[Instagram Walk] Translator's Study - A Haven for Book Lovers... Can Love Also Be Translated?

Japanese Translator Park Sun-hyung
Recharged at a local bookstore during studies in Japan
"I think that's how my dream grew"

Arranged seats for a cozy, friendly atmosphere
Introduces lesser-known good books

Regulars help find new location after moving news
Customers even assist with the move

CEO Park Sun-hyung has provided desks so that customers can comfortably read books./Photo by Kim Ga-yeon katekim221@asiae.co.kr

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Gayeon] Discovering a new book is like receiving a gift. It allows one to open a book they didn’t even know existed and gain joy, comfort, or wisdom through words or phrases. This is why the number of ‘book addicts’ who seek out local bookstores like treasure hunts in search of unique charm is increasing. Considering the current trend where many people ignore books while buried in online content, this is quite surprising. The secret is surprisingly simple: these bookstores have the appeal of carrying books that don’t make it onto the shelves of large bookstores. ‘Beonyeokga-ui Seojae’ (Translator’s Library), located in Mapo-gu, Seoul, is a representative bookstore with such characteristics.

Exiting from Exit 1 of Mangwon Station on Subway Line 6 and walking about eight minutes, you reach a brown brick building facing a small park. On the first floor of this building, where you can glimpse a cozy and warm atmosphere through large windows on the wall, is Beonyeokga-ui Seojae, stocked with various original language books and translated works.

Park Seon-hyeong, a Japanese language translator and the owner, opened the bookstore on May 5, 2018, Children’s Day. Having worked in various roles from simultaneous interpreter to instructor and publishing editor, what led Park to become a bookstore owner? “Maybe because I lived in Japan when I was young, it feels like a second hometown to me. Every time I went to Japan, I recharged by visiting local bookstores. I also talked with bookstore owners about running a store, and that’s how I started dreaming about it.” “While working as an editor, I thought about trying publishing translation, so I decided to quit my job and open a bookstore.” It’s a life story that seems to have a reason why opening a bookstore was inevitable. He said, “Before starting the business, I decided on the name first and planned, ‘I want to create this kind of business.’ There was a book with the same title, so I contacted the publisher and confirmed there were no copyright issues,” revealing his meticulous personality.

True to its name, the bookstore specializes in translated books. “When I thought about ‘What books do translators read?’ translated books came to mind first. I also liked world literature and translated books since I was young and have read many.” He naturally explained the background of opening a specialty translated bookshop. He said, “I thought it would be good to introduce books I know well, and I also felt a sense of duty(?) to introduce hidden books and authors, so I decided to maintain that concept.”

The small bookshelf next to the checkout counter is filled with picture books.
Photo by Ga-yeon Kim katekim221@asiae.co.kr

Throughout the bookstore, Park’s thoughtful care for customers seems to be reflected. Books are arranged to be easily visible, and desks are provided so visitors can comfortably read and stay. Even when it’s just the bookstore owner and a customer, transactions are handled in a small space next to the counter to avoid any awkwardness or pressure. The feeling of a cozy, welcoming space encourages bibliophiles to keep coming back. Park said, “Sometimes when you visit a bookstore, there’s no seat, too many books are piled up, or you feel self-conscious if you’re too close to the owner.” “So here, if you have time, we encourage you to read and stay. I think that sincerity is conveyed, and it has become a space where everyone feels comfortable visiting.”

Perhaps because of this warm atmosphere, Park says he has formed strong bonds with customers. Moving from the original location to this place just one block away was all influenced by customers. He shared, “We moved to a slightly bigger place from the previous location. At that time, regulars sent me photos of available properties saying, ‘Don’t go far,’ and that was very touching.” He continued, “One person sent a photo of this place and said, ‘The windows here are similar to the previous place, so you could put the logo here as it is.’ Hearing that, I thought, ‘This is it!’ and decided to settle here.” Because of this, he said, “I started to feel this is not just my space but everyone’s space.” “Customers also helped with the move. I am immensely grateful to those who have been with me since the early days.”

Introducing lesser-known publishers every month through the 'Exhibition of the Month' is also a popular feature here. In November, an exhibition by 'Geurimchaek Gongjakso' will be held.
Photo by Kay Kim katekim221@asiae.co.kr

The bookstore sells books in various fields such as humanities, philosophy, art, and design from the Anglophone world, Japan, as well as the Middle East, Russia, and Africa. “There’s fun in finding hidden gem-like books,” he explained. Regarding the curation criteria, he said, “The first is ‘I want to introduce unknown books.’ Even among well-known authors, I introduce books I personally found interesting.” He added that he feels exhilaration when readers respond to books by famous authors that are not well known domestically.

In addition to books curated and read by Park himself, the ‘Exhibition of the Month’ for small and medium-sized publishers that are not widely known also attracts readers’ attention. In November, the ‘Picture Book Workshop’ exhibition is in full swing. Park said, “I hold the Exhibition of the Month to promote good books that are not well known or published by large publishers.” As a result, readers even come from other regions. He said, “I know how hard publishers work on their books, which are like their children, so I want to help in any way I can.” “Over the past year and a half, I have held exhibitions with 16 to 17 publishers and felt mutual gratitude.”

This place also hosts various events such as reading clubs, Japanese language classes, and translator relay talks. Ahead of December, Park is planning another exhibition gathering posters from the publishers who participated in the Exhibition of the Month. He also plans to hold a bazaar combined with a Potluck Party at the end of the year. Park said, “I plan to maintain this place as a space where people can share stories about life through books.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.