Used Bookstores Offer Refreshing Experience
By Kim Ji-soo
Staff Repoter
The pinch in people's pockets in the wake of the economic downturn has heightened the lure of used books. But when one thinks about it, used books are not all about economy ㅡ as they change hands, they enable readers to embark upon a journey.
``It's such a waste to leave books untouched after reading them once,'' said Kim Yeong-ja, the owner of Itaewon Bookstore, ``especially if they are still in good condition. With used bookstores, a good book can go around to different readers endlessly as long as it stays in shape.''
Kim and her husband, Choi Ki-woong, have been running the store for over 35 years now, attracting many foreign residents in Korea. The store, despite its compact size, is overflowing with English books, ranging from novels to travel. Because of the history and location of her bookstore, they have regular customers, who even come from the countryside.
``I came to buy a cookbook today. I like coming to this particular bookstore because of their large selection,'' said Lee Geun-tak, a regular customer at the Itaewon Bookstore, ``other places don't have such wide variety.''
Lee Mi-kyung, who's been running ``Summoitnun-chaek'' in Sinchon for 10 years, espoused the appeal of used bookstores. ``I see so many books gaining their value over time. It's good books that last for a long time, and sometimes, it's hard to find copies of these books at large bookstores.''
Moreover, some used bookstores, with their homey atmosphere, allow passers-by to drop in to enjoy the tranquility amidst the old books.
``Gwanghwamun Bookstore'' ㅡ a used bookstore established by the charity group ``The Beautiful Store'' ㅡ welcomes the public with tea tables and stools. Its large selection of children's books also make it an ideal place for parents to bring their children during the weekend.
Kim Kyung-nam, the manager of the store, said, ``From a young age, children will learn the value of used books and know that something used can be as good as a brand-new object. I think these visits are educational for children."
But used bookstores also struggle to remain open, as more people flock to larger bookstores, such as Kyobo Bookstore.
Kim, of Gwanghwamun Bookstore, pointed to the difficulty of gaining publicity.
`` The truth is, if the majority are affected by the economic downturn, we are equally affected,'' said Kim of the Itaewon Bookstore, with a faint smile.
The hard times, which forces consumers to cut back on book buying, is not helping either.
Itaewon Bookstore buys, sells and trades used books and is open to customers seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. It's located near exit no. 2 of Noksapyeong Station, subway line 6. Summoitnun-chaek is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. and located near exit no. 8 of Shinchon Station, subway line 2.
Gwanghwamun Bookstore is open Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and is located near exit no. 4 of Gwanghwamun Station, subway line 5.
Korea Times intern Hwang Sung-hee contributed to this article.