I often get asked what to see in Korea, where to go, what to eat, and so on. Many prefer non-touristy or unusual places. If you search for "top places to visit in Seoul" on Google or other search engines, you'll get royal palaces, shopping streets, museums, and so on. These are the most popular and touristy spots. But I want to share another spot. I want to tell you about a bookstore and give you 9 reasons why you should visit it :)
When you mention a bookstore to people, many think, "That's boring, it's just a place to buy books." In reality, bookstores in Korea are more than just places with books.
There are many bookstores. The most popular bookstore chain in Korea is Kyobo. They are in almost every district and they are usually quite large.
But I want to tell you about another bookstore - Arc N Book. It's in the heart of modern Seoul, in Lotteworld Mall. The store is much smaller than Kyobo stores, but that doesn't make it any less attractive or interesting.
So, why should you visit this bookstore?
Reason 1. See and read Korean books
In this store, you can find books by Korean authors or just books in Korean. You can also find textbooks to study the Korean language. Fans of Korean cuisine can find recipe books here too.
Reason 2. See and read foreign books
In addition to Korean books or books in Korean, the Arc N Book store also has books in foreign languages. Of course, there are more books in English, but there are also books in French, Spanish, Chinese, and others. There are also foreign books translated into Korean. You can read all these books in the store without having to buy them.
Reason 3. Enjoy the design and interior
The first thing that catches your eye when you enter the store is the interior. Specifically, a huge arch adorned with various books. And from the store's window, you have a beautiful view of a park with a lake.
Reason 4. Buy souvenirs
The store sells not only books but also various souvenirs from magnets and postcards to toys and accessories. So if you need memorable souvenirs from Korea, you can find them in the bookstore.
Reason 5. Buy stationery
The store shelves are filled with all kinds of stationery. And often there are stands with themed items. For example, notebooks, pens designed by artists, or in the style of popular cartoons.
Reason 6. Buy toys
In Korean bookstores, you can also buy children's toys. Although the selection is smaller than in specialized toy stores, you can find building sets, dolls, and cars here.
Reason 7. Have a coffee
If you're tired of reading or walking around the store, there's a café right there where you can take a break. You can enjoy a delicious pastry or coffee. And in some large Kyobo stores, there are even small restaurants where you can have a full meal.
Reason 8. Cool off in summer or warm up in winter
And of course, in the hot summer, you can cool off a bit in the store, and in the cold winter, you can warm up. It's especially convenient when you need to pass the time.
Reason 9. Shop, eat, and stroll
The store itself is located in one of the largest shopping centres in Korea. So there are many different shops, cafes, and restaurants here. Besides the bookstore, you can stroll around other establishments. And just across the road from this shopping centre, there is an amusement park. Although to visit the amusement park, you'll need a whole day to enjoy at least half of the rides. It's also the shopping centre where you can go up to the 123rd floor and enjoy the city view from a height of 555 meters.
So, what do you think? Would you like to visit the Arc N Book bookstore?