Historic bookstore in Seoul, South Korea
Dongyang BookstoreNative name | 동양서림 |
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| Dongyang Seorim |
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Industry | Bookstore |
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Founded | 1953; 72 years ago (1953) |
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Founder | Lee Sun-gyeong |
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Headquarters | 271-1 Changgyeonggung-ro, Hyehwa-dong, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea |
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Owner | Choi Su-yeong |
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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]
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
- Tongmungwan – the oldest active bookstore in South Korea
- Itaewon Books – one of the oldest English-language bookstores in Seoul
References
37°35′07″N 127°00′02″E / 37.5854°N 127.0005°E / 37.5854; 127.0005