Wrapping my books in political propaganda? Deeply disrespectful. I was genuinely shocked and disturbed when I opened my package. I had ordered three books by author Yoo Si-min, known for his thoughtful and progressive commentary--only to find them wrapped in the cover page of a far-right political magazine, Weekly Chosun, bearing the headline: "A Country That Can't Call a Spy a Spy." This wasn't just random packaging. It felt like a deliberate political jab--a form of ideological mockery or provocation. I didn't order propaganda. I ordered literature, and I expected it to arrive with at least a basic level of neutrality and respect for the buyer. Using a highly charged, partisan publication as packing material--especially one with such inflammatory language--is offensive and unacceptable. Whether intentional or not, this kind of packaging sends a clear message of disrespect toward customers who may not share the sender's political views. I strongly urge the seller to reconsider their packaging practices and avoid pushing any political materials--explicitly or implicitly--onto their buyers. This experience was upsetting and entirely inappropriate. 한국책을 읽고 싶을 때 종종 이 서점의 온라인샵을 이용을 했고 이번에도 택을 몇권 주문헸는데 이번에 책을 받아든 순간, 말 그대로 충격을 받았습니다. 제가 주문한 책은 유시민 작가의 책 세권이였는데, 포장지로 사용된 것이 다름 아닌 극우 성향 정치 주간지 '주간조선'의 표지, 그것도 "스파이를 스파이라 부르지 못하는 나라" 같은 민감한 정치 선전 문구가 적힌 표지였습니다. 이건 단순한 재활용이 아니라, 정치적 조롱이자 구매자에 대한 명백한 무례로 받아들여질 수밖에 없습니다. 저는 책을 주문했지, 정치 메시지를 주문한 게 아닙니다. 특히 이런 식의 정치 성향이 강한 매체로 포장한 것은 구매자를 의도적으로 불쾌하게 만들거나 정치적 입장을 강요하려는 행동처럼 보입니다. 책을 포장하는 데 있어 최소한의 중립성과 존중은 지켜야 하지 않습니까? 다시는 이 판매자에게서 어떤 물건도 주문하고 싶지 않으며, 다른 구매자 분들도 이 점 유의하시길 바랍니다. read more

I went into find the recent novel prize author, Han Kang's books. Seeing so many of them written by this author, I politely said to the middle age woman sitting at the register if I could ask a question. Before I even got to ask my question half way, she cut me off. Then she had really demeaning tone to answer completely wrong thing trying to educate me on what I already know. I said that's not my question if you would let me finish then she said WHAT IS YOUR QUESTION THEN? Incredibly rude and argumentative voice, and had this bitchy, disrespectful face all over her. My jaw dropped and I just walked out. Wow. How does she even have a business if she has no clue on providing a decent service. Must be a very angry, sad and miserable person. I wouldn't go here. read more

Bandi Books - Bookstores Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I was walking by and saw this bookstore, decided to go in and see what books there were. Mostly Korean but some English books, very nice and quiet in there. I was able to sit down and read some books. The staff was nice, a little cozy spot. read more

Bandi Books US has been my go-to for placing orders for books in the Korean language. Their website is a bit outdated and slow, but it works. The pricing seems fair and they offer a large selection of books. There isn't a way to track your order once placed, but they arrive in a timely manner. Most recently, I placed an order on 3/26 and my books were at my door on 4/3. That's a fairly quick turnaround time given most books come from South Korea. I'd highly recommend Bandi Books for any Korean book needs. If you're having trouble searching on their website, you can give the bookstore a call. I've found them to be very kind and helpful. read more

Have a few elderly friends who enjoy Korean language books. Their inventory is vast, the service is always spot on and efficient. I am able to order books I have enjoyed in English in Korean translation. It's been awesome to be able to share them with my friends and discuss the books. A fabulous way to stay connected !! read more

They took my order and promptly processed and I got my book within 2 days. Thank you so much. read more

Before visiting, I called and asked if there was Red Hair Anne's Diary for 2022, but the person answering the phone was very unkind and said, "We don't sell such things." I don't want to go back again read more

This was my first time at Bandi Books, as they carried a textbook I needed. The owner and clerks I spoke with are very nice. The store is well organized and has a lot of cool book options in Korean and English, there is also children's books, stationary, music, and a handful of beauty products. And, there are discounts available for members! Worth it! I can't wait to go back and spend more time looking around. read more

From ordering to picking up was super efficient. Ordered my books on Wednesday and my order was ready on Monday afternoon. Bandi won my business. read more

Bandi Books - Sign from Olympic Bl - Bookstores Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I went to LA once a month, so ordered book to pick up at LA store to save shipping. Nonetheless they sent in mail and I paid the shipping. Ever since I went to the store if time allowed and that was the last to order on line. read more

I bought a few books from them some years ago in person. They were helpful about ordering lesser known titles for me and giving a bit of context to the books' receptions in Korea when I asked for it. They called me in a timely manner to follow up on my order once the books arrived and were ready for pick up. read more

This business has the worst website/online selling system. They can't do the simplest thing. I just wanted to reset my password because it stopped working. The guy who answers the calls told me he would send me the new password in the evening, but it never arrived. The next day, I called again and was told to check my email, but it was not there. This stupid game went on for a few days and I finally got a new password, and it did not work. The same guy says with a bad attitude that it should work, and checks the password which didn't go through. He says he would send a new one immediately. Not surprisingly, it never arrived. This guy lies about his ability to fix things and just blames it on the customers, lying that he clearly told me it would be sent later at night. It's time to leave this business and move on to another bookstore to shop at. read more

Their Prices for Books are Cheaper than Aladin Books which I used to purchase. So, I tried Bandi Books. But I am very disappointed with their shipping. All corner of books are damaged and dried too much, Book is not a Flat. This is Second time of bad experience with them. I don't recommend this book store. . . . , . . read more

I could buy almost Korean books even it was disconected. They were triying to help me. They found the used book from Korea. After 1 week, I got my favorite book!! Really, they are awesome!!!! read more

Bandi took over Aladin USA online Korean bookstore. 1. I have serious concerns about it's website. Basically old Microsoft Explore is only web browser working due to old/dated security and structure if you want to buy (which is secure process so any new web browsers, your security software will block the tractions) 2. Many books are sold out online and even with filtering you still get books not available even though they are recommended by Bandi books as popular or best sellers. 3. Slow shipping and if you have any issues contacting customer services, good luck. Some books I ordered we're available at that time but on shipping date they weren't. They decided to replace with other version or just decided not to ship. You will never know exactly how much was replacement book (again, I think this is related to #1 of my point, the system is a joke - not sure if this is due to Korean system and I am still concerned). I don't like that they can just replace with different version. Customer service responses are slow and if you are looking for to resolve issues, it's difficult. read more

I'm supposing the man who helped me is the owner. He was extremely knowledgeable about the kids books and adult Korean grammar and vocab books I was seeking. I'm a very happy customer! read more

I ordered $60 worth of books online on 4/03/2018. A $5 coupon for first time customers took care of the sales tax. Shipping was free and fast. The order arrived within the same week. Bandibooks slipped in a bookmark along with my books which I thought was a nice touch. Edit: The website (www.bandibookus.com) is a little bit wonky but don't let that prevent you from ordering from here. read more

Aladin has an online store. If you place your order online, you can elect to have them shipped or pick them up here or their two other locations in OC. My mom wanted to get some Korean books right away so we went here. As soon as we walked in, it was really stuffy in the bookstore and it smelled like chemical cleaners (like the ones used in restrooms at fastfood joints). It was June and it's LA... at least open the door for some ventilation or turn on the AC or something. My mom and I started looking around to locate the books my mom was looking for and I began to get light headed from the smell. Books were not hard to locate. They were well organized and their locations relatively intuitive. This is also a pretty new place so it was clean inside. Because it was so stuffy and smelled of harsh chemicals, you definitely can't hang out here like you would at a Barnes and Noble but we were not expecting that. Had it not been for the nasty woman working there, I would have given this place 3 stars. When we located the books my mom was looking for, we took it to the register and asked the woman how much they were. Usually, prices are not noted on the books so you have to ask how much they are. Different places have different formulas on calculating book prices so we aked her how much the books were. The price that she gave was different from their online price so my mom asked why. She seemed very irritated by the fact that we were questioning her. She angrily went on to her computer, snatched the book from us to look at the title. She then told us- it's out of stock (online). We already knew that and we were going to buy the book anyway... we were just curious why there was a difference between online and the brick and mortar store... we didn't launch a personal attack on you- chill. So I said, we just want to know why the prices are different (btw, it was only like a 10% difference so it was no big deal). She looked up bitterly and said, then buy it online. I honestly wanted to smack her for her rudeness. I wanted to leave and go somewhere else (seriuosly, there are so many bookstores in K-town) but we were there already so we got the book. As you can imagine, we won't be returning here. I'd rather go to the bookstore located in the Koreatown plaza (which has super awesome air conditioning albeit a bit crowded) or the Aladin on Western and 8th street (the lady who works there is super nice and helpful). read more

Huge selection of Korean books ranging from romance novels to children's math helpers. Nice interior, friendly & knowledgeable employees. I loved the pictures of people reading, going around all walls. read more