visitseoul.net

Onul Books, which first opened in 2018 and reopened in 2023 in Seochon, is a bookstore run by Han Kang, the first Korean author to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2024. The shelves are filled with a wide range of books, including essays, novels, poetry, and humanities, with detailed recommendations attached to each one. The bookstore also hosts various literary events, such as book talks, “Books and Piano” performances, and reading sessions. One unique feature of the bookstore is the “Secret Book Package,” a specially wrapped book with only an impactful quote from the text visible, keeping the title hidden. Visitors can buy the book based on the quote alone, adding an element of excitement and surprise to the experience. Instead of the store's name, the sign outside features the phrase “The birds will sing again tomorrow.” This quote, borrowed from Charlie Chaplin's silent film City Lights, reflects the idea that even in a despairing world, hopeful things, like birds singing, will continue to happen. This phrase captures the essence of Oneul Books. Visiting this small bookstore allows readers to enjoy such thoughtful, heartfelt messages while discovering a wide array of Korean literature.