Discover Daeo Bookstore: Seoul's Oldest Bookstore

Seoul is an old city and rich in history. Whether you go to museums, old-school restaurants or see landmarks of a time long past, it’s a good reminder that newer isn’t always better. And if you happen to be a bit of a bookworm, Daeo Bookstore is one of those old places that needs to be on your itinerary.

Daeo Bookstore is the oldest bookstore in Seoul, having been established back in 1951. Back when new books were rare, Daeo was where people came to trade old textbooks and other used books. Now, it operates mostly as a cafe and cultural space for various exhibitions and performances. Surprisingly enough, it has managed to remain unchanged over the years, maintaining its rustic charm amongst the other hanok in the area and gaining the attention of celebrities like IU and BTS’s Namjoon.

woman posing with overcrowded bookshelves

Like most cafes, everyone who visits has to order a drink. The cafe menu is simple with only 5 drinks to choose from, and the prices are a bit on the higher side, but proceeds do go into the upkeep and running of the bookstore. And what it lacks in menu, it more than makes up for in ambience. Although the original owners of the bookstore have long since moved out, the rooms where they used to live and their belongings remain. In fact, the entire cafe is filled with old family photos, vintage furniture, books and antiques giving you a glimpse into Korea’s past.

tray of coffee in lemonade set against the backdrop of a traditional korean interior

traditional interior of a korean hanok building

crowded bookshelves lining the entry to a korean hanok building

They even have a few books for sale along with some of their own personal merchandise, which makes for a super cute and memorable souvenir. Naturally, the bookstore has garnered the attention of international BTS ARMY so the owner actually made a “BTS Set,” which comes with a bookmark, 13 postcards, a pen and a set of memo cards with Namjoon’s signature on it.

memo pad with Rap Monster of BTS' signature

mother and daughter posing at the entrance to a hanok building with overcrowded bookshelves

signature of RM (Namjoon) of BTS next to overcrowded and faded books on a shelf

If you’re a fan of books or maybe just history, Daeo is certainly a wonderful place to spend an hour or so just exploring the nooks and crannies of countless bookshelves. And if you’re a fan of BTS, you can take in some history and spy Namjoon’s signature on one of the shelves.