Finding English books in Korea can be something of a challenge but where there is a will there is a way! Today, Iโm going to take you to a place that doesnโt just have an English section but is actually packed with English books from floor to ceiling! It is the Foreign Book Store which is conveniently located in Itaewon- the second home for all foreigners in Korea! Seriously, there canโt be a foreigner in Korea who hasnโt been to Itaewon which is great because it means that it wonโt be too difficult to find the bookstore. Read on to find more about this little English bookshop!
Letโs go find some English books in Korea
This quaint little shop is located at 533, Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul.
To get here from Seoul just hop on a bus from the Seoul Station Bus Transfer Center to Haebangchon. Once you reach Haebangchon walk for about 3 minutes until you see Foreign Book Store.
Welcome to Foreign Book Store!
Finally, its time to explore this little book heaven! First of all, what immediately hits you is how much stock they have! The owner has even placed racks and tables outside the shop to hold all the books. Letโs go inside!
At the entrance you will see a small board with timings. The store is usually open from 11 am to 8 pm on most days.
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Thatโs a whole lotta books!
See, this is what I was talking about when I said there are books from floor to ceiling! This is one hundred percent the spot for finding English books in Korea!
Literally almost all available space is taken up with books so you can buy English books to your heartโs desire here.
Here you can find books of almost all genres. They are roughly divided into classics, horror and crime sections but in reality the shop has something from all genres if you search hard enough. With so many options it is simply impossible not to find something that will interest you here.
I recommend coming here on a day when you have no other plans so that you can enjoy a long browsing session. Trust me, youโre gonna need some time to figure out all these packed shelves!
Plus, in this age of e-books it can be sweetly nostalgic smelling that musty paper smell of old books.
Are you always on the look out for more fun places to visit? Then make sure you hit this super cool Harry Potter themed cafรฉ in Seoul!
Absolute life-saver for all English book-lovers!
This place really is a life-saver because most of the other stores in town do not usually have an extensive English section but in this place you can find English books exclusively!
This is an absolute gem of a find for all foreigners living in Korea who miss reading English books! This is also a great option for Koreans who want to read more diverse English literature and polish up their English.
Great prices!
The great thing about this shop is that all these books are cheaper than most main-stream stores. Thatโs because a lot of these books are second-hand so you can get them at absolutely bargain prices. Thatโs probably why this store is so popular among foreigners because you donโt need to sell an arm and a leg to get some good books here!
But you have to admit that the owner keeps all the books in really good condition. They barely look second-hand!
Closing remarks
Iโd like to sign off here by saying that Foreign Book Store is a must-visit for anyone looking to stock up on English books without their pockets feeling the pinch. Plus, you can get all genres and subjects here so this place is kind of a one-stop solution to all your English book needs. So, the next time you are in Itaewon make sure you stop by and take some good books home.
