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Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop: The heart-warming Korean sensation

INSTANT USA TODAY BESTSELLER * NATIONAL INDIE BESTSELLER
INDIE NEXT PICK * Debutiful Most Anticipated Book of 2024 * Powell's Pick of the Month * A Bookshop Best Book of the Year So Far

The Korean smash hit available for the first time in English, a slice-of-life novel for readers of Matt Haig's The Midnight Library and Gabrielle Zevin's The Storied Life of AJ Fikry.

Yeongju is burned out. She did everything she was supposed to: go to school, marry a decent man, get a respectable job. Then it all fell apart. In a leap of faith, Yeongju abandons her old life, quits her high-flying career, and follows her dream. She opens a bookshop. In a quaint neighborhood 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 heartwarming story about finding acceptance in your life and the healing power of books, Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop is a gentle reminder that it's never too late to scrap the plot and start again.

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Published Jul 2, 2024

320 pages

Average rating: 7.08

152 RATINGS

Community Reviews

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Belelel

Jul 04, 2025

10/10 stars

Every word from this book gives a warm hug

April B.InkAudioDragon

Jun 20, 2025

10/10 stars

This book was absolutely amazing! I literally could relate to all the characters. I love how finding a community in a bookshop helped so many. From being unhappy in your job, marriage, or life in general this book shows how each person reflected on what they wanted and how sometimes the system is broken but you decide to create your own and do what works best for you. I saw a little of myself in each character at different stages in my own life looking back. It’s definitely a book of reflections and a must read. 🥰

Ashleyosaurus

Jun 12, 2025

8/10 stars

A lovely and relaxing read especially for anyone who feels so drained by the capitalist machine. If you feel tired of the world telling you what "success" means, this is the book for you. A book that feels like a warm blanket and a cup of coffee with old friends :)

A.A.Fox

Apr 30, 2025

7/10 stars

A heartwarming read. Teaches you to think outside the box of societies expectations and to find contentment in the simplest pursuits. Live doesn’t always need to be grand to find fulfilment.

JShrestha

Feb 13, 2025

9/10 stars

This is a sweet simple wholesome book. I loved how the author discusses the mental health and work life balance of the Korea system and how the main character faces the taboo. Following the main character from the opening of her book shop to the first two years, it was interesting to hear her roller coaster attachment to success and how her self drive would subconsciously motivate her. This would be a great vacation read.