Kyobo Bookstore in Gwanghwamun

Kyobo Bookstore in Gwanghwamun - Main Entrance door

Kyobo Bookstore in Gwanghwamun

Kyobo Bookstore in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, is a cultural haven for anyone looking to immerse themselves in Korean literature's vibrant and diverse world.

If you're a bookworm, a language learner, or a casual reader, this iconic bookstore has something for everyone.

As you walk through the doors of Kyobo Bookstore, you'll be greeted by towering shelves of books with titles spanning every genre, from fiction and nonfiction to poetry and philosophy.

The books are arranged neatly and beautifully, with each section meticulously curated to cater to readers' needs and interests.

However, the Kyobo Bookstore is more than just a place to buy books. It's a bustling activity hub where people browse, read, and socialize.

As you go through the store, you'll see people of all ages engrossed in books, chatting with friends, or sipping coffee at the in-store café.

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Kyobo Bookstore in Gwanghwamun - Kyobo Life Assurance building (bookstore in the B1)

Kyobo Bookstore in Gwanghwamun - an ancient pavilion

For me, Kyobo Bookstore holds a special place in my heart. When I first arrived in Korea, I was eager to learn about the country and the language.

Kyobo Bookstore became my go-to place, where I would spend hours browsing books and studying Korean.

If you're ever in Seoul and looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle, Kyobo Bookstore in Gwanghwamun is a must-visit. With its vast collection of books, vibrant atmosphere, and welcoming staff, it's undoubtedly one of Korea's most beloved bookstores.

Kyobo Story

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Kyobo Bookstore, also known as Kyobo Mungo, is a famous bookstore chain in South Korea that has served the Korean reading community for over three decades.

Established in 1981, the Gwanghwamun main branch is located in the basement of the Kyobo Life Insurance Building.

The store underwent significant renovations in 1991 to expand its property underground to approximately 9,000 square meters, making it one of the largest bookstores in Korea.

The store is famous for its unique entrances, including a main entrance with the inscription: "People create books, and books create people."

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"People create books, and books create people"

Kyobo Bookstore is a paradise for book lovers. It houses around 2.3 million volumes, including a vast collection of Korean and international literature, academic books, and reference materials covering various topics.

In addition to books, there is an enormous collection of music CDs and DVDs, making it a one-stop shop for all kinds of entertainment (back then).

In 2003, Kyobo Bookstore opened its eighth location in Gangnam, which holds the record as the biggest bookstore in the nation.

In short, Kyobo Bookstore is a beloved institution in Korea that has become an essential part of the country's cultural landscape. It's an ideal place for book lovers to browse, relax, and discover new books and authors.

Great Features

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Kyobo Bookstore in Gwanghwamun - Statue of Yi Sun-sin

Kyobo Bookstore is a book lover's paradise, boasting extensive literature and specialty items catering to all interests and preferences. Whether you're looking for the latest bestsellers, classic novels, or niche reads, you can find what you're looking for here.

But that's not all—Kyobo Bookstore is also a great destination for families, with a fantastic choice of children's stories that will capture little ones' imaginations and keep them entertained for hours on end.

And if you're a fan of all things stationary, you won't be disappointed either! The store has a huge section filled with gadgets, paper, cards, pens, and other fun items that will make your heart skip a beat.

You'll find everything from cute and quirky designs to high-tech tools that will make your work and play more enjoyable.

For those interested in learning Korean, Kyobo Bookstore has a special section dedicated to Korean learners.

Here, you'll find textbooks, TOPIK practice papers, and other materials to help you improve your language skills and gain a deeper understanding of Korean culture.

Two Special Sections

The Gwanghwamun branch is a bookstore with two special sections named "Guseojae" and "Samhwanjae."

Guseojae is a section in the bookstore that showcases a diverse collection of books curated by professional "book masters." These books are selected based on their relevance, quality, and uniqueness.

This section is a great place to discover new and interesting books that you may not have encountered otherwise.

Samhwanjae is another special section in the bookstore that adds to the unique blend of culture and literature.

This section is also curated and features a carefully selected collection of books centered around cultural themes. The books in this section can give readers a deeper understanding of various cultures and their literature.

In short, these two special sections at the Gwanghwamun branch offer visitors a unique and enriching experience by showcasing a carefully curated collection of diverse and relevant books.

Kyobo Location Bonus

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Kyobo Bookstore in Gwanghwamun is in Kyobo Life Insurance building, which has cafes and restaurants on the basement and ground levels.

Located in the heart of Seoul's Gwanghwamun area, Kyobo Bookstore is ideal for travelers to explore and enjoy. The area is home to some of the best places a visitor could ask for.

The Gwanghwamun Square is a major attraction where you can find two statues of historical figures: King Sejong the Great, credited with creating the Korean alphabet (Hangeul), and Admiral Yi Sun-sin, who invented the battleship called "Turtle Ship."

In addition to the square, there are plenty of coffee shops, restaurants, museums, palaces, hotels, traditional Korean houses ('hanoks'), businesses, and shops selling traditional and modern items.

You can also enjoy sing-along sessions (noraebang or karaoke), tea shops, and other attractions closeby.

If you want to make the most of your visit, you can book guided tours and exciting activities, watch performances, and purchase tickets for museums, aquariums, and other events.

For book enthusiasts and families alike, Kyobo Bookstore in Gwanghwamun is a must-visit destination in Seoul! 📚

For more details, you can visit the official.

https://www.kyobobook.co.kr/

Thanks for dropping by. Have a great and memorable travel!

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