What is more interesting for you to spend your free time: shopping at a big discount in the latest fashion boutique? Or having a good time in the park? Alternatively, to go to a bookstore? Of course, it is normal for many to choose the first or second option. The reason is that there are few modern bookstores in some developing countries.
The demand for bookstores in South Korea is different from ours. There are comfortable libraries and bookstores here, even in remote villages. There are also thousands of book publishers.
During my stay in Seoul, I decided to go to Kyobo, the largest bookstore chain in the country.
The company’s largest and most popular store is located in Gwanghwamun Plaza in Seoul. This large bookstore also serves as a library. You can read books at any time without buying them. Honestly, I really did not expect the store to be so crowded with visitors. It is difficult to describe my first impression of the store in one word.
A spacious, bright building, a colorful collection of books, a pleasant coffee smell, and various discounts – all of these are comfortable conditions created for visitors to become close friends with the book.
Even someone who does not like to read a book stays here for two to three hours.
Kyobo has vast amount of sections on various topics. This is why anyone can easily find literature in the genre of his or her choice. This place is a favorite place not only for adults but also for small children.
One of the main reason is that interesting works about the latest heroes can be found here. Plus, great themed toys and knowledge-intensive puzzles can also be purchased at a discount.
Another interesting aspect is that Kyobo offers bestsellers not only in Korean, but also in world languages.
Even the most well-known section among visitors and foreigners is the corner of literature in foreign languages. In addition, music albums, audio CDs, DVDs and stationery are also sold in the store. Mostly, all of the Kyobo Book stores have a same concept and you can find almost similar list of books in other Kyobo stores.
The Kyobo bookstore has a special area for parents to read books with their young children.
Koreans place great emphasis on developing children’s interest in books. For this reason, it has become a common tradition in many families to travel to libraries and bookstores on the weekends.
Students can also come here and study. Most importantly, you can pick up and read books at any time. You will not be charged for this.
If you have a special Kyobo membership card, more discounts will be given to books. You can also order the book you want. At the end, I would like to mention that Kyobo is not only bookstore chain in Korea. There are several others as well, where I would like to visit, explore, and compare. I hope that you will like to read about them.
Stay healthy and safe!
