[Report] "Like a 'comma' in daily life" The role of 'Sarangbang' shines... Popularity of 'Dongne Chaekbang'

Relaxed Tea Time and Savoring a Book
'20s·30s, 50s·60s' Gathered Together... Neighborhood Residents Join Reading Discussion
Book Manager's Explanation Adds 'Enjoyable Fun'

"I often visit because I can enjoy culture here."

On the 26th, Kim Yeon-ah (27), whom we met in Hyehwa-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, said she recently became interested in a bookstore in her neighborhood. Kim emphasized, "There are teachers who introduce books and you can get book recommendations, which is the best part." Another young person in their 20s, Choi Tae-yeon, said, "I occasionally visit neighborhood bookstores with friends. Society moves so fast, but in bookstores, you can feel like it's a 'pause,' which is nice."

A neighborhood bookstore located in an alley of a house in Hyehwa-dong, Seoul. Photo by Han Seunggon

The number of people visiting so-called neighborhood bookstores is increasing. It is said that not only the MZ generation in their 20s and 30s but also people in their 50s and 60s enjoy visiting them. It’s not just about buying books; people can participate in various gatherings such as reading discussions and have casual conversations with others who visit the bookstore, making it attractive. Multiple generations come together in one space, enjoying culture together.

As neighborhood bookstores have become popular, a website called 'Dongne Seojeom' (Neighborhood Bookstore) has emerged, providing information and locations of bookstores. It organizes and offers details such as the bookstore’s location and characteristics. In Hyehwa-dong, where we covered citizens’ reactions to neighborhood bookstores, there are about five or six bookstores. When you enter Hyehwa-ro 6-gil, you find a typical residential alley where a bookstore named 'OO Chaekdam' is located.

The owner we met that day, Lee Jae-ho (54), explained, "This bookstore has been operating for two years now. Many young people visit, and many elderly customers also come." He added, "(Since) the bookstore is located inside a residential area, many neighborhood residents also come."

Book manager Lee In-kyung said, "The bookstore serves functions beyond just selling books. Some neighborhood residents leave their umbrellas here, and since many elderly people live nearby, the owner sometimes helps hail a taxi for them." She continued, "Sometimes people leave their laundry here, and we do those things together at this bookstore (laughs)."

Book curation commonly seen in local bookstores. You can get book recommendations from the bookstore owner and ask various questions about the books. Photo by Han Seunggon

In fact, the reactions of those visiting neighborhood bookstores are not bad. Kim, in her 30s, who recently attended a bookstore discussion meeting, said, "Since it was a gathering with neighborhood residents, I felt comfortable. The biggest advantage is that you can come without any pressure." She emphasized, "Experts like book managers also participate, so it’s nice to be able to comfortably ask questions about authors or things you don’t know."

Ultimately, neighborhood bookstores can be seen as local cultural spaces based on books, going beyond just selling books. There are also various gatherings such as reading discussions, serving as places for communication among local residents.

Perhaps because of this, according to 'Dongne Seojeom,' which provides information about bookstores, the number of neighborhood bookstores nationwide increased from 283 in 2017 to 815 in 2022. The most common feature of neighborhood bookstores was 'bookstores with coffee and tea,' with 237 locations (29.1%). This was followed by independent publishing bookstores (21.0%) and curation (15.6%). More than 70% of bookstores held events such as reading meetings and reading discussions. It can be seen as a kind of 'cultural trend.'

Inside Dongyang Seorim. Photo by Han Seunggon

Following neighborhood bookstores, independent bookstores have recently been attracting young visitors as well. You can get book recommendations from the bookstore owner and get hints about the book’s content, making it fun to listen to book critiques. 'Dongyang Seorim' in Hyehwa-dong is also designated as a Seoul Future Heritage site. In 1953, the daughter of the late historian Lee Byung-do and the wife of the late painter Jang Uk-jin first opened a bookstore here at the Hyehwa-dong rotary. Currently, 'Dongyang Seorim' is operated by the third-generation owner after passing through the second generation.

Cultural critic Jung Deok-hyun said, "Young people are the 'internet generation' and are used to living independently, but at the same time, they have a strong desire to meet good people." He added, "(In that sense) these neighborhood bookstores allow conversations based on common interests, creating an atmosphere where people can be together." He continued, "As a result, it sometimes spreads like a kind of 'salon culture.' Ultimately, people who share tastes gather, do something special, and then share it with their acquaintances."

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