Where to go for foreign books in Seoul

July 7, 2018

For all you book lovers visiting or staying in Seoul, listed below are two bookstores that have a decent collection of books in English. As some of you know, it can be difficult to find bookstores with a huge selection of foreign books in non-English speaking countries. Luckily that is not a problem here in Seoul. For those on the hunt, make sure to check out these two bookshops for all your reading needs.

1. What the Book

What the Book is located in Itaewon, an area in Seoul that is popular with foreigners. Not only does the bookstore sell both new and old books in English, they also have a huge online selection. The website is easy to navigate and boasts over 1 million titles in every category.

What the Book claims to offer the cheapest English books in South Korea. They also have a match or beat the price guarantee. The staff here speak English so you don’t have to worry about potential communication difficulties. If you are visiting the store, it is located towards the end of the Antique Furniture Street which means that you also get to wander past some interesting shops selling old-fashioned furniture.

Address: 86 Bogwang-ro, Itaewon 1(il)-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
By subway: Line 6 to Itaewon Station, and take Exit 3
Opening Hours: 10am to 8 pm daily
Website: www.whatthebook.com

Used books section at What The Book located in Itaewon

I picked up Gravity’s Rainbow (used) for 6000 won and Golden Hill (new) for 14000 won

Bookshelves at What the Book selling both old and new books

2. Kyobo Bookstore

Kyobo bookstore is South Korea’s largest bookstore chain. The bookstore has a decent-sized foreign books section which includes books in English. If you are interested in Korean culture, history, and landmarks, the bookstore has plenty of books about Korea that are available in English. For anyone looking to learn Korean, they also offer plenty of beginners language books.

Located in an underground section near the exit of the station, the branch in Gwanghwamun is buzzing with people. You can also find all your accessory needs on the same level in case you were on the lookout for a new highlighter or some cute stickers of Shiba Inu—a popular dog breed here in Korea.

Address: 1, Jong-ro, Jungno-gu, Seoul
By subway: Line 5 to Gwanghwamun Station, and take Exit 3
Opening Hours: 9:30am to 10pm daily
Website: www.kyobobook.co.kr