Boxing Day Sale is live! Up to 20% off 2000+ Books

Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop

The heart-warming Korean sensation
3.91 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating.
( 73,225 ratings, 13,819 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-reum is a heartwarming tale set in a quaint South Korean bookshop where the lives of its visitors and staff intertwine. The narrative explores themes of healing and connection, as customers discover books that help them navigate personal struggles and forge new relationships. It's a charming exploration of how books can enrich lives and bring people together.
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$3699
AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 3-4 weeks

Found a better price? Request a price match

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you are drawn to heartfelt stories featuring a close-knit community, where personal growth and friendship entwine amidst the quaint charm of a neighbourhood bookshop. Set against the current Korean landscape, it offers a touching exploration of human connections and the transformative power of books.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

AN INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER
WATERSTONES BEST FICTION BOOKS OF 2023 PICK
WOMAN & HOME NOVEMBER BOOK OF THE MONTH
iPaper TOP FICTION PICK

'An absolutely charming novel that all bookworms will adore' – Red

'A balm for the soul and a glorious love letter to books and reading'iPaper

There was only one thing on her mind.

'I must start a bookshop.'

Yeongju did everything she was supposed to do: go to university, marry a decent man, get a respectable job. Then it all fell apart. Burned out, Yeongju abandons her old life, quits her high-flying career, and follows her dream. She opens a bookshop.

In a quaint neighbourhood in Seoul, surrounded by books, Yeongju and her customers take refuge. From the lonely barista to the unhappily married coffee roaster, and the writer who sees something special in Yeongju – they all have disappointments in their past. The Hyunam-dong Bookshop becomes the place where they all learn how to truly live.

A heart-warming story about finding comfort and acceptance in your life – and the healing power of books.

'Delightful, reflective and heart-warming'Woman's Weekly

'Profound and healing … a beautiful story at its heart'Woman & Home

'An incredibly exciting debut novel. At once gentle and invigorating. I devoured it' – Sarah Crossan, author of Here is the Beehive

Reader Reviews:

'Love love love this book! Cosy, heart warming, wholesome...Will be recommending this to everyone. It makes me smile when I think about it!'

'Such a beautiful book, I adored the story and characters. The writing style was gorgeous. 100% recommend.'

'A love letter to books, bookshops and all who love them'

'Such a warm and cosy read! Was completely here for it...and the appreciation for books was magical'

'A heart-warming cosy read that makes you think about how important it is to be happy, and that we can all find a place to call “home”.'

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop is praised for being a profound and healing story with a beautiful essence that captivates readers. The novel is seen as a gentle but invigorating debut, and it is described as both a balm for the soul and a love letter to books and reading. It is celebrated for its sentimentality and the sense of community it portrays, bringing comfort through the small things in life. Readers highlight its charm and warmth, making it a delightful reflection on the joy and solace found in books.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781526666635

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 26 October 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Contributors:

  • Translated by Shanna Tan
  • Translated by Shanna Tan

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 153.0mm

Height: 234.0mm

Weight: 0g

Pages: 320

About the Author

HWANG BO-REUM studied Computer Science and worked as a software engineer in Seoul, before leaving to become a writer. She is the author of several essay collections; I Read Every Day, I Tried Kickboxing for the First Time and This Distance is Perfect. Welcome to The Hyunam-dong Bookshop is her first novel, and was a bestseller in South Korea.

SHANNA TAN is a Singaporean translator working from Korean, Chinese and Japanese into English. She was selected for two emerging literary translator mentorships in 2022, where she was mentored by Anton Hur and Julia Sanches. Her prose translations have appeared in The Southern Review, The Common, Azalea: Journal of Korean Literature & Culture and more.

Also by Hwang Bo-reum

View all

More from General Fiction

View all

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 80,000 books and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.