A book cafe where you can relax with a book with a cup of delicious coffee. We introduce nine book cafes in Seoul, a new type of cultural space that looks like a mix between a library and a cafe.
1. Cafe Komma
Cafe Komma is a book cafe operated by the publishing house Literary Neighborhood and has branches in Hapjeong, Donggyo, and Yeoksam. There are books from various literary neighborhoods, including the latest releases, and you can freely take them and read them. There are also seats for one person, so it’s a great place to work, and the Hapjeong branch has a beautiful window, terrace, and night view. They also focus on coffee and baked goods, and you can buy beans, single origin, drip bags, and cold brew at the store.
📍Hapjeong, 49, Poeun-ro, Mapo-gu (Naver map)
2. Bukpark Crown
The Book Park Crown is halfway between a library and a cafe. The bookshelves that extend to the ceiling are satisfyingly stacked with books. The soft lighting and tasteful interior make it easier to concentrate on the book, and there are hidden corners where you can sit alone. There is also a bookstore on the second floor where you can purchase books.
📍 Blue Square 3F, 294 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu (Naver map)
3. Dangin Library Power Station
Located in Mangwon-dong, Dangin Bookstore is more of a neighborhood bookstore. Of course, you can bring your own books to read here as well. Run by announcer Kim So-young, the store offers not only bestsellers but also a variety of curated books, so you can choose a book according to your taste. It’s also an unexpected cookie shop.
📍10-8, World Cup-ro 14-gil, Mapo-gu (Naver map)
4. Chagro
A view restaurant with a panoramic view of the Han River through the glass. Book cafe Chagro has two separate areas, one for those who want to read quietly and the other for those who want to chat. If you want to study quietly, head to the 9th floor, and if you want to chat with friends or enjoy the view of the Han River, head to the 8th or 6th floor’s Chagro Garden. Every Saturday morning, there is also a book club. You can read one of the announced book lists and discuss the book freely.
📍 31, Mapo-daero 4da-gil, Mapo-gu (Naver map)
5. Desire Book Cafe
Run by founder YouTuber Jachung, Desire Book Cafe aims to be an optimal environment for reading. It provides free wireless stands, reading tables, blankets, vitamins, earplugs, and hair ties. The books are divided into borrowable and for sale, and you can also find books recommended by Jachung and other staff members who have achieved economic freedom. The signature bulletproof coffee is buttery and strong. There’s also a rooftop on the third floor, and book talks and book clubs are often held here.
📍 45, Gangnam-daero 102-gil, Gangnam-gu, Gangnam-gu (Naver map)
6. Coffee Rang Library
Kaffirang Library is the ultimate space for Kagong people. There are various spaces designed for different purposes such as reading room, open, tunnel, window bar, and group study, so you can use it according to your needs. The way to use this place is a little different from other book cafes. For a fee of 4,000 won ($4) for two hours, you can use the Wi-Fi, get a free drink, and read any of the books available. Meeting rooms are also available by the hour. It is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for those who study all day and night. There are branches all over Seoul, including Gyodae, Banpo, Apgujeong, and Sejong University.
📍 Gyodae Station Branch, 4F, 35, Seochojungang-ro 24-gil, Seocho-gu (Naver map)
7. Literary Salon Chogo
Literary Salon Chogo is a book cafe where you can pair your reading with a drink. You can choose a cocktail named after a book and they will serve you the cocktail and the book, and their signature is a literary cocktail. They also sell wine, whiskey, and have a food menu. It’s more of a book bar than a book cafe, and book concerts are often held on weekends.
📍 30, Dokmak-ro 2-gil, Mapo-gu (Naver map)
8. The Forest Post Bookstore
Located at the foot of Inwangsan Mountain, The Forest Choso Bookstore was once a police post before being reborn as a book cafe. The view from the spacious terrace is especially beautiful, and thanks to the large windows, you can feel surrounded by nature no matter where you sit. It was awarded the 2021 Seoul Architecture Prize. A 10-minute walk away is Yoon Dongju Literature Center, so if you’re a literature lover, we recommend combining the two.
📍 172, Inwangsan-ro, Jongno-gu (Naver map)
9. Sojeon Seorim
Sojeon Seorim is a one-person book store that focuses on the essence of reading a book while sitting in a comfortable chair. There are seats and spaces for one person so that you can indulge in contemplation in Seorim, a forest of books. As a literary library, various programs such as book talks and tea parties are held here to encourage the reading of classic works.
📚 Watch an interview with the director of Seorim, Sojeon Seorim
📍23, Yeongdong-daero 138-gil, Gangnam-gu