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 South Korea, read my South Korea travel guide and top places to visit in Busan for free.

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.

Some bookstores with seemingly impossible high stacks of books, to perfectly alphabetized book shelves.

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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.

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.

Use Google Maps or Kakao Map to find buses closer to you. Note that while Google Maps provides bus + walking routes for Busan, it does not give just walking routes.

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. Don’t rely on Uber however, as it’s not always widely-available in Busan.

Bosu Dong Book Street Cafes

In-Aenbin Cafe

Address: 127-1 Bosudong 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Busan, South Korea

Page: www.instagram.com/cafeinbusan_

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)

Address: 17-3 Chaekbanggolmok-gil, Jung-gu, Busan, South Korea

Address in Korean: 부산 중구 책방골목길 17-3 1층 (보수동1가)

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.

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 of sites, 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 a must site to visit in Busan.

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