A book cafe where you can relax with a book with a cup of delicious coffee. We introduce eight 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 issues, and you can freely take them out to read. 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. Bookpark Crown
Bookpark Crown is halfway between a library and a cafe. The bookshelves reaching to the ceiling are satisfyingly stacked with books. The soft lighting and tasteful interior make it easy 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 Book Power Station 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 wide 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 where you can see 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 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 employees 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. Literary Salon Chogo
Literary Salon Chogo is a book cafe where you can pair your reading with a drink. Their signature is literary cocktails. You can choose a cocktail based on the title of the book and they will serve you the cocktail and the book. 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)
7. The Forest Post Bookstore
The Forest Choso Bookstore at the foot of Inwangsan Mountain used to be a police post and was reborn as a book cafe. The view from the large terrace is especially beautiful, and thanks to the windows, you can feel surrounded by nature no matter where you sit. It was awarded the Seoul Architecture Award. 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)
8. Sojeon Seorim
Sojeon Seorim is a one-person bookstore 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 (Naver map)