[Insta Walk] Queer Feminist Bookstore Kkol - Finding Comfort and Dreaming

A display stand placed right next to the entrance. The 'Kkolpick' and 'Bihonicon' corners, showcasing recommended books selected by the Bookstore Management Committee 'Kkolkeeper,' catch the eye. Photo by Kay Kim katekim221@asiae.co.kr

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ga-yeon] Novelist Franz Kafka defined a book as "an axe to break the frozen sea within us." In these days when the phrase "age of hatred" is rampant and violence and hateful expressions toward certain groups are easily poured out, Kafka's words feel particularly poignant. Perhaps for this reason, many people turn to bookstores to break the prejudices and hatred embedded within themselves. There is a place where people thirsty for books on feminism and LGBTQ+ rights continue to visit. It is located in an apartment complex about a 10-minute walk from Exit 1 of Hongdae Entrance Station on Seoul Subway Line 2. Passing by a laundromat, on the first floor of a shopping area, a small sign peeks out to welcome visitors?this is the Queer Feminist Bookstore Kkol. One might guess the nature of the bookstore by the small sign dressed in rainbow colors. When I visited around 2 p.m. on the 13th of last month, a visitor I met introduced it as "a place that offers comfort to someone just by existing in this space."

My steps stopped in front of a wall decorated with a large banner that read, "Feminism that changed me. Networks that changed the world." The small bookstore, with glass walls allowing a clear view inside, looks somewhat like a caf? at first glance. Opening the glass door, you see a bookshelf occupying one wall and a display piled with recommended books. Especially eye-catching is the "Single Icon" corner, featuring portraits of female broadcasters. Operated by the feminist cultural movement group Unni Network, this bookstore was born naturally as several aspirations and practical conditions came together. This place, which was used as the group's office, has also served as a bookstore since November 2017. 'It-eul' and 'Si-el,' members of the bookstore management committee called 'Kkolkeeper,' explained, "The group, which had some publishing experience, realized the idea of creating a space where they could shout out the stories they wanted to tell to the outside world."

One wall is occupied by a bookshelf filled not only with publications on feminism but also on LGBTQ+ rights, animal rights, and disability rights.
Photo by Ga-yeon Kim katekim221@asiae.co.kr

What meaning does the word "Kkol," which could be perceived negatively, hold? It-eul said, "'Diverse differences enrich and strengthen the feminist movement' has been the feminist movement that Unni Network has talked about," adding, "Kkol also means various shapes. It can be identities, conditions, or positions that each person holds. It embodies the aspiration to be with people of diverse Kkols." Notably, the name Kkol, when combined with the magazine 'Pe+rm' published by Unni Network, becomes 'Kkolpe+rm.' This subverts the term 'Kkolfemi,' which was used as a derogatory and insulting expression. It-eul laughed cheerfully, saying, "It's not a pretty word, but we are working to overcome the negative connotations."

Although the space is small and only one or two copies of each publication are stocked, the variety of books is a distinctive feature of this bookstore. Since the primary value is 'diversity,' the shelves are filled not only with feminism but also with publications on LGBTQ+ issues, animal rights, and disability rights. Independent publications, which are hard to find in large bookstores, also occupy various spots on the shelves. The books stocked are decided through discussions among the Kkolkeepers. Therefore, the books on the shelves inevitably align with the values the bookstore pursues. The 'Kkolpick,' a list of recommended books by the Kkolkeepers, is no exception. It-eul explained, "We try to express our thoughts through the books we stock and place on the display." A desk for transcription is also set up in a corner of the wall. Since this is a space rarely found in other bookstores, it feels unique. It-eul explained, "It's a device to help people stay a little more comfortably here."

A transcription space set up in a corner of the bookstore / Photo by Kay Kim

While the bookstore is open, the message is that visitors are welcome to drop by comfortably to read, write, and linger. This thoughtful consideration stands out. Visitors to this place are broadly divided into two groups. One group has the goal of "I must visit the bookstore," and the other cautiously asks, "Is this a bookstore?" while passing by and then opens the door to enter. Families come to look at and buy children's books or picture books for their children, and local residents often come in to get recommendations on feminist books. The Kkolkeepers plan to create a 'neighborhood map' connecting other nearby bookstores and small businesses. This is to build a network where visitors can visit other places after stopping by the bookstore. Although the COVID-19 pandemic caused a slowdown, they said the project is continuing slowly without stopping.

Since Bookstore Kkol was funded through crowdfunding from its opening, it can be said to operate with the support and encouragement of many. Si-el said, "Even when we sometimes get stressed, the perception that this is a safe space and that the people here share the same stories gives us the strength to endure." The two added, "We hope the bookstore will continue to exist as a space where people can drop by comfortably and enjoy their time," and "We will strive to be a safe space where the same stories are shared and diverse forms exist."