Reflections on The Hyunam-Dong Bookshop
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Welcome To The Hyunam-Dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-Reum is a lovely, heartwarming novel with many noteworthy passages and gentle spiritual insights.
The novel is centred around the main character, Yeongju, who leaves her husband, quits her job, and opens a bookshop, in pursuit of a more authentic life. Despite her mother’s disapproval, she is determined to follow her own path.
One of the spiritual insights that resonated with me from the novel was the idea that the small, quiet moments of life are often the most meaningful.
In a world that constantly pushes us to seek more, do more, and be more, Welcome To The Hyunam-Dong Bookshop reminds us that peace comes from embracing simplicity. It teaches us to value the stillness and everyday acts of love and connection — whether sharing a meal with a friend or taking time out to connect with ourselves.
The book encourages us to slow down and listen deeply to our own hearts. It’s in these moments of reflection that true healing and growth can happen.
In the novel, Yeongju, as a bookshop owner, sought out lesser-known authors and their work. I love the idea of us championing and celebrating writers and artists regardless of their popularity. It’s interesting to reflect on how a book that becomes a bestseller continues to gain popularity, which is undeniably exciting. That voice deserves to be heard, but so do the voices of lesser-known creators. It is lovely to be able to support them and offer a token of appreciation for the unique contributions they make to the world.
Ultimately, for me, this novel is a reminder that life is best lived one day at a time. If we remain present, conscious, and do our best in each moment, we can create a life that feels meaningful and authentic to us. Success looks different for everyone but the key is to live in a way that feels nourishing and true to ourselves. Above all, it reminds us to embrace who we are and find comfort in that — while nurturing the values of kindness, friendship and trust.
“a day well spent is a life well lived”
— Hwang Bo-Reum
Welcome To The Hyunam-Dong Bookshop was a comforting read that left me with many takeaways. The line “a day well spent is a life well lived” will stay with me and beautifully captures the heart of this story.
