Daeo Bookstore

Daeo Book store is the oldest secondhand bookshop in Seoul, celebrating its 60th year in business since it was founded in Seochon way back in 1951. The ancient hanok where the elderly founding couple lived stretches into the interior of the bookshop and remains largely unchanged. When the elderly gentleman eventually passed away, his wife maintained the place alone until she put it up for rent several years ago, to the dismay of many. Finally, when the city of Seoul declared this bookstore a municipal heritage site last year, every last detail, from the blue door to the weathered shop sign, as well as the old books packed into their shelves, were safely assured their places by our side. The daughter of the elderly lady that ran the place until very recently has opened a small café next to the bookstore. This café isn’t run for profit, but for the upkeep and restoration of the bookstore. If you visit the low wooden bench, or "pyong-sang," in the bookstore garden, you might be lucky enough to spot the occasional "bench music concert."