Looking for a quiet place to read books or just sit and have some coffee? Visit Check Grow, a book cafe with a stunning view of the Han River in Seoul.
It’s been a long time since I went outside and now I’ve got some free time I made a plan to visit a place where I can say that I can relax. I’ve been stressed, exhausted, and lost interest in everything lately. That’s why I think I need some time to unwind and since it is summer here in Korea I cannot stand the hot weather so I choose an indoor place where I can fix my thoughts and get back on track.
While browsing on Naver, I saw this book cafe which has a beautiful view and it suits my taste. As you know, I love Seoul’s hidden gems. They are so pleasing to the eye and will give you refreshing thoughts after. Just like this Check Grow, a book cafe in Seoul.
There are a few things that you need to know about this cafe before visiting so please keep on reading.
5 Things to Know Before Visiting Check Grow Book Cafe
1. How to get here?
Check Grow (채그로) is located in the neighborhood of Mapo in Seoul which is 500 meters away from the subway station. You can take the Seoul Metro subway going to Mapo station which is Line 5 and take exit 4. Go straight passing the BBS building and Hanshin Officetel. Turn left at the Gangbyeon Hansin Koa Apartment. Then turn right, go straight and you’ll see the 채그로 building right away.
Address: 388-5 Mapo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
2. Food and drinks can be ordered on the 8th floor
Visitors can order food and drinks on the 8th floor before proceeding to the 6th and 9th floors. The book cafe has coffee, tea, and ade for drinks, pizza, salad and cake for food. Food and drinks range from 6000 to 21,000 won.
I actually ordered Honey Black Tea and Milk Crepe cake which costs me 17,000 won (750 in Philippine peso). I just think that the menu’s price is a bit expensive but since you can stay for a longer time and you can access different floors it’s quite worth it.
3. Multi-storey book cafe with different vibes on each floor
Reading a book and having some coffee with a view is such a perfect way to relax. Therefore, experiencing it in one place is so overwhelming. Check Grow is a multi-storey book cafe that is accessible to visitors from 9:30 in the morning to 8:00 in the evening.
8th & 9th floor: Lounge & Tasty Cafe
On the 8th floor, there’s a cafe where you can order food and drinks. On the right side, there are tables where reading, studying, and using phones are prohibited. These tables are only for those who want to enjoy their coffee and have some conversations.
When you straight, passed the cafe you’ll find a mini library where you take and read books for free. This space allows you to use a laptop and study.
On the 9th floor, there’s also a cafe when you enter but there’s a note that you need to order on the 8th floor. On the left side, there’s an open terrace which is perfect if the weather is not too hot or cold. There’s also a space near the cafe but it is too hot during summer.
Also, when you enter the mini-library on this floor, you need to take off your shoes. You are free to read books and study as long as you order some drinks.
6th floor: Garden Book Cafe
If you prefer a more quiet place with greeny motifs, the 6th floor is for you. Aside from the mini-library here, there are plants and flowers throughout the space. Of course, the view of the Han River is also amazing from here.
2nd floor: 마음 마루
The second floor has also the same setup as the 9th floor. You need to take off your shoes and wear the provided slippers before entering. The only difference is there are rooms available for those who want to have more quiet space for group meetings or group study which need a reservation before using.
4. A Book Cafe with a Han River view
Isn’t enjoyable to read books if there’s a nice view just like the Han River? Check Grow is such a good place to have a break from stress and relax your mind. There’s no other place like this that offers a lot of things all at once.
5. A Korean drama filming location
Aside from being a book and study cafe, Check Grow has been featured in Korean dramas like My Liberation Notes.
If you are also interested in second-hand books you can also visit Seoul Book Bogo. It is also one of the filming locations of Hotel Del Luna.
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사랑, Hyejin
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Blair Villanueva says
This café is not your typical boring café. This is definitely a café haven! I love the earthy and woody interior and the view outside its windows. Fabulous!
Fully Housewifed! (@fullyhousewifed) says
I’d probably be staying at the 8th floor a lot if this is near our place. We used to have something like this here…at Fully Booked near our place. They used to have an open starbucks on the 3rd floor and we can bring the books with us to read at the tables. But they put glass walls before the pandemic.
Wendyflor says
so beautiful!!! this is our first neighborhood before we transferred to Digital Media City, still in Mapo-gu. I love the woods interior.
toni A says
Wow. Fantastic view at night! A little bit expensive, but worth it to stay!