Baoroddeul Seowon Gwangju Review 2026: Catholic Book & Gift Shop

If you're a Catholic living in or visiting Gwangju, South Korea, you absolutely must make time to visit Baoroddeul Seowon. It’s a truly special place that offers both spiritual nourishment and a chance to connect with local Catholic culture.

Baoroddeul Seowon Operating Hours

980 Sangmu-daero, Seo-gu, Gwangju (Within Catholic Lifelong Education Center)

Weekdays: 10:00 AM - 6:30 PM

Saturdays: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Sundays: Closed (Every Sunday)

Phone: 062-528-1004

I recently had some personal business at the Catholic Archdiocese of Gwangju. It was during this visit that I stumbled upon this hidden gem.

The Catholic Archdiocese of Gwangju complex houses both the Gwangju Catholic Lifelong Education Center and the Gwangju Catholic Cultural Center.

To find Baoroddeul Seowon, simply enter the building and head down to the first basement level. It’s easily accessible and well-marked.

Baoroddeul Book Cafe and the Seowon (bookstore/gift shop) are located together, creating a harmonious space. The Seowon offers a wide array of items, including books, CDs, DVDs, greeting cards, holy pictures, religious articles, and framed sacred art.

Inside Baoroddeul Seowon: A Peaceful Haven

With a lovely book cafe right there, you can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee while browsing through books. It's a perfect spot for quiet reflection.

Here’s a look at the counter area.

A general view of the interior of Baoroddeul Seowon.

Various religious articles are tastefully displayed throughout the space.

They even have a section dedicated to books perfect for gifting. Catholic-themed books are also neatly categorized by subject, making it easy to find what you're looking for.

You'll find beautiful handmade cards crafted by the Sisters of St. Paul. They make wonderful additions to any gift, adding a personal and heartfelt touch.

Religious Articles at Baoroddeul Seowon

Baoroddeul Seowon boasts a diverse collection of religious articles. I even spotted some lovely car crucifixes.

There was an impressive selection of beautiful Mass veil pouches. My wife’s seemed a bit old, so I decided to pick one up for her. The soft pink color with its understated elegance really caught my eye.

As I was taking photos, one of the Sisters approached me, curious about what I was doing. When I explained I was writing a blog post, she kindly asked me to capture the beauty of the place, which I happily did!

What truly left a lasting impression on me at Baoroddeul Seowon was the Prayer Postbox. Here, you can write down your prayers and place them in the postbox, and the Sisters will include them in their communal prayers. I took the opportunity to write a prayer for the spiritual and physical well-being and peace of my family, and placed it in the box.

Even though I’ve lived in Gwangju for years and have been part of a holy family for about seven years, I honestly hadn't had a reason to visit the Gwangju Archdiocese, and I only just discovered Baoroddeul Seowon in its basement. The term "Archdiocese" might sound a bit formal or intimidating, but Baoroddeul Seowon is open to everyone. Whether you want to enjoy a peaceful cup of tea or find a meaningful gift, I highly recommend stopping by. And with the unique Prayer Postbox where the Sisters pray along with you, it's an absolute must-visit for any Catholic living in or traveling to Gwangju. Peace be with you!