Located near the famous BIFF Square in Busan, you can find “Nampo Bookstore,” also known as “Namfomun-go.” Once considered one of the two major local bookstores in downtown Busan alongside Moonwudang Bookstore, Nampo Bookstore underwent changes when Moonwudang shifted its focus to specialized maritime and map-related books due to financial difficulties. This resulted in a reduction in scale, and with Moonwudang relocating to Jungang-dong, Nampo Bookstore remains the only large-scale local bookstore in downtown Busan.
“Namfomun-go: A Central Local Bookstore in Downtown Busan”
Nampo Bookstore first opened its doors in the underground shopping area of Jagalchi Station in 1988. In 2000, it relocated to a building adjacent to Moonwudang Bookstore, expanding to above-ground premises. In 2001, it opened a book café on the second floor of the same building, solidifying its status as a major local bookstore.
In September 2018, it moved to a new building at 13 Junggu-ro, occupying the second and third floors, where it is currently located.
“A Neat and Inviting Atmosphere”
Nampo Bookstore is a two-story above-ground bookstore that still maintains a clean and inviting atmosphere. Although it hasn’t been long since its relocation, it continues to operate smoothly. While the old charm may have faded with the move, it remains an impressive bookstore firmly established as a local favorite.
On the second floor, you’ll find a variety of books including literature, children’s books, problem-solving books, comics, magazines, and puzzles. The third floor offers a selection of humanities, social sciences, arts, university textbooks, and exam preparation books.
“Perfect Spots for Reading by the Window”
At Nampo Bookstore, you can find open seats where you can enjoy reading. There are open seats by the windows on both the second and third floors. The second floor offers a slightly more open atmosphere, while the third floor exudes a quieter ambiance. With each area offering a different atmosphere, it’s a great place to choose a spot and enjoy a book.
However, it seemed that there were few people actually using the seats, possibly because nearby cafes like Starbucks now offer similar amenities.
Nampo Bookstore, with its rich history and tradition, is a bookstore with a strong presence near BIFF Square in Busan. While it has moved to a sophisticated new building, it remains a must-visit destination for book enthusiasts exploring Busan.
“Busan Nampo-dong: Nampo Bookstore”
- Address: 2nd and 3rd Floors, Seoam Building, 13 Junggu-ro, Jung-gu, Busan 48980
- Phone: 051-245-8911
- Operating Hours: 10:00 – 22:00