Is Bosu Dong Book Street in Busan Worth Visiting? (History + Travel Tips)
Bosu Dong Book Street in Busan
Address: Bosudong 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Busan, South Korea
Address in Korean: 보수동 책방골목
If you’re new to Busan, check out my top places to visit in Busan and best Busan itinerary posts.
Bosu Dong Book Street (or shortened to Bosu Book Street) is a book street in Busan located in the Jung district, just north of the famous BIFF Square.
You know you’ll have reached Bosu Dong Book Street when you see stacks and piles of books everywhere.
When you walk further into Bosu Dong Book Street, you’ll find dozens of bookstores in several alleyways.
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Does Bosu Dong Book Street Only Sell Used Books?
You can find both used and new books at Bosu Book Street.
While the majority of books are in Korean, you’ll find some books in English, Japanese, and other languages.
The Interesting History of Bosu Dong Book Street
Bosu Dong Book Street was first started in the 1950’s when Busan became a temporary capital of Korea and a place for refugees to stay during the Korean War.
According to the informational sign posts at Bosu Book Street, this book alley in Busan was started by a refugee couple.
Refugees who brought books with them began selling their books at these book alleys.
Many books were also left behind by foreigners during the Korean War.
Bosu Dong Book Street Cafes
In-Aenbin Cafe
Just outside the statue of a person holding a pile of books near the book alleys is In-Aenbin Cafe.
Grab a tea or coffee while visiting Bosu Dong Book Street, and sit in one of the chairs looking out into the book alley.
브라운핸즈 보수점 (Brown Hands)
브라운핸즈 보수점 or Brown Hands is another cafe located within the Bosu Book Street area.
It’s a chain cafe that sells coffee, tea, ades, juices, and lattes.
The cafe is large and open-spaced with a rustic and antique charm that an old home has.
Note there is another Brown Hands cafe in Busan located in the Dong district. That is a different location.
How to Get to Bosu Dong Book Street
By Train
The closest train station to Bosu Book Street is the Jagalchi station next to BIFF Square, which is quite far if you walk.
I personally walked from BIFF Square, which took around 25 minutes. This was during the summer heat too, so bus is better here.
By Bus
Depending on where you’re coming from, there are plenty of buses that stop near Bosu Dong Book Street and are a 5-10 minute walk away.
Bus 81 stops right in front of Bosu Dong Book Street.
By Taxi
You can also take a taxi to the Bosu Book Street. Uber works in Busan if you don’t have the Kakao Taxi app, or don’t want to hail a taxi.
Should you Visit Bosu Dong Book Street?
Bosu Dong Book Street is a charming and unique site to visit while in Busan.
It’s not the largest place, but if you’re down to walk a bit from BIFF Square or are already in the area, it’s a great addition to a Busan itinerary.
If you love browsing books when you travel, Bosu Dong Book Street is perfect place to stop by.
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