[Opinion] The Social Significance of Local Bookstores

On April 25th, the image of former President Moon Jae-in wearing an apron at ‘Pyeongsan Bookstore’ caused a stir online. As someone who loves bookstores, that sight was very heartwarming. With countless bookstores disappearing and new ones struggling to open, former President Moon Jae-in’s Pyeongsan Bookstore provided an opportunity to reflect on the meaning and potential of bookstores, which is something to be grateful for.

There is also some envy. Over the past 30 years, bookstores in the United States have undergone significant changes. In the late 1990s, large bookstore chains appeared everywhere. Around 2000, online bookstores emerged. As online bookstores gained explosive popularity, ironically, the large bookstore chains that once threatened neighborhood bookstores gradually declined, and in the 2010s, many bookstores rushed to close down. The rise of e-books accelerated the decline of bookstores even further.

However, an unexpected situation unfolded. People saddened by the news of their frequently visited neighborhood bookstores closing began sharing this on social media, sparking a trend of deliberately seeking out small local bookstores. Among millennials who were in their twenties at the time, a new type of book caf?, which sold books but was quite different from before, started to become popular.

As visits to bookstores continued, small bookstores began focusing on curation to differentiate themselves from online bookstores. Ten years later, bookstores transformed from an industry with no future into one cherished and protected by customers. Previously, bookstores were places to buy books, so location, size, and service were important. But as online bookstores grew, the location and size of bookstores lost their special significance. Instead, small neighborhood bookstores gained new social meaning. Bookstores became a realm of personal taste. Furthermore, attending reputable bookstore book talks became an excellent way to express oneself. The atmosphere is pleasant, and the individuality surpasses that of chain stores, making it even better. Therefore, helping favorite bookstores to endure depends on the personal satisfaction derived from them.

Neighborhood bookstores exist in the U.S. as well. They are similar in scale to Korean bookstores, emphasize curation, and align with the lifestyles of their visitors. However, they cannot be the same as Korean bookstores. Among Korean neighborhood bookstores, there are quite a few where strong communities have been built around books. Book talks are frequently held, and reading groups among readers are active. It is easy to see owners and regular customers engaging in casual conversations.

The communities formed through neighborhood bookstores are valuable assets not only to individuals but also at the regional level. Former President Moon Jae-in expressed hope that Pyeongsan Bookstore would contribute to the local economy. Book lovers often care about the local economy and frequently continue to spend near bookstores, so this is a very plausible idea. In contrast, U.S. neighborhood bookstores, which focus on realizing individual lifestyles, tend to emphasize the individual, making the space itself dry and uninteresting.

Running a small bookstore is not easy. However, Korean bookstores are gathering people and expanding communities through communication despite difficulties. These neighborhood bookstores are precisely the places that can restore lost solidarity with neighbors and create region-centered communities. Korean neighborhood bookstores are at the forefront of creating communities that have become necessary in this era. Although they are struggling, I want to cast a vote for the possibility that Korean neighborhood bookstores will prosper further. I also add my hope for more Pyeongsan Bookstores to emerge.

Robert Fauzer, Former Professor at Seoul National University

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