Seoul Inwangsan Cafe “The Forest Small Bookstore”

December 21, 2023 1.2k Views

Inwangsan, located in the northwest of Seoul’s Seochon Village, boasts picturesque views. As a conveniently accessible mountain in the heart of Seoul with exceptional scenery, it has become a popular destination, even featured on various broadcasts with introductions by celebrities.

“Seoul Inwangsan Cafe, The Forest Small Bookstore”

On the midsection of Inwangsan, you can discover a unique cafe named the Small Bookstore. This cafe features an outdoor terrace, providing an opportunity to enjoy the views of Seoul. Whether appreciating the daytime scenery or admiring the night view, it’s an ideal spot.

From the terrace, you can see Seochon Village, Gwanghwamun area, and Namsan Tower through the trees. It’s a great place to spend a peaceful time.

“Cafe Remodeled from a 2019 Police Station”

The cafe’s name, Small Bookstore, has a straightforward reason. It was remodeled from a police station that guarded Inwangsan in 2019. However, the building wasn’t completely demolished; the existing reinforced concrete structure was preserved, but the closed-off interior space was transformed into an open structure.

The building is designed with a front-facing glass, providing a sense of openness. Thanks to this design, from any seat in the cafe, you can enjoy the panoramic cityscape. Recognizing this intention, the cafe received the 2020 Korean Public Architecture Award.

“A Place Harmonizing Indoor and Outdoor Spaces”

The cafe follows a bookstore concept. The first floor is adorned with bookshelves, creating a bookstore atmosphere. Simultaneously, it is arranged to facilitate ordering cafe menus. After placing an order on the first floor, visitors can spend time in their preferred spot.

Heading to the second floor, you’ll find another atmosphere. Large wooden tables are accompanied by tables near the windows, creating a cozy environment for reading or chatting.

However, the highlight is on the second-floor outdoor terrace. Here, you can enjoy the views of Seochon Village, Gwanghwamun area, and Namsan Tower. This is the perfect vantage point to fully appreciate the scenery of Inwangsan. Particularly, it’s a sought-after place to visit for viewing the evening sunset and city lights.

“How to Get to The Forest Small Bookstore”

While The Forest Small Bookstore is located on the slopes of Inwangsan, it fortunately sits along a major road with accessible traffic. If walking along the hiking trail, the path may be somewhat inconvenient, but it provides a quicker route. A more comfortable route involves taking the Suseongdong Valley and following the main road.

For those using buses, taking a village bus to Suseongdong Valley and walking or taking a bus to Yoon Dong-joo Literature Museum and walking is an option.

Taking a stroll along the forest path could add a different kind of enjoyment. In the midst of the fast-paced modern society, if you’re seeking a place to catch a breath and relax, The Forest Small Bookstore is worth recommending.

“Seochon Village, Seoul – The Forest Small Bookstore”