[Insta Walk] Chaekbonyang - Nyangjipsa! Come If You Want to Know Your Cat's Personality

Chaekbonyang, a Bookstore Collecting Cat Books
Located in a Hanok in Seongbuk-gu
Cozy and Calm Atmosphere

Resident Cats Haro and Hadong Welcome Guests
A Healing Space for Cat Owners

Interior view of 'Chaekbonyang,' a cat-themed bookstore located in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul. The black-spotted cat is 'Hadong,' the pet cat of the bookstore owner, CEO Kim Daeyoung. Photo by Joohee Kang kjh818@asiae.co.kr

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] The number of people living with pets in South Korea alone reaches a staggering 15 million. The reason why the presence of pets continues to grow steadily, regardless of the increasing cases of cruel abandonment, seems to lie in emotional factors. Many say that being with pets, who share emotions through their eyes and actions, brings mental stability and peace. This could be interpreted as placing more meaning on interacting with pets than on communication between people. In the midst of a complex urban life, after a hectic day, many say that the fatigue of the day melts away like snow when greeted by their pets upon returning home. Therefore, the term ‘pet,’ which means an animal that brings joy to people, is now rarely used; instead, pets are often referred to as ‘banryeodongmul’ (companion animals), emphasizing their importance as family members.

What about cats among companion animals? Cats are often pointed out as animals with highly divided preferences. Among cat lovers, such a notion is sometimes met with disbelief. Those who cherish and love cats say they are more lovable than any other animal. There are even cases where people have quit well-established jobs to live with cats. Recently, there are countless books celebrating the happiness of living with cats, including those by former Dongyang University professor and active commentator Jin Joong-kwon.

If you want to study cats seriously, it might be good to visit this place. ‘Chaekboyang,’ a cat specialty bookstore located in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul. While many small independent bookstores with unique personalities are emerging, ‘Chaekboyang’ draws attention for gathering only books about companion animals, especially cats.

Although it has been open for just over a year, the place does not feel ‘new.’ Located not far from Hansung University Station, it blends the cozy feeling of a hanok (traditional Korean house) with the calm atmosphere unique to cats, making it seem like an ‘old shop’ that has been there for a long time.

When you open the door and enter, you are first greeted by ‘Haro’ and ‘Hadong,’ the companion cats of Kim Daeyoung, the owner of ‘Chaekboyang.’ A shelf occupying one wall of the store is filled with various books. Small, charming cat-themed accessories are displayed throughout the store, adding to the fun of browsing.

'Chaekbonyang' interior view. Books related to companion animals are placed on the bookshelf. Photo by Joohee Kang kjh818@asiae.co.kr

Mr. Kim explained that the books and accessories he collected one by one out of his love for cats eventually filled the shelves and developed into a bookstore. Majoring in architecture and working in design-related fields, Mr. Kim said he had been taking photos of cats and drawing cat pictures since childhood. Then, in October last year, when he moved his studio to this space, he set up the bookstore together.

Mr. Kim introduced, "The books I bought for my own viewing for photography and drawing work piled up quite a bit at some point, and since I had a romantic notion about bookstores, the theme of a ‘cat bookstore run by an artist’ came to mind."

More than 80% of the books sold at the bookstore are related to cats, and the remaining 20% cover other companion animals. Mr. Kim procures books by directly contacting distributors, publishers, and sometimes the authors themselves. Because of this, the place is known as a ‘hidden healing space’ among so-called ‘cat owners’ or people who love companion animals. It offers a variety of books that are hard to find in general bookstores, such as novels, poetry, essays, and picture books about cats, and also serves as a ‘cultural space’ where visitors can appreciate cat photographs and paintings created by Mr. Kim himself.

'Chaekbonyang' entrance and signboard./Photo by Joohee Kang kjh818@asiae.co.kr

Mr. Kim said he created Chaekboyang with the idea of a ‘healing space’ above all else. He mentioned that there are countless elements in the world that can comfort people, but among them, paintings and animals seem especially precious. He believes that others feel the same way as he has been deeply influenced. Without needing words or explanations, just seeing something can evoke emotions and empathy, providing great comfort. Mr. Kim said, "There are things that can be understood through explanation, but there are also times when you feel overwhelmed or moved the moment you see something without explanation," adding, "I hope Chaekboyang becomes such a space for people. I want to share the happiness I felt while raising Haro and Hadong and working on cat-related projects with our visitors."

Perhaps because of this comfortable feeling, among regulars at Chaekboyang, there is a saying: ‘There are people who have never been here, but no one who has come only once.’ The greatest comfort to people may not be lengthy words or expensive gifts, but the empathetic gestures felt through warm eyes and actions. This might be why people keep coming back repeatedly. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when communication between people was blocked under the name of social distancing, just like the determination of the Chaekboyang owner to soothe the lonely and exhausted hearts of people through the medium of cats, it is hoped that this place will actively function as a space that creates genuine communication.