless, Nodeulseom has visitors. Nodeulseo is the visitor. It is no exaggeration to say that more than half of the people who visit Nodeul Island have visited Nodeul Seoga. Nodeul Seoga is a quiet place on Nodeul Island where you can sit and even have books. It's not as big as the bookstores and book cafes I've introduced before, but it's the most comfortable place to stay. People who read, people who use laptops, people who are relaxing, etc. can use the space according to their own purpose. Although you cannot see the Han River from inside the bookstore, you can see the Han River at any time by walking outside the bookstore.

Parking is cheap (1,000 won for the first 30 minutes, 300 won for every 10 minutes), and there is a bus stop, so it is a good place to visit at least once in Seoul. In addition, various contents of #Nodeulseom will be introduced later.

Americano - 4500

445 Yangnyeong-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

#nodeulseoga

Parking available

#Bookstore #Seoul Bookstore #Reading group #Library #Yongsan Bookstore

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Chagro (@check_grow) - Mapo
[Han River View Book Cafe]
A space where you can read a book while looking at the Han River. Need any more words? After passing Mapo Station Exit 4, walk for about 10 minutes in the direction of the Han River and you will see the Chagro Building. There is a barbro that sells pot rice on the first floor, and the chagro is on the ninth floor. The drinks aren't cheap, but considering it's an entrance fee to a book cafe, it's worth the money.

There are many different types of books. It is a space where you can read and sell books, and even run a reading group. There are quite a few people enjoying their laptops or taking vlogs in a quiet atmosphere.

Personally, two to three hours pass by when I read a book, use my cell phone, use my laptop, have a drink, and admire the scenery outside. I am always grateful that a space like this exists in front of my house.

Americano - 6,000 won

31, Mapo-daero 4-da-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
#chagro