3 minutes from Dongdaegu Station Exit 2, 90 minutes spent on the basement level of Simpel Bookstore
Simpel Bookstore is an independent bookstore and café located on the basement level of an alley opposite Dongdaegu Station and Shinsegae Department Store. Its official name is “Heart_place,” and it is known as a space that handles essays, independent publications, coloring books, and beverages together.
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The Role of the Dongdaegu Station Alley in the Official Name ‘Sim_place’
The registered name of Simple Bookstore is ‘Sim_place,’ which is explained in the Korea Tourism Organization’s introduction as meaning a place where the mind feels at ease. The name ‘Simple Bookstore’ (Simple-chaekbang) used on the signage is a shorthand name for this space.
It is located at B1, 4 Dongbu-ro 34-gil, Dong-gu, Daegu, within walking distance of the area around Dongdaegu Station and Shinsegae Department Store. Being close to Dongdaegu Station, where demand for Daegu Station, high-speed rail, and bus transfers converges, it is ideal for a short visit before or after long-distance travel.
Bookcases Composed of Approximately 90% Essays and Coloring Books
According to the Japanese introduction by the Korea Tourism Organization, about 90% of the books for sale are essays. It carries everything from publicly known books to independent publications, making it a more suitable collection for readers who prefer choosing from essays and small publications rather than searching through long lists by genre.
The introduction also mentions that coloring books and colored pencils are provided. Since the system allows for coloring activities immediately after purchasing a book, it is better to understand it as a space for books, drinks, and light work rather than just expecting quiet reading.
Visitor reviews and the Tourism Organization's introduction mention the presence of cats. However, since fixed information regarding contact with animals or standards for bringing pets is not confirmed, it is safer to check the Instagram announcements on the day of your visit if you have allergies or plan to bring a pet.
Tuesday–Sunday 12:00–21:00, Closed on Mondays
Based on published tourist information, operating hours are from Tuesday to Sunday, 12:00–21:00, and it is closed every Monday. It has also been introduced as closed on New Year's Day, Chuseok (Lunar Thanksgiving), and January 1st, so it is recommended not to depart based only on the regular operating schedule during holiday periods.
Admission is listed as free. You can enter without a separate ticket, but since it is both a bookstore and a cafe, the purchase of drinks, alcohol, books, and goods is optional. Prices and the daily menu should be checked on-site or via official Instagram announcements.
The representative inquiry number is 0507-1334-9513. For matters requiring same-day judgment, such as operational changes, venue rentals, or pet-related inquiries, it is better to check via phone or official Instagram DM.
3 Minutes from Dongdaegu Station Exit 2, Alley Opposite Shinsegae Department Store
Domestic guides from the Korea Tourism Organization state a 3-minute walk from Exit 2 of Dongdaegu Station, while the Japanese guide notes about 5 minutes. Since the actual time varies based on walking speed and signal wait times from the exit, allowing 3 to 5 minutes is reasonable.
The location is in the alley across from Shinsegae Department Store, and because it is on the first basement level (B1), it is easy to miss if you only look at the exterior of large buildings. Reviews mention a wooden standing sign in the alley next to 'Gogi-gubneun-namja' and the stairs leading to the basement as entry clues.
You can use Dongdaegu Station on Daegu Metro Line 1. If you arrive at Dongdaegu Station via KTX, SRT, or regular trains, the simplest way is to exit the station and head toward Exit 2. If you have heavy luggage, you should factor the need to go down basement stairs into your schedule.
The Choice of Using Dongdaegu Station Parking Without a Private Lot
Simple Bookstore is guided as having no private parking lot, and the Korea Tourism Organization suggests using the Dongdaegu Station parking lot. If visiting by car, it is more realistic to plan for a 3–5 minute walk after parking at the station rather than assuming you can stop in front of the bookstore or park in the alley.
As the stairs leading down to the first basement level are introduced as the primary entrance, accessibility may be limited for wheelchair and stroller users. Since there is no confirmed data on the availability of elevators or ramps, it is necessary to inquire at 0507-1334-9513 before visiting.
The availability of constant foreign language guidance is also not confirmed in public materials. However, if you save the address in Korean and enter 'Dongdaegu Station Exit 2' and 'Dongbu-ro 34-gil 4' into a map app, it will be easier to confirm the location with drivers or taxi operators.
A Bookstore and Beverage Route Planned for 60–90 Minutes After KTX Arrival
A recommended stay of about 60–90 minutes is appropriate, including choosing books and enjoying a drink. Since the available time may be short immediately after the 12:00 opening or before the 21:00 closing, it is better to arrive earlier than one hour before closing if you plan to browse books and have a drink.
Public reviews from 2023–2024 repeatedly mention the basement space, city pop atmosphere, and the enjoyment of books and drinks together. Conversely, if you are looking for a large cafe with natural light or quiet, library-style seating, you must take into account that it is an independent bookstore located in a basement.
Travel articles from the Daegu Tourism Organization have suggested a course including Suchang Youth Mansion, Daegu View Lounge, Simple Bookstore, and Cheongna Hill. However, since Simple Bookstore is in the Dongdaegu Station area and Cheongna Hill is in the Jung-gu area, it is more accurate to view it as a half-day itinerary involving the metro or taxis rather than a walking connection.
4 Things to Check on Instagram Announcements Just Before Visiting
The official online channel is the Instagram account 'sim_place,' and no separate official website was found. Even with the basic information of 12:00–21:00 hours and Monday closures, it is best to prioritize the latest announcements on this account for temporary closures, events, or holiday operations.
Before visiting, you should check for closures, the closing time for that day, availability of drink or alcohol orders, and guidance regarding cats and pets. In particular, January 1st, Lunar New Year's Day, and Chuseok Day have been noted as holidays in past tourist information, so confirmation is required before adding them to your schedule.
YouTube search results were not included as the tool could not return results due to quota limits. Instead, based on official tourist guides and recent reviews, we recommend a plan to stay for about an hour with light luggage after arriving at Dongdaegu Station.
Before You Go
- Address
- B1, 4 Dongbu-ro 34-gil, Dong-gu, Daegu
- Hours
- Tue–Sun 12:00–21:00
- Closed
- Every Monday, Lunar New Year's Day, Chuseok Day, January 1st (Based on past guides; checking announcements before visiting is recommended)
- Admission
- Free
- Phone
- 0507-1334-9513
- Official site
- https://www.instagram.com/sim_place/
- Transport
- Approx. 3–5 minutes walk from Exit 2 of Dongdaegu Station (Daegu Metro Line 1)
- Parking
- No private parking lot. Use Dongdaegu Station parking lot.
- Time needed
- 60–90 minutes
- Accessibility
- Introduced as having a B1 level staircase entrance. Advance inquiry required for wheelchairs, strollers, and foreign language guidance.
The above information is current as of the time of writing. Please check official guidance again before visiting.
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