Arc N Book
Libraries and bookstores have a mystical quality about them. As someone who loves the feel and sight of books, I get a warm fuzzy feeling browsing through shelves of books all day. Visiting libraries in Seoul is an experience that leaves me refreshed, much in the same way as a stroll through nature. They have really upped the game with their fabulous decor and interior designs that are bound to set any book lover’s heart ablaze.
Arc N Book is one of Seoul’s most popular Insta-famous bookstores. It has a lovely environment and historic architecture. It is both a bookstore and lifestyle space.
The Harry Potter-style book tunnel that greets you near the front entrance is easily recognizable and stunning! It also has a range of restaurants serving different cuisines from all over the world.
With four themes: Daily, Weekend, Style, and Inspiration, Arc N Book is an example of a themed bookstore in Seoul. You can find books on family, profession, and everyday living in the Daily section. The Weekend section featured hobbies, sports, and leisure activities. The Style area, on the other hand, provided a large selection of art and fashion. Lastly, the Inspiration section carries books on travel, history, and philosophy.
Arch N Book Address: 04523 29, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul Korean address: 서울 서대문구 연세로 13 현대 유플렉스 12F Operating Hours: 10:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Book Park is a mix of a bookstore, cafe, and art gallery. It was designed with the goal of creating an environment that is “as light and airy as reading in a park.” It is located at The Blue Square, a performing arts center in Itaewon.
It’s ideal for readers of all ages and is the perfect bookstore in Seoul if you are traveling with kids. Most of their books are of arts and science genres, with only a few exceptions.
Plus, you can find a café on each floor, including Holly’s Coffee. The best part is that with 200 seats available, there is ample space for you to read a book while sipping a cup of coffee. This is one of the best bookstores/libraries to visit in Seoul.
Book Park
Address: 3F, Blue Square, 294, Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Korean address: 서울 용산구 이태원로 294 블루스퀘어 3층 북파크라운지
Operating Hours: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
*Closed Mondays
The Starfield Library, located in the heart of Seoul’s Starfield COEX Mall, is one of Korea’s most popular attractions. Even though it isn’t really a bookshop, it is undoubtedly one of the most gorgeous photo op libraries in the world.
It’s most famous for its massive bookcase, which stands at a stunning 13 meters (43 feet) tall. The library is 2,800 square meters in size!
It’s always crowded, so if you’re hoping for a quiet spot to sit and relax or read this might not be the place for you. But if you are looking for a place to escape the rain, this library might save the day.
Starfield Library Address: 513, Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul Korean address: 서울 강남구 영동대로 513 스타필드 코엑스몰 B1 Operating Hours: 10:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Last on the list of the best libraries and bookstores to visit in Seoul is the Seoul book repository. It is the first public secondhand bookstore in Seoul. It boasts a remarkable interior with an industrial vibe and a 1,400 square meter footprint with shelves filled with over 120,000 books.
The Seoul book repository was converted from an old warehouse. It gets its books from other secondhand bookstores around the city. It is a great place to find interesting books that you can’t find anywhere else.
Seoul Book Repository Address: 1 Ogeum-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul Korean address: 서울 송파구 오금로 1 서울책보고 Operating Hours: 10:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Looking for more libraries and bookstores in Seoul? Don’t miss out on the Seoul Metropolitan library! Click Here to read all about it.
