Ultimate Guide to Korean Book Stores English Sections 2026

Finding English-language reading material in Korea used to be a challenge akin to finding a decent bagel in 2010. However, the landscape has shifted dramatically. Whether you are a traveler looking for a bestseller to read on the KTX, a student hunting for academic texts, or an expat missing the smell of a Western bookstore, Seoul and major Korean cities now offer impressive options. You don't need to rely solely on expensive international shipping or Kindle downloads; the physical bookstore culture in Korea is thriving, and the English sections are larger than ever.

The short answer: Kyobo Book Centre in Gwanghwamun is the undisputed king of Korean book stores with an English section, boasting tens of thousands of titles. For cheaper options, Aladin Used Books offers English novels at 50-70% off retail prices.

The Titan: Kyobo Book Centre (Gwanghwamun Flagship)

If you only visit one bookstore in Korea, it must be the Kyobo Book Centre in Gwanghwamun. Located directly connected to Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5), this isn't just a store; it is a cultural institution. It is the largest bookstore in Korea and houses the most comprehensive "Foreign Books" section you will find on the peninsula.

The scale is staggering. The Gwanghwamun branch spans over 8,595 square meters (roughly 92,500 square feet). Upon entering the foreign book section (usually located to the right if entering from the subway), you are greeted by shelves that rival medium-sized bookstores in the United States or the UK.

What to Expect in the English Section

The selection here is not limited to just "Best Sellers" and "Classics."

• Fiction: A massive wall dedicated to contemporary fiction, sci-fi, fantasy, and romance. You will find the latest Booker Prize winners alongside Stephen King and Colleen Hoover.
• Non-Fiction: Extensive sections on business, history, self-help, and biographies.
• Korea-Related: This is crucial for travelers. They have an entire aisle dedicated to books about Korea in English—history, language learning, cookbooks, and travel guides.
• Magazines: They stock current issues of The New Yorker, Economist, Vogue, Monocle, and Kinfolk. Expect to pay a premium here; a magazine that costs $10 in the US might cost ₩18,000 ($13.50) here.

Pricing and Membership

Imported books are generally priced higher than in their country of origin. A paperback novel that retails for $16.00 in the US will likely have a sticker price of around 22,000 to ₩26,000. Hardcovers can range from 35,000 to ₩50,000.

However, Kyobo offers a "Baro Dream" (Right Now Dream) service via their app, which often gives a 10% discount, but it requires a Korean phone number and ARC (Alien Registration Card) to register fully. If you are a tourist, you will likely pay the sticker price.

The Contenders: Other Major Chains

While Kyobo Gwanghwamun is the gold standard, other major chains in Seoul have respectable English sections that are worth checking out, especially if you are in the Gangnam or COEX areas.

Bandi & Lunis (Shinsegae Department Store)

Located often within the Shinsegae Department Store ecosystem (like the massive one at the Express Bus Terminal, though locations shift), Bandi & Lunis offers a more curated, upscale vibe. Their English section is about 30% the size of Kyobo's, focusing heavily on design, fashion, and bestsellers. It is a great place to pick up a coffee table book or a gift.

Arc N Book (Euljiro & Jamsil)

Arc N Book is less about volume and more about the "Instagrammable" experience. The Euljiro branch features a stunning book tunnel made of actual books that has appeared in K-Dramas like Romance is a Bonus Book.

The English selection here is eclectic. You will find a lot of art books, Penguin Classics with beautiful covers, and high-end lifestyle magazines. It is not the place to go if you are looking for a specific obscure sci-fi title, but it is perfect for browsing.

• Average Coffee Price: 5,500 - ₩6,500 at the in-store cafe.
• Vibe: Vintage, Great Gatsby-esque, romantic.

If you are interested in how K-Dramas utilize these spaces, you might enjoy reading about behind-the-scenes K-Drama production tours which often feature locations like Arc N Book.

YP Books (Youngpoong Bookstore)

YP Books is the main competitor to Kyobo. Their COEX Mall branch and Jongno branch are the most significant. The Jongno branch is located very close to the Cheonggyecheon Stream. Their English section is functional and efficient. They often have better stock of English language learning materials (ELT) for those teaching English, as well as a solid selection of manga translated into English.

The Treasure Hunt: Second-Hand Bookstores

For travelers on a budget or expats living on a teacher's salary, paying ₩25,000 for a paperback is painful. Enter the glorious world of Korean used bookstores. The market leader here is Aladin.

Aladin Used Books (Multiple Locations)

Aladin has revolutionized the used book market in Korea. Their stores are clean, brightly lit, and computerized. They do not smell like dust and old paper; they smell like coffee and efficiency.

Major branches with good English sections include:

1. Aladin Jongno: Just down the street from YP Books. Huge English section in the back.
2. Aladin Gangnam: Located near Gangnam Station Exit 11.
3. Aladin Sinchon: Near Yonsei University, so it stocks a lot of English academic books and literature.

Pricing:

• Grade A (Like New): ~50-60% of retail price.
• Grade B: ~40-50% of retail price.
• Grade C: Can be as low as 2,000 - ₩3,000.

I once found a pristine hardcover copy of Haruki Murakami's 1Q84 (English translation) for ₩6,000 (approx $4.50). The thrill of the hunt is real.

Yes24 Used Stores

Similar to Aladin but slightly less ubiquitous. Their Mok-dong and Gangnam branches are excellent. They sometimes carry older, rarer English books that Aladin rejects. The layout is very industrial-chic, often converted from old factories or warehouses.

Independent and Specialty Bookstores

While the chains offer convenience, the soul of Korea's literary scene lies in its independent bookstores, or Dongne Chaekbang. For a deeper dive into this culture, check out our guide on exploring Korea independent bookstores.

Itaewon Foreign Bookstore

This is a legend. Operating in Itaewon since 1973, this cluttered, floor-to-ceiling stack of books is a landmark. It feels like stepping into a different era.

• Inventory: Everything from 1980s sci-fi paperbacks to used university textbooks and children's books.
• Organization: Chaotic. You have to dig.
• Price: Very cheap. You can find paperbacks for ₩3,000.
• Location: Near Noksapyeong Station, at the entrance to the Gyeongnidan-gil area.

Post Poetics (Hannam-dong)

Located in the trendy Hannam-dong district (near the Hyundai Card Music Library), Post Poetics is for the design crowd. They specialize in art, architecture, design, and photography books, mostly imported from Europe and the US.

• Price Range: High ($40 - $100+).
• Vibe: Minimalist, cool, quiet.

Storage Book and Film (Haebangchon)

While primarily Korean independent publications, they stock a selection of English zines and photography books. It's located in Haebangchon (HBC), a foreigner-friendly neighborhood. It’s tiny, intimate, and perfect for finding unique souvenirs that aren't mass-produced.

Libraries and Cultural Spaces

If you don't want to buy, but just want to read, Seoul's library infrastructure has improved massively.

Starfield Library (COEX Mall)

You have seen this on Instagram. The 13-meter tall bookshelves are iconic. While 90% of the books on the high shelves are essentially decoration (or props), the reachable shelves do contain magazines and books.

• English Content: Mostly foreign magazines (around 400 types) and iPads for e-reading.
• Warning: It is incredibly crowded with tourists taking photos. It is not a quiet place to study.

For a full guide on navigating this massive complex, refer to our COEX Mall complete shopping and dining guide.

Seoul Metropolitan Library (City Hall)

Located in the old City Hall building, this is a beautiful space. The "Global Data" section on the 4th floor holds over 50,000 foreign books.

• Access: Anyone can enter and read. To borrow, you need an ARC and proof of residence in Seoul.
• Hours: Closed Mondays.

Buying Online: The Delivery Culture

Sometimes you just can't find that specific niche history book in a physical store. Korea's e-commerce is lightning fast.

Coupang

The "Amazon of Korea." If you search for English book titles, you will find a surprising amount of inventory with "Rocket Delivery" (next-day arrival).

• Pros: Fast, convenient.
• Cons: Search engine works better in Korean; English titles can be hit or miss.

Gmarket Global

Accessible in English and accepts foreign credit cards easily. They have a partnership with Kyobo and Yes24, allowing you to search their databases through the Gmarket interface.

Amazon (US)

Amazon delivers to Korea, and shipping has become faster (usually 1-2 weeks). However, shipping costs can exceed the book price unless you buy in bulk.

• Free Shipping: Occasionally, Amazon offers free shipping to Korea on orders over $49 USD on eligible items. Keep an eye out for these promotions.

Korean Bookstore Culture & Etiquette

Visiting a Korean bookstore is different from the West. Here are some cultural nuances to be aware of:

Seoseo-dokseo (Standing Reading)

It is perfectly acceptable to stand and read a book for an extended period. In fact, Kyobo famously has a policy that staff should not pester people who are reading for hours. You will see people sitting on the floor in aisles (though this is slightly discouraged in high-traffic areas) or standing against shelves reading entire chapters.

The "Sample" Copy

Look for books marked "Sample" (견본). These are unwrapped and meant for browsing. If a book is shrink-wrapped, do not open it unless there is a sample copy available nearby. If you break the wrap, you are generally expected to buy it.

Quiet Zones

Koreans value silence in bookstores. It is treated almost like a library. Keep conversations to a whisper. If you are with children, ensure they are not running around, as this is frowned upon more strictly than in Western bookstores.

Practical Tips for the Book Hunter

1. Navigation Apps

Use Naver Map or KakaoMap to find these locations. Google Maps is often outdated in Korea. Search for "Kyobo Book Centre" or "Aladin Used Books" in these apps for precise walking directions.

2. Stationery Heaven

Every major Korean bookstore has an attached stationery section (Artbox, Hottracks, etc.). You might come for a book and leave with ₩50,000 worth of pens, stickers, and journals. This is a trap, but a delightful one.

3. ISBN Search

If you are looking for a specific textbook, search by ISBN on the bookstore's website (Kyobobook.co.kr) before you go. The Korean websites usually allow you to check stock levels at specific branches ("매장 재고/위치").

Best Areas for a Book Crawl

If you want to dedicate a day to book hunting, plan your route strategically.

Route 1: The Historical Center (Jongno)

• Start: Gwanghwamun Station.
• Stop 1: Kyobo Book Centre Gwanghwamun (The main event).
• Stop 2: Walk along Cheonggyecheon Stream to YP Books Jongno.
• Stop 3: Aladin Used Books Jongno (for bargains).
• Lunch: Nearby Insadong for traditional food.

Route 2: The Hipster Route (Itaewon/Hannam)

• Start: Noksapyeong Station.
• Stop 1: Itaewon Foreign Bookstore (Digging for gold).
• Stop 2: Walk towards Hangangjin Station to Post Poetics (Design books).
• Stop 3: Blue Square Book Park (Huge bookshelves, great for photos).
• Coffee: One of the many celebrity-owned cafes and restaurants in seoul in the Hannam area.

Conclusion

The narrative that "you can't find English books in Korea" is outdated. While you might pay a "convenience tax" on imported paperbacks, the sheer volume and quality of bookstores like Kyobo and Aladin make Seoul a fantastic city for bibliophiles. Whether you are hunting for a rare vintage paperback in Itaewon or picking up the latest bestseller in Gwanghwamun, the Korean bookstore experience is refined, efficient, and deeply integrated into the local culture.

So, grab your tote bag, download Naver Map, and get ready to lose a few hours (and a few thousand Won) in the aisles.