Youngpoong Bookstore is a large-scale bookstore that can be found throughout South Korea, alongside Kyobo Book Centre. Currently, Kyobo Book Centre holds the top spot among domestic bookstores, with Youngpoong Bookstore closely following in pursuit. As a result, Youngpoong Bookstore’s main branch is also conveniently located near Kyobo Book Centre’s main branch in Gwanghwamun Square.
“Seoul Jonggak Station Bookstore, Youngpoong Bookstore Jongno Main Branch”
Youngpoong Bookstore first opened in Jongno in 1992. The Jongno Main Branch, located near Jonggak Station, is the flagship store of Youngpoong Bookstore. After undergoing a renewal in 2016, it transformed into a more sophisticated bookstore, utilizing the basement 1st and 2nd floors as store space, resulting in a considerably spacious operation.
“A Considerably Large Youngpoong Bookstore”
While Kyobo Book Centre has its main branch at Gwanghwamun Station, Youngpoong Bookstore’s main branch is located near Jonggak Station. Both of them boast considerable scale, with Youngpoong Bookstore utilizing the basement 1st and 2nd floors for its extensive space.
However, the basement 1st floor can be considered the main area, while the basement 2nd floor is used in conjunction with Uniqlo, with only some spaces designated for Youngpoong Bookstore. (Starbucks used to be located here, but it also withdrew due to the expiration of the contract.)
“A Large Bookstore That Pioneered the Sale of Comic Books”
Nowadays, it’s common for bookstores to sell comics, but until the 1990s, large bookstores refrained from handling and selling comic books. Youngpoong Bookstore’s Jongno Main Branch was the first large bookstore in South Korea to specialize in handling and selling comic books.
They even established a separate comic book section, bringing a breath of fresh air to the bookstore industry. Until the 1990s, comic books were prohibited from being handled and sold in large bookstores. However, with the active expansion of large bookstores starting in the 2000s, Youngpoong Bookstore was the first to embrace this change. This atmosphere contributed to Kyobo Book Centre, which had not handled comic books until then, also establishing a comic book section.
“Youngpoong Bookstore Online”
Like Kyobo Book Centre, Youngpoong Bookstore also operates an online bookstore. If you need any books, you can visit the website through the address below and place an order.
As a bookstore with a spacious area and a large collection of books, it maintains its status as the flagship store. Located near Jonggak Station Exit 5 or 6 on Subway Line 1, it has good accessibility. Even if you don’t necessarily intend to make a purchase, it’s a great place to visit occasionally to stay updated on the latest trends.
“Seoul Jonggak Station Bookstore, Youngpoong Bookstore Jongno Main Branch”
- Address: Basement 1st and 2nd Floors, Youngpoong Building, 41 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03188, South Korea
- Phone Number: 1522-2776
- Operating Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Website: http://www.ypbooks.co.kr/m_main.yp