Top Qs
Timeline
Chat
Perspective
Dongyang Bookstore
Historic bookstore in Seoul, South Korea From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Remove ads
Dongyang Bookstore (Korean: 동양서림; RR: Dongyang Seorim) is a historic bookstore in Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea.[2][3] It is one of the oldest active bookstores in Seoul,[4] having been founded in 1953. It is a designated Seoul Future Heritage.[2]
It was initially located in Hyehwa-dong, before moving to its current location in 1954.[2] Its founder was Lee Sun-gyeong (이순경), the wife of painter Chang Ucchin and daughter of Yi Pyong-do.[4] She reportedly served as the breadwinner between her and her husband, through the business. In 1987, she handed off the business to her long-time employee Choi Ju-bo (최주보). In 2004, Choi handed the business off to her daughter, So-yeong (최소영).[2] By 2019, the younger Choi was still the CEO.[2][5] After the business was designated a Seoul Future Heritage in the 2010s, the Seoul Metropolitan Government provided funds for its renovation. The store was reportedly previously a cramped one-floor business that was packed with bookshelves. After the renovation, bookshelves were removed to make room for readers, and they began work on creating a cafe space for customers. A second floor was added, with bookshelves of poetry. They kept the original faded facade of the restaurant, in order to show that it was a historic and aged place.[2]
The store has hosted author events with people such as Han Kang and Gu Byeong-mo.[5]
Remove ads
See also
- Tongmungwan – the oldest active bookstore in South Korea
- Itaewon Books – one of the oldest English-language bookstores in Seoul
References
Wikiwand - on
Seamless Wikipedia browsing. On steroids.
Remove ads