Where to Buy English Books in Korea

Winter is coming in Korea and it’s a great time to snuggle up with a few new books. This past January I made a goal to read 35 books in 2014, and I can finally see the finish line! I’ve read 26 books so far, so that leaves 9 more to go in under 2 months. That’s a lot of reading, so I decided to order some new books to motivate me to reach my goal.

I ordered them from What the Book, the popular used book store in the Itaewon neighborhood of Seoul. Many of you have probably heard of or visited the store, but you may not know that you can also order books from their online store and have them delivered to you anywhere in Korea! Even if you’re looking for a specific book they don’t have, What the Book can order it for you online and send it to you.

So here’s my book haul! I was really excited to get them because I haven’t ordered new books in a long time, since getting my Kindle Fire.

1) The Walking Dead, Volume 4 & 5, by Robert Kirkman
I picked up used copies of Volumes 1-3 on a whim last time I was in the States. I’ve never really read comics or owned any, but since I enjoyed the show so much I decided to try it! I’ve loved reading them so far and am looking for recommendations of other comics or graphic novels! They can be in English, Korean, or French…so please let me know what I should pick up next.

2) Lean In for Graduates, by Sheryl Sandberg
The past couple years I’ve become a lot more aware of women’s issues, and have made a conscious effort to read more books by women authors. When this book first came out I knew I wanted to read it, but I was waiting to order a physical copy because some books you just want to hold. I got the newest edition for Graduates, because it contains the original edition as well as some additional essays! Excited to read this one.

3) The Graveyard Book, by Neil Gaiman
I ordered these books before Halloween, so I was in a horror/fantasy mood, and had this book recommended to me by several friends. I’ve been following him on Tumblr and I know him mostly through Amanda Palmer, one of my idols. Currently I’m reading Dracula by Bram Stoker, and I’ll read this one next. Who says Halloween has to end?

So if you’re new to Korea and you’re wondering how and where to get English books, I’ve made a video and compiled a list of some websites and bookstores that sell them!

Where to Buy English books in Korea!