Gyeongui Line Book Street

Gyeongui Line Book Street is a book-themed pedestrian street built on the site of a decommissioned section of the Gyeongui railway. Completed in October 2016, it was conceived as a modern revival of a late-18th-century tradition from King Jeongjo's reign, when the court used "chaekgado" (books-and-scholar's-accoutrements paintings) as a symbol of governing through literature and learning.

Starting at Exit 6 of Hongik University Station, the roughly 250m stretch is lined with six specialty bookstores — covering literature, travel, humanities, and art — interspersed with book-themed sculptures and installations. On 312 days out of the year (closed Mondays), the street hosts book exhibitions and sales alongside lectures, readings, author meet-and-greets, and hands-on programs.

Set against the lively backdrop of the Hongdae and Yeonnam-dong neighborhoods, it has become a quieter alternative to the area's busy commercial streets — a place for reading and unhurried walking.