A Visit to the Kyobo Bookstore in Gwanghwamun: A Warm Time with Books in the Cold Winter
Kyobo Bookstore in Gwanghwamun: A Warm Haven in the City
In the cold winter where the temperature dropped to -10 degrees Celsius, I decided to visit the Kyobo Bookstore in Gwanghwamun seeking warmth during my lunchtime stroll. The Kyobo Bookstore, located near Gwanghwamun Plaza, is easily accessible, as it is directly connected to Exit 3 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5. I was able to forget the cold by spending time with books in the spacious and comfortable environment.
The Kyobo Bookstore in Gwanghwamun is a large bookstore with a single-floor layout and holds over 500,000 books. There are also book search kiosks and self-checkout counters available, so you can easily find the books you want and pay quickly. Especially because it's good to visit even for a short time during lunch breaks or after work, I often find myself coming here.
Introduction to January 2025 Bestsellers
During this visit, the popular books of January 2025 caught my eye. Works by author Han Kang were still being loved by many readers:
- 《Human Acts》: A representative work by Han Kang that delicately depicts the pain of Korean modern history, a consistently loved work for its touching story and deep message.
- 《The Vegetarian》: A novel that explores human inner conflict and freedom, which was the work that made Han Kang known worldwide.
-
《Impossibility of Farewell》:
A profound story dealing with loss and healing, the tranquil atmosphere of the displayed cover is enough to captivate you.
In addition to these, in the science section, interesting non-fiction books such as 《Cosmos》 and 《Incognito》 were also bestsellers. These books that stimulate scientific curiosity are consistently read and loved by a wide range of readers.
Special Section for Author Han Kang
Especially, a special section was set up to commemorate Han Kang's Nobel Prize in Literature. Not only her representative works, 《Human Acts》 and 《The Vegetarian》, but also her recent work 《Greek Lessons》 were available in one place. The display with a tranquil atmosphere was like a small exhibition, making it a space where you could experience her literary world extensively.
Han Kang's works, beyond their mere literary value, felt more meaningful in that they played a big role in making the depth of Korean literature known worldwide. This special section was a great opportunity for both her fans and new readers alike.
Things to Enjoy at Kyobo Bookstore
The Kyobo Bookstore is not just a place that sells books. They also sell stationery, music albums, and various gift items, adding cultural enjoyment. In the Hot Tracks section, I was able to browse trendy stationery and K-POP albums, and there were so many interesting things that time flew by.
Also, there are spaces inside the bookstore where you can sit and read books, allowing you to enjoy reading at your leisure. There are also Starbucks and its own cafe inside, making it a great place to relax while enjoying a warm cup of coffee with a book.
An Indoor Stroll Spot in Gwanghwamun
Gwanghwamun has many places where you can stroll leisurely indoors, such as art museums and museums, as well as bookstores. These spaces are especially attractive in the cold winter. Among them, I would like to recommend Kyobo Bookstore as a special place where you can experience culture and knowledge at the same time.
In addition, there are many historical and cultural attractions near the bookstore, such as Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, making it a fulfilling place to spend the day. It would be a good choice to spend a warm time with a book at the Kyobo Bookstore and then look around the nearby attractions.
Rediscovering the Need for Reading
Through this visit, I was able to feel the joy of reading again. Even in a busy daily life, time spent with a book allows me to find peace of mind. I made a commitment to visit bookstores more often and make reading a habit.
If you are looking for a warm place to spend time indoors near Gwanghwamun, Kyobo Bookstore is a place that you must visit. I hope the time spent with books will give you good inspiration!
