Check out three standout independent bookstores in Jeonju: Sosodang, Knowlg_Books Bookstore & Cafe, Well_Books.

Jeonju’s independent bookstores.
“Sosodang, Knowlg_Books Bookstore & Cafe, Well_Books.”

 

Welcome to the year 2025!
Just imagining time spent with a favorite book in a warm, comfortable space with a cup of hot tea makes you happy.
I plan to visit three unique and cozy independent bookstores in Deokjin-gu.

Are you curious about how independent bookstores in Jeonju operate?
Local independent bookstores offer more than just books; they host author meet-and-greets, book talks, and sell drinks and accessories to enhance your reading experience.

Independent bookstores in each region attract travelers with their unique appeal and play a crucial role in drawing tourists and energizing the local economy.
Let’s explore three notable independent bookstores in Deokjin-gu together!

| Jeonju Independent Bookstore – You’ll find yourself pausing at Sosodang.

Tucked inside a red brick building on the ground floor in Songcheon-dong alley, Sosodang catches your eye unexpectedly.
The well-organized books and accessories visible through the glass door create a welcoming atmosphere for all who visit.

The notion that small bookstores might be intimidating is a misconception held by those who have yet to experience the charm of independent bookstores.
Although the space is small, it feels entirely welcoming, with charming small decorations adding to the comfort.

It is often said that the usual customers of Sosodang, a Jeonju independent bookstore, are housewives accompanied by their children.

Sosodang offers a welcoming environment where children, led by mothers who have a fondness for picture books, can explore an array of wonderful picture books. The shopkeeper enhances the experience by recommending books related to the ones that catch their interest, making each visit engaging and interactive.

For those who prefer a tranquil reading environment and value personal choice, this bookstore provides a peaceful space. For visitors looking for recommendations, the shopkeeper shares insights from books they have read or those that are currently popular, assisting customers in making informed selections.

This establishment also functions as a cozy book cafe, ideal for enjoying a quiet cup of tea while diving into a book.

Bi-monthly on Mondays (second and fourth weeks), there is a reading group for books in their original language, and a monthly reading group focused on picture books to stimulate imagination meets every first Thursday at 10 AM.
If you are interested in participating, you can contact the Sosodang shopkeeper by text or via an Instagram DM.

 

| Jeonju Independent Bookstore – Knowlg_Books Bookstore & Cafe specializes in publishing books in the fields of humanities, social sciences, and sciences.

Located in Geumam-dong, Knowlg_Books is an independent bookstore created and operated by scholars, focusing on publishing works in humanities, social sciences, and sciences.

Knowlg_Books stands out among independent bookstores as one that not only sells but also publishes books in humanities, social sciences, and sciences.

At this bookstore, you can find titles such as “Herbs and Medicine, In Between,” “How Diseases are Created,” and “The Counterattack of Regional Culture, Facing Dangers.”

These books are also available for purchase online and at traditional bookstores.

In line with its scholarly origins, the bookstore predominantly stocks books in the fields of humanities, social sciences, and sciences.
If you have a strong interest in specialized topics, a visit to this bookstore would likely be worthwhile.

Knowlg_Books is managed by a team that works in close collaboration, and there is even a dedicated section for selling used books.
The joy of discovering a book you have long wanted to read and keep is akin to finding a hidden treasure.
This was the second bookstore I visited that specializes in humanities, social sciences, and sciences.

| Welcome to Well_Books, a Jeonju independent bookstore that provides empathy and comfort.

On days when you need a boost of courage or moments seeking solace, you’ll discover books and phrases here that empower and comfort.

This pursuit of offering support through literature is the core value at Well_Books.
Located near the Geumam 2-dong Community Center, Well_Books is on the way to the Geumam Library, which has been transformed into an open, creative library.

Upon entering, you’ll first be surprised by the unexpectedly spacious area, followed by the sight of shelves stocked with a wide variety of books.

Managed by a former copywriter, this bookstore offers more than the usual fare. It features everything from picture books for kids to comforting reads, economic texts, ecological books about forests, and accessible literature for middle and high school students.

The books are arranged thoughtfully, creating a welcoming and manageable space for visitors.
This bookstore is a place where visitors of all ages can find books that resonate with them, and next to these, the shopkeeper has written down comforting and empathetic quotes they want to share.
Just reading the featured quotes and books might make you wish you had more time.

Shopkeeper Lee Ji-sun is not just a provider of comfort and empathy through books; she is also a respected author of the book titled <Bookstore>, which discusses mature languages and their stories.
Since opening this independent bookstore in Jeonju in 2017, Ms. Lee has dreamed of becoming a ‘bookstore grandma’, connecting readers with authors through language and enriching their lives by reading picture books in a flavorful way, all while maintaining a bright smile.

If visiting with children, why not explore the ‘secret book’ at the Random Books Corner?
Choosing a book based on just a sentence from the ‘Secret Book’ corner is an exciting and nerve-wracking experience.

I believe that one of the best advantages of an independent bookstore is the meaningful conversations with the shopkeeper.
I hope you will take the opportunity to discuss common interests with other book lovers and enjoy the unique pleasure of discovering and sharing unusual books at the various independent bookstores across Jeonju.

 

Sosodang Jeonbuk State, Jeonju-si, Deokjin-gu, Songcheon-dong 1(il)-ga, 1F 115-12

Knowlg_Books Bookstore & Cafe  Jeonbuk State, Jeonju-si, Deokjin-gu, Gyeonhwonwanggung-ro, 279-1

The Well-cooked Languages
Jeonbuk State, Jeonju-si, Geobukbau-ro, 68-1