Former President Moon's bookstore named 'Pyeongsan Bookstore'... to open within this month

Yangsan-si Approved Use of Bookstore Building on the 13th
Expected to Open as Early as the 25th Without Opening Ceremony

The name of the neighborhood bookstore built by former President Moon Jae-in in Pyeongsan Village, Yangsan, Gyeongnam, where his private residence is located, has been decided as 'Pyeongsan Bookstore.'

On the 13th, finishing work was being carried out at the building of former President Moon Jae-in's bookstore 'Pyeongsan Bookstore' in Pyeongsan Village, Habuk-myeon, Yangsan-si, Gyeongnam. [Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 23rd, a representative of former President Moon's private residence stated, "The bookstore name has been decided as 'Pyeongsan Bookstore'." Pyeongsan Village is a rural village located next to Tongdosa Temple, one of Korea's three major temples and a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. After former President Moon retired and settled here, the village name became known nationwide, so the bookstore was named 'Pyeongsan' after the village.

Yangsan City approved the use of the Pyeongsan Bookstore building on the 13th. Since the approval has been granted, the bookstore can open at any time, but the exact opening date has not yet been officially announced. However, it is expected that the bookstore will open within this month, before the first anniversary of former President Moon's retirement (May 9). The 25th is considered likely. On the opening day, it is known that there will be no media exposure or special opening events, and only village residents will be invited for a plaque ceremony.

At the end of last year, former President Moon purchased a detached house next door to his private residence in Pyeongsan Village, Habuk-myeon, Yangsan City, Gyeongnam, for 850 million won. This building is a one-story structure within the security zone (within a 300m radius of the private residence) accessible on foot from former President Moon's residence, with open surroundings and a sunny yard.

The appearance of the bookshelf at Pyeong Sanchaekbang
[Image source=Yonhap News]

The remodeling work for the bookstore, which began in early February, took about three months, but since it was an old house, additional construction increased the duration by about a month beyond the original schedule. Currently, the bookstore has completed its change of use to a first-class neighborhood living facility, allowing it to operate as a retail store or a caf?. The shelves and books have already been installed, and preparations to welcome customers are complete.

Pyeongsan Bookstore is expected to serve as a space where former President Moon, known as a book lover, will work as the bookstore keeper, facilitating discussions between authors and readers, as well as a resting place for village residents.

Meanwhile, former Blue House Protocol Secretary Tak Hyun-min recently posted a photo on his Facebook page taken in front of Pyeongsan Bookstore with former President Moon, writing, "The bookstore owner seems to be sincere not only about books but also about the bookstore itself." He added, "When the bookstore opens someday, I also promised to hold a modest concert with composer Kim Hyung-seok."