Emily HollowayI just returned home from two weeks of solo travel across South Korea. It was the best vacation I’ve ever taken. The food, culture, and nature were unparalleled. For spending the majority of my time in the city, the trip was very relaxing and recharging. I made an effort to prioritize reading and journaling in fun, new locations. I’ve collected my favorite bookish spots created this list of things to do in Seoul – bookish edition. And if you haven’t prioritized South Korea on your list of destinations, maybe this will help convince you!
In addition, if you don’t have plans to travel to Seoul but still want to explore South Korean culture, check out my book recommendations by South Korean authors: Seoul Searching.
Starfield Library
06164 513, Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
The Mecca. I have obsessed over the Starfield library since I was a college sophomore and discovered it on Pinterest. When I tell you this place lives up to the hype, I am not exaggerating. It’s a fully functioning library in the middle of the COEX Mall, and tons of people take advantage of its services. I will reiterate the point that this is a library first, content location second. I’ve seen many people visit Korea and complain about how busy the location is. If you visit, please be respectful of the people utilizing the library’s offerings. You can read more about my bucket list trip to Starfield Library specifically here.
Itaewon Books
Seoul 208, Noksapyeong-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Itaewon Books has been around since 1973. It’s one of the oldest foreign bookstores in the city. Founded by a US military unit whose goal was to collect and deliver used books to servicemen, any remaining books were sold in the stall turned store. I have to say: the collection in Itaewon Books was better than a lot of used bookstores I’ve visited here in the states, and their prices were never more than $7 USD a book, depending on how recently it was released or how hard it was to come by in Seoul.
Grottocoffee
Gongdeok 9 Saechang-ro 4-gil, Dohwa-dong, Seoul
Seoul has become widely known for its café culture, and while I’m a huge fan of all the social media-friendly locations I visited, it was nice to relax in an off-the-beaten path Grottocoffee. The basement café is a perfect place to stop for their cold brew, which is served in a chilled stone mug, and their playlist is absolute fire.
Haeundae Beach
Haeundae-gu, Busan
Haeundae Beach might not be a bookish destination in theory, but in practice, it was one of my favorite places to decompress the entire trip. The beach is pristine! One of the cleanest I’ve ever been too, not overly crowded, soft sand, and tons of cafes and shops along the strip. Busan is easily and affordably accessible from Seoul: you can get a 2-hour express train for $30 USD one way.
Daeo Bookstore
03036 55 Jahamun-ro 7-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
The oldest bookstore in Seoul, Daeo Books has now been transformed into a café in an effort to maintain the integrity of the building. Purchase a coffee or tea before you can enter, but they’re no more than $3 USD per beverage and totally worth it. Located in Seochon Village, it’s become famous as a filming location for several TV shows and K-pop music videos. Daeo Books is also very close to Gyeongbokgung Palace, so you can check both out without having to walk a ton between locations!
Book Park Lounge
04399 294, Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Also located in Itaewon, Book Park Lounge couldn’t be a better place to relax and recharge in the middle of the day. Their entrance is stunning, truly. It’s very reminiscent of Starfield, with tons of books on display from floor to ceiling. You’ll have to pay an entrance fee upon arrival, which is the equivalent of a beverage from their café. There’s tons of comfortable seating and books you can rent for free.
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Emily Holloway
