bookstores - The K-Saju

Kyobo Bookstore Seoul: The Underground City Koreans Go to Think (Part 2)

19/07/202618/07/2026 by Kam Su Jin

Illustrated view of Kyobo Bookstore Seoul — a woman walks into the vast floor as crowds browse quietly around her, humanities and bestsellers on either side.

This entry is part 2 of 5 in the series Just Read — Korean Reading Culture

Beneath Gwanghwamun’s busiest intersection, Kyobo Bookstore Seoul runs on a different frequency. Here’s why Koreans keep coming back — without a bag.

Korean Reading Culture: Why Bookstores Still Draw Crowds (Part 1)

18/07/2026 by Kam Su Jin

Illustrated Seoul bookstore scene — a woman browses the humanities shelves while others sit reading on the floor, a snapshot of Korean reading culture.

This entry is part 1 of 5 in the series Just Read — Korean Reading Culture

In Seoul, bookstores fill up every weekend — not with shoppers, but with readers. Here’s what Korean reading culture actually looks like, and why it endures.