[Insta Walk] Hankwon Bookstore - One Book a Month in a '3-Pyeong Book Love Room'

Select One Keyword Monthly and Recommend Only One Book
Exhibit One Book Weekly, Resembling Japan's Morioka Bookstore
Day and Night Sessions for Themed Writing and Book Talks
Up to 20 Participants... Participation Fee Around 20,000 to 30,000 Won

Exterior view of the bookstore 'Hangwonui Seojeom' located in Seochon, Jongno-gu, Seoul. Introducing the book selected this June, 'The Sound of Couples: A Mouxiang'. Photo by Heo Midam damdam@asiae.co.kr

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] In the fast-paced and bustling heart of Seoul, there is a place that seems as if time has stopped, preserving the old scenery just as it was. That place is Seochon. Named for its location west of Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seochon refers to the area around Cheongunhyoja and Sajik-dong in Jongno-gu, Seoul. For those who want to fully immerse themselves in the aesthetics of slowness, visiting Seochon is a frequent choice, and among the options is finding a bookstore that perfectly embodies this spirit. It has no bestsellers or recommended books, yet it quietly holds its ground. The space where one book becomes the protagonist each month, 'Han-gwon-ui Bookstore' (One Book Bookstore), is a place that fits this description well.

Near Exit 2 of Gyeongbokgung Station on Seoul Subway Line 3, narrow alleys are lined with charmingly renovated hanok-style houses and quaint cafes. Walking along this street, which has no tall buildings, you can find the small but substantial 'Han-gwon-ui Bookstore.'

The word 'Hangot' (meaning 'one place') written on the glass door of the bookstore first catches the eye. Opening the door with curiosity, visitors are greeted by a subtle fragrance and the sound of music in a quiet atmosphere. The small space, about 3 pyeong (approximately 9.9 square meters), is decorated solely with items related to this month’s featured book, "The Sound of Couples: A Mouchamps." The display stand in the center is filled with the same book. On the walls hang large frames featuring sentences from the book, reasons for recommending it, and designs matching the book cover. An analog TV in one corner plays a video of the author. It is more like a small gallery than a bookstore, designed to let visitors fully 'experience' the book.

Inside the analog TV, a video featuring director Heo Nam-hoon, author of the book Couple's Voice: A Mushang, and writer Kim Moa is playing. Photo by Heo Midam damdam@asiae.co.kr

This bookstore selects one word and one book that matches it on the first day of every month. To ensure the book is fully appreciated, they hold related exhibitions. The goal is to satisfy both the 'joy of reading' and the 'joy of seeing.' However, choosing one from countless words and books is no easy task. Manager Kim Wan-seok (29), who runs the bookstore, introduced, "This place was created with the idea of making a space where one can focus on 'one thing.'" He explained, "In bookstores with many books, I often didn’t know which book to buy. You can buy many books, but it wasn’t an environment for immersion. I started this with the desire to create a space where you can properly focus on just one book a month." He focused on the concept of 'one' and the 'sentiment of Seochon.' Kim said, "I try to include the number '1' or the concept of 'one' in the word. The books are chosen to connect with the feelings experienced while staying in Seochon."

The first word the bookstore selected was '1mm,' starting from the number '1.' This word was chosen to delicately observe Seochon’s cultural spaces. The book selected at that time was "Details of Tokyo" by Saenggak Note.

This month’s selected word and book are 'Hangot' (one place) and "The Sound of Couples: A Mouchamps." The book, co-authored by director Heo Nam-hoon and writer Kim Moa, captures events that happened as they unintentionally stayed in 'one place' due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The two stayed for 45 days in a small village called Mouchamps in the Vend?e region of France. The photos exhibited throughout the store were taken by them in France. However, this book is an exception and will be exhibited for about two months until July. The bookstore explained that many customers missed the exhibition because outings were discouraged due to COVID-19.

The book "The Sound of Couples: A Mushang" by director Heo Nam-hoon and writer Kim Moa is on display. Photo by Heo Midam damdam@asiae.co.kr

This place is also famous for resembling the Morioka Bookstore in Tokyo, Japan. Morioka Bookstore, which exhibits and sells only one book per week, is already well-known among avid readers. Kim smiled and said, "If Morioka Bookstore exhibits somewhat hard-to-approach books like design books or old books, our bookstore aims for 'books that can be read comfortably.' Books you can casually pick up and read while walking down the street." 'Han-gwon-ui Bookstore' handles new releases, reprints, and independent publications without distinction.

Because they stick to the principle of 'one book a month,' many people are curious about sales. Kim hinted, "We earn revenue through various events besides book sales." The bookstore hosts two types of events: 'Daytime Words,' where participants write on themes related to the book of the month, and 'Night Reading Night,' a book talk format where people read and discuss the book. These events are held during the day and night, respectively, hence the names. On the 17th and 21st of last month, director Heo Nam-hoon and writer Kim Moa held book talks. Up to about 20 people participate. The participation fee is around 20,000 to 30,000 KRW.

Kim described this place as a 'sarabang-like space' (a traditional Korean guest room). He added, "If the books and exhibitions match your taste, it’s a place where you can stay for a long time despite its small size. When you come to Seochon, you can also hear explanations about the neighborhood and have conversations through books. It’s a space where you don’t have to feel intimidated." Since opening in June last year, the bookstore has seen many visitors who love books. Even people from other regions visit, so the somewhat bold attempt of 'one book a month' can be considered successful.