9 Recommended Independent Bookstores in Seoul, South Korea

Visiting independent bookstores is a delightful experience that offers a sense of discovery. Each store has its own unique atmosphere and carefully curated selection of books, making every visit special. Plus, you often find passionate staff who can recommend hidden gems, creating a personal connection to various fields. Here are 9 independent bookstores in Seoul we recommend. Save this and check them out! 

Bookshop Lisbon Porto (서점 리스본 & 포르투)

• 60, Seongmisan-ro 23-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
• Monday – Sunday 1 pm – 8 pm (Closed on Thursday)

Bookshop Lisbon Porto is in Yeonnam-dong. True to its name, this cozy bookstore features a photo of Porto, evoking memories of a vintage European bookstore. With wooden shelves filled with books, the atmosphere is inviting, and you can enjoy reading with a coffee at outdoor seating under blue-striped awnings. A unique feature is the ‘Birthday Books,’ which contain works by authors born on the same day as you—though the exact book remains a mystery until purchased, adding a delightful sense of intrigue.

Your-mind (유어마인드)

• 10-6, Yeonhui-ro 11ra-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
• Monday – Sunday 1 pm – 8 pm (Closed on Tuesday)

Your Mind is a cozy independent bookstore on the second floor of a house in Yeonhui-dong. It’s popular for its curated selection of independent books, including photo books, essays, poetry, and novels, as well as art and design books. Visitors can also find bookmarks, calendars, and stickers. Besides selling books, Your Mind publishes its own titles in illustration, comics, cooking, and photography, and offers merchandise like bags, socks, and pouches.

BOANBOOKS (보안책방)

• 2F, 33, Hyoja-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• Monday – Sunday 11 am – 7 pm

Boan1942, a multi-cultural space in Tongui-dong, includes Boan Bookstore on the second floor of the new building. The same building also houses Boan Club, Art Space, and Boan Stay. The bookstore offers a variety of books, focusing more on cultural and art magazines and posters rather than bestsellers. Large windows provide a view of the Gyeongbokgung Palace wall, creating an ideal setting for enjoying music and reading. It’s recommended to visit on a weekday for a more peaceful experience, as weekends can be quite crowded.

Onulbooks (책방오늘)

• 11, Jahamun-ro 6-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• Monday – Sunday 1 Pm – 7 pm

Onulbooks, which opened in 2018, recently relocated to Seochon and is now one of the prominent independent bookstores in Jongno. At Onulbooks, a “Seasonal Author” is selected each season, featuring not only their representative works but also other recommended books related to the author. With its charming interior and a selection of beautifully crafted books, Bookstore Today offers visitors an exceptional book experience.

Daeo Bookstore (대오서점)

• 55, Jahamun-ro 7-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• Monday – Sunday 12 pm – 9 pm

Daeo Bookstore, located in the old alleys of Seochon near Gyeongbokgung Station, is known for its aged exterior and has become famous as a filming location for a singer-songwriter IU’s ‘Flower Bookmark’ album jacket. The faded sign and old wooden sliding doors evoke a sense of history. Originally a second-hand bookstore, Daeo Bookstore now operates as a café and exhibition space. It’s a great place to visit when you’re nostalgic for the charm of traditional Korean-style bookstores.

Jinbubooks (진부책방스튜디오)

• 112, Jandari-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
• Mon/Tue/Wed: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Thu/Fri/Sat: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM

JinbuBooks Studio offers a unique experience where gentle music fills the space and books against the backdrop of large windows captivate the eye. Located near Mangwon Station, it’s ideal for reading, with stand lamps at each table for focused attention. You can enjoy aromatic coffee and high-quality music as well. Curated by a writer-turned-bookseller, the studio features poetry, novels, and essays, and hosts regular events like readings and book talks. For details on monthly offline events, check their Instagram.

I𝗻𝗱𝗲𝘅𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 (인덱스숍)

• Common Ground 3F, 200, Achasan-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul
• Monday – Sunday 11 am – 10 pm

Indexshop is a bookstore where you can enjoy a beer while reading. The space features neatly arranged bookshelves pushed against the walls to maximize seating, providing a spacious table where many can sit and read. You can come just to pick out books, or if you have several you’d like to explore, you can order coffee, juice, or beer and read while you’re there.

Notjust books (낫저스트북스)

• 3F, 44, Seoulsup-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
• Monday – Sunday 11 am – 8 pm (Closed on Tuesday)

Natjust Books is a bookstore where a dog named Sundol resides. It offers a range of used and new books, as well as independent publications. Uniquely, you can find dog-themed grip talk accessories and postcards here, with proceeds donated to animal shelters. The store features a collection of calming books, including essays, poetry, and independent magazines. It’s a great place to find a thoughtful gift for a friend who loves sentimental and emotional reads.

Irasun (이라선)

• 30-11, Bukchon-ro 1-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• Monday – Sunday 1 Pm – 7 pm (Closed on Monday, Sunday)

Irasun is a specialized bookstore in Anguk-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, known for its quiet and pleasant neighborhood. It offers a diverse range of photo books, from rare first editions and out-of-print volumes to newly published works, making it a unique independent bookstore. Each month, Irasun hosts a book talk focusing on significant photo books related to the history of photography, aiming to raise awareness of their value.

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