Dongyang Bookstore (Korean: 동양서림; RR: Dongyang Seorim) is a historic bookstore in Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea.[1][2] It is one of the oldest active bookstores in Seoul,[3] having been founded in 1953. It is a designated Seoul Future Heritage.[1]
Native name | 동양서림 |
|---|---|
Romanized name | Dongyang Seorim |
| Industry | Bookstore |
| Founded | 1953 |
| Founder | Lee Sun-gyeong |
| Headquarters | 271-1 Changgyeonggung-ro, Hyehwa-dong, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea |
| Owner | Choi Su-yeong |
It was initially founded in Hyehwa-dong, before moving to its current location in 1954.[1] Its founder was Lee Sun-gyeong (이순경), the wife of painter Chang Ucchin and daughter of Yi Pyong-do.[3] 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).[1] By 2019, the younger Choi was still the CEO.[1][4] 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.[1]
The store has hosted author events with people such as Han Kang and Gu Byeong-mo.[4]
See also
edit- Tongmungwan – the oldest active bookstore in South Korea
- Itaewon Books – one of the oldest English-language bookstores in Seoul
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f 강, 성만 (2018-12-06). ""100년 서점 꿈 이루려 시 전문서점과 동거 결심했죠"". The Hankyoreh (in Korean). Retrieved 2024-10-20.
- ^ Jeong, Seong-Taek (2021-07-10). "Longings pile up in poet's bookstore". The Dong-A Ilbo. Retrieved 2024-10-20.
- ^ a b 임, 미나 (2018-11-20). 시집서점 '위트앤시니컬' 대학로 동양서림에 새 둥지. Yonhap News Agency (in Korean). Retrieved 2024-10-19.
- ^ a b 임, 지영 (2019-01-11). 혜화동 동양서림엔 특별한 서점이 있다. SisaIN (in Korean). Retrieved 2024-10-20.