LTI Korea 
DLKL 
SIWF 
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The Place
The Chungwoon Literature Library: the First Ever hanok Library in Korea
Hello!I’m Florian Krapf—German on the outside,but a true Korean on the inside!Florian KrapfCompeted in the Netflix reality series Physical: 100Guest starred in the MBC every1 series Welcome, First Time in Korea? The Place Seochon Literary Tour: The Chungwoon Literature LibraryWhat could today’s “The Place” be?Check out the amazing giwa roof tiles behind me!Today’s “The Place” is the Chungwoon Literature Library! The first hanok public library of the Jongno District of Seoul, the Chungwoon Literature Library provides a space for reading, relaxation, and contemplation, as well as a variety of literary and cultural arts programs for local residents. Wow, isn’t it beautiful?It’s really a sight for sore eyes.And it’s totally different from what we expect a library to look like.Because it’s a library built as a hanok (traditional Korean house), there’s a distinctly Korean feel to it.Hello?This roof looks pretty special, wouldn’t you say?And you’d be right! It is!This roof was manufactured in the same way as the giwa tiles used in the reconstruction of Sungnyemun Gate, Korea’s National Treasure No. 1.Now I’m going to show you guys somewhere cool— I’ve rented the creative room.Remember to take your shoes off when you enter a hanok!Ta-da!It’s all ours! Opening the sliding doors filled with traditional beauty Welcomed by a roomful of elegant floor chairs and desksLocals gather here for book clubs and creative activities.And that’s not all!Sometimes they also hold literary exhibitions or invite guest writers for lectures on the humanities.This room is used for poetry-writing classes as well.There’s so much you can do here, so if you’re interested, come swing by!Now we’re on our way to the reading room, so I think we’ll need to be quiet.There are people using the room right now, so I’ll just give you a peek at what it looks like inside.Follow me! What might the reading room of the Korean writings-focused Chungwoon Literature Library look like? The collection includes a wide variety of literature, mainly poetry, novels, and essays.Fall into the world of books at the Chungwoon Literature Library!Time to take a break.Please take off your shoes here too!What did he see? Is this a library or a hotel?What a view…! The Chungwoon Literature Library is on high ground, right up against Inwangsan Mountain, and this altitude allows its visitors to vividly experience the distinct four seasons of the Korean year. In the Joseon dynasty, there was an institution called the Doksodang,This was a system in which a library would be built in a place with a beautiful viewand the king would allow brilliant, hardworking subjects to stay there and read.What happens when you read with such a beautiful view laid out before you?It recharges your batteries!Don’t we all need to take some time to recover after the daily grind?Then come on down to the Chungwoon Literature Library!The gorgeous Inwangsan Mountain is right next door too, so it’s perfect!I give it two thumbs up.See you next time, everyone!Goodbye! Translated by Jean Kim
By Korean Literature Now
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Book For You
[Book for You] I'd like to learn how to love myself before I try loving anyone else.
Sohn Jeong-seung(Sohn): Hello, viewers of KLN’s Book for You! This is Sohn Jeong-seung, sending warm messages of comfort through the medium of books!Sohn: This year I’m joined by a new book prescriber to double the warmth of that comfort, and here he is! Kim Sanghyuk(Kim): Hello. I’m the new book prescriber, Kim Sanghyeok. I debuted as a poet in 2009, and I’ve been writing ever since. Sohn: Pleased to meet you. Sohn: This is our first Book for You in a while, so we were worried that some of our viewers might’ve forgotten us, but we actually received a lot of different letters. Today we’re focusing on the subject of love in particular. This letter asks a question about relationships and attachment. Shall we listen to its story?Rema’s letter addressed to Book for YouI’ve always had attachment issues, and my fear of abandonment or rejectionmakes it difficult for me to trust or bond with others. I had a crush on someone, but he only ever saw meas a good friend, and I came to realize that my attachment to him was unhealthy.For the sake of my future relationships, I’d like to learn how to love myself before I try loving anyone else. Kim: It seems the problem is that it’s not easy to love yourself, because the words “Love yourself” can feel hollow.I think we need to get more specific than just repeating empty words like “Love someone” or “Love yourself.” There’s a solution that’s especially good for a booklover like Rema, and that’s to read. though you might think that’s a bit obvious.People often say that poems are useless, but personally I think poetry is the work of adding eyes, nose, and mouth to an unseen sensibility.So I can’t help but think that reading is something that makes yourself a bit more attractive a person.Feeling attraction to someone who is a deep thinker, or being able to offer that to someone else as one of your inalienable charms—I think that’s what reading can do.There’s a poet who’s excellent at adding eyes, nose, mouth, and subtle expressions to sensibility, and that’s the poet Kim Bok Hui. I’ve brought with me a poetry collection by her called Good for Sinking In. One dayOne long day without wind or rainIf I should meet a wavering leafI will waver I will halt my steps lost in thought(...)Some thoughts are prone to windsAnd some thoughts are full of rain I will think aboutthis giftFrom “The Gift of a Leaf” Kim: The poem we read just now is an excerpt from Kim Bok Hui’s “The Gift of a Leaf.”When you look at this poem, she calls her introspective self a gift.I really liked that attitude.I think reading poetry like this can be a way to distance yourself when the world is too loud and take some time to yourself to quietly temper your aesthetic sensibility.Reading amazing poems also leads you to meet people with similar tastes, so I believe it can lead naturally to improved relationships in that aspect as well. How about putting a lovely smile on your face by reading poetry that gives expression to your sensibility? Sohn: Being prone to introspection tends to lead to self-blame, but I can really feel the heart that described it as a gift.When I read Rema’s letter, there was a book that immediately came to mind, and it’s I Tinder You by the writer Jung Daegun. Sohn: I Tinder You contains three short stories and an essay, and it’s the titular story that I’d like to introduce.“I Tinder You” stars the characters Ho and Sol, who meet on (the dating app) Tinder and very quickly grow close, and you see them spending a brief season in their lives together.These two say this to each other: “It doesn’t feel good to think of myself as your side piece, but it’s actually reassuring to think of us as each other’s spares.” Sohn: This doesn’t mean their relationship is shallow and solely physical, or that they don’t know what each other means to them.Without realizing it, these two spend a time together called the “magic hour.”Ho, who’s worked in film for a long time, has this to say about the magic (or golden) hour, and I’ll read it to you now:When we’re filming, we call this brief moment the magic hour. You don’t want to miss this window, so all the staff and the actors are tense and focused,and it feels incredible. It’s precious because it’s so short.From I Tinder You Sohn: The story doesn’t end with Ho and Sol suddenly starting to date,or that they came to love themselves intensely or anything like that.But the reason I wanted to recommend it to Remais that I liked that Ho and Sol were already fully enjoying the things they thought they could only find in a committed relationship. I think the reason for getting too attached to someone is that they’re really precious to you, but you’re uncertain about your future together,and that uncertainty transfers itself to your present self. What’s important is that you can take comfort in anothereven if you aren’t necessarily in a committed relationship with them,and to be grateful that you spent a season in your life together,even if it doesn’t last forever! I hope you can move forward with that in your heart.That’s why I want to recommend this book to Rema.The truth is that the depth of a relationship isn’t proportionate to the time you spent together, but to your feelings for one another. Sohn: Above all, the most important thing is that there are no absolute right answers in any relationship. Kim: That’s right. I think it’d be best for those who aren’t confident in their relationships, like Rema, to enter into relationships a bit more confidently and lightheartedly instead of clinging to relationships that don’t exist.That’s my recommendation. Sohn: I was really happy to be able to share our stories through books for the first time in a long while.How about you? Kim: I’m new to this, and I was so nervous it all passed by in a blur, but I’ve learned a lot listening today.We’ll see you next time, next letter, next prescription. Sohn: Book for You— Kim: Book for You!Sohn&Kim: Bye everyone!
By Korean Literature Now
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The Place
Boan Books: A bookstore and Cultural Venue of 80 years
Hello! I’m Florian. I might look like your average German guy, but inside me beats the heart of a true Korean. Florian Krapf Competed in the Netflix reality series Physical: 100 Guest starred in the MBC every1 series Welcome, First Time in Korea? The Place Seochon Literary Tour: Boan Books It’s great to meet all the viewers of KLN. I’m really into Korean literature too. Right now I’m walking through Seochon. Located between the east side of Inwangsan Mountain and the west side of Gyeongbokgung Palace, and designated a Hanok Preservation Area alongside the Insa-dong and Bukchon districts. In addition to being one of Korea’s most popular tourist attractions, also a major Seoul transport hub as well as a focal point of history and culture. When you say Seochon, you think of snacks and sights, but historically this was a district that a lot of writers called their home. Maybe that’s why there are a LOT of bookstores and cultural spaces in Seochon even today. I thought for a long time about what location to introduce to you. Today’s “The Place” is this one right here: Boan Books! The Tongui-dong Boan Inn, which served as a local haunt for writers since its opening in 1942. After being remodeled into an exhibition space in 2007, it was reborn as Boan1942, a multipurpose cultural space that functions as a bookstore, cafe, gallery, and lodgings, all at once. What does it look like on the inside? It’s definitely a really different atmosphere from the standard bookstore chains we’re used to. In addition to a wide range of books from all different genres, there are also some unique ones you’d be hard-pressed to find in your average bookstore. This is The Vegetarian by Han Kang. It’s a favorite of mine, so I’m going to take a moment to read it. The greatest appeal of this place is... Isn’t this a beautiful view? You could sit here and read or draw inspiration from the scenery outside, and it’d be a great place to study as well. I feel refreshed just looking outside. Taking a brief break to read and relax in Boan Books Now that we’ve seen enough of the books on display, there’s something that caught my eye just over here. This is the passageway to the Boan Inn. It’s actually off-limits right now due to exhibition preparations, but I got special permission to show you all around. I’m entering the top secret passageway. Shall we set off on a journey to the past? Joining old to new, Boan1942 straddles the line between the past and the present by connecting these two buildings. The old wing, which is currently being used as a gallery, preserves the look of the Boan Inn exactly as it was eighty years ago. A hangout for the writers of the time, and the birthplace of a diverse array of Korean literary works. I’d like to tell you something special about this place. This Boan Inn appears in a book by the famous Korean poet, So Chong-ju. “In the fall of 1936, Ham Hyung-soo and I came to cook up a literary magazine called The Poet’s Village (Shi’in Burak) with the likes of Kim Dongri, Kim Daljin, and O Jang-hwan while staying at a place called the Boan Inn in Tongui-dong.” - Excerpted from So Chong-ju’s autobiography, The Affection of the World (Cheonjiyoo.jeong) Apparently, a bunch of poets came together here to publish a literary magazine as well. The Poet’s Village, a literary magazine co-founded by So Chong-ju and his poetic contemporaries. So this Boan Inn is a place with a lot of historical significance. OK? Transformed from the Boan Inn, safe haven for outsiders and writing room of the literati, to Boan Books, a historical space offering a glimpse into the past as well as the consolation and emotional resonance literature provides. I’m not a writer, but I do think coming here has made me a more empathetic person. I’ve learned what sorts of things the writers of the time thought and worried about, and leveled up my interest in Korean literature at the same time. Literature is something that lets you vividly encounter the culture and zeitgeist of a nation even without going there to experience it firsthand. I hope you can all come to know the beauty and unique charm of Korea through its literature as well, even without visiting it for yourself. Then, everyone, see you next Place! Translated by Jean Kim
By Korean Literature Now
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Book For You
[Book for You] What should I do to increase my courage and confidence?
You Hee-kyoung(You): Hello. This is Book for You from KLN. I’m your host, Yoo Hee-kyoung, a poet. Sohn Jeong-seung(Sohn): I’m Sohn Jeong-seung, director of Thanks Books. You: Do people tell you you seem confident? Sohn: Yes, sometimes. You: Wow. Sohn: I’m the type to come forward, not on my own but when someone urges me to. You: A confident answer. Why suddenly this talk about confidence? Sohn: That’s the topic of today’s letter. Will you tell us about it? You: Yes, I’ll read the letter for you. Mayang’s letter addressed to ‘Book for You’ I am an introvert with the inhibitions and fear of socializing or public speaking. While dreaming of being a teacher sharing knowledge with students, I don’t have the confidence to be in front of them. What should I do to increase my courage and confidence? You: Confidence is something I also lack. I should leave all the talking to you, the one full of confidence. Sohn: Oh, no. You: First, let me prescribe a book to Mayang. It’s a poetry collection titled Inglorious Black Blood. It was first published in 1995, out of print for a while but back in publication in 2014. One of the major poetry collections from Minumsa, the publisher well known to you for Kim Ji-young, Born 1982. Heo Yeon, the poet, used to want to be a priest, but gave up that dream and became a poet. He had a long career as a newspaper reporter. This is the first of his total of five poetry collections. What I can do to you is not living in this world Not living in this country Not living this era If I had been rainwater to you Would you be alive Alive in the river’s swell Salutations to all that flows without forgetting Even so, the thought that I am butterfly in sunset From "Thought That I Am Butterfly" (translated by Hoyoung Moon) You: The poet was deeply in love with ‘you’ but broke up. The only thing the poet can do for ‘you’ is to be gone, but that’s impossible. What remains is ‘me,’ or ‘hope.’ What Mayang must have, and does have, is hope. Mayang exists as a human being in this world and must be self-protective no matter what happens. There’s a chance this poetry collection will find Mayang. In fact, it is being translated and will be published in English. Hopefully, Mayang will read it someday and have hope. The one thing we can never let go, the thing that makes anything possible, even the butterfly in the sunset, is ‘hope.’ Sohn: As for my impression from the letter, Mayang may not be a teacher yet,but struck me as one. Mayang already has the right mindset and makes me envy her future students. Here is a book that will give Mayang courage: Listen, I’m Speaking, a novel by Jeong Yong-joon. Sohn: The title says it all. “Listen, I’m Speaking!” Might as well have an exclamation mark. You: As in “Attention!” Sohn: Exactly. This book is about Muyeon, a 14-year-old patient of ‘Spring Speech Clinic.’ But Muyeon is not his real name. This clinic’s patients are assigned names after the words they cannot pronounce. You: So, Muyeon can’t pronounce ‘Muyeon’? Sohn: Right. ‘Muyeon’ is the name of his middle school. This clinic has other patients, including a doctor who is called ‘prescription’ because that’s the word he cannot pronounce. Their speech disorders are due to psychological reasons. They try, fail, run away from the curriculum, try again, only to fail again... This is repeated throughout the story. A spoiler alert. Muyeon suddenly becomes... a fluent speaker...is not how the story ends. You: Too bad. Sohn: But hope remains. The story won’t leave you sad at all. You: Even though Muyeon can’t pronounce that word, what remains is hope so it won’t make you sad in the end. Sohn: That’s right. To be fair, public speaking is scary and difficult to anyone. You: It is. Sohn: Let me read some related passages. Normal people stutter, too. They aren’t good speakers, either. Nor do they say everything they want to. Everyone is a stutterer to a certain extent. We’re simply a little worse than others. You will see once you stop stuttering. From Listen, I’m Speaking Sohn: Here is my message for Mayang: She is already fully qualified to be a teacher and all she needs is a little more courage. Teenagers seem to have a special radar. They recognize adults who empathize with them. You: They do! Like a magic eye! Sohn: Exactly. Mayang already has that empathy. I believe that’s enough to be a good teacher. You: We’re all humans, good at something and bad at something else. What matters is whether we do what we can do right now, see where we stand and what more to prepare. Sohn: This was another happy episode of sharing our stories through books. You: We promise to come backwith other books to comfort us. Sohn: Book for You You: Book for You You&Sohn: Bye~
By Korean Literature Now
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The Place
Ina Books: A bookstore boasting a collection of over 5,000 books
A eye-catching brick building in the concrete jungle of Gangnam, Seoul A bookstore boasting a collection of over 5,000 books Nice to meet you. I am Jeongmin Baek, the manager of the Seolleung Branch of Ina Books. Choi Ina, the CEO, opened the store with office workers in mind. She wanted to create a space for office workers to easily find books to read. Q. Ina Books arranges books in a unique way. Why? Unlike the typical classification used by libraries, we curate books by special topics. Some examples are, “Twenty-something and feeling lost,” “Thirty-something and flooded with worries,” and “Running out of ideas and needing inspiration.” When the bookstore first opened, our CEO felt that people these days prefer YouTube over paper books. She came up with the unique classification when she realized that people turn to books for solutions. Q. Another name that Ina Books goes by is “A bookstore that sells culture.” What does this mean? For five years, we have been running a program called Classic Bookstore Concert. We hold classical concerts with the pianist Song Youngmin, and offer art history classes taught by the art history scholar Ahn Hyunbae, integrating literature and arts into the space. We are planning many programs that instill the ability to think and gain insights on life. Q. You have a special subscription service that delivers books unknown to readers until they open their packages. How are the books selected? The service is called Ina Books’ Book Club. At the start of each month, we send a book to subscribers along with a letter written by Choi Ina, our CEO. The book remains secret to create a sense of anticipation. The key question we ask ourselves is, “Does the book contain meaningful insights?” We find joy in discovering good books and introducing them to readers. Q. Top 3 books recommended by the manager of Ina Books The first book I’d like to introduce is Kim Choyeop’s If We Can’t Go at the Speed of Light. First of all, I must say I really enjoyed reading it. Described as a writer who is continuing the legacy of Korean SF, Kim Choyeop offers a fresh perspective in the genre. If you read it, you will find delightful surprises and insights at the same time. You will feel your view of the world naturally expanding while reading. The second book is Seven Years of Darkness by Jeong You Jeong. The writer is one of the best in genre fiction. She was invited to our book talk session once, and you could tell she was deeply immersed in her work. You cannot help but immerse yourself in the story, and time will fly by before you know it. I recommend it to those looking to experience the pleasures of reading. The last book is Whale by Cheon Myeong-kwan. The book is still a steadyseller even though it was published in 2004. The solid plot keeps you engrossed throughout, and it’s hard to put the book down. The book explores diverse narratives through the lives of various characters. You will come upon people from all walks of life, which will evoke all kinds of emotions. You will be able to feel the joy of literature. Q. Is there a good place for reading near the store? Across the street is Seonjeongneung, a huge tomb with a forest-like path. Seoul, including Gangnam, is full of concrete jungles. The experience in Seonjeongneung is like being in a forest. It’s the perfect place to read or take a walk, and I highly recommend it. There’s a book called Seolleung Walk by Jeong Yong-jun. Seonjeongneung will be a great place to read it. Q. What are your plans for Ina Books? We believe in the power of offline. There’s a certain energy that is generated when you meet in person. We will think of ways to get people to actually visit the bookstore, and continue working on presenting a diverse selection of books. Thank you. Translated by Park Kyoung-lee
By Korean Literature Now
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Book For You
[Book for You] I hope to find courage to achieve my dream.
You Hee-kyoung(You) : Hello! This is Book for You from KLN. I am your host, You Hee-kyoung, a poet. Today, we have a special new book prescriber. Please introduce yourself. Sohn Jeong-seung(Sohn): Hello. I am Sohn Jeong-seung, your new book prescriber and the director of Thanks Books. You: How are you doing these days? Sohn: It’s New Year. I am setting new goals and plans, preparing for a new beginning. You: Today’s episode, based on a letter from the Philippines, is also about the future and resolutions. Sohn: That’s right. You: Will you read the letter for us? Lyka’s letter addressed to Book for You I am looking for a job as a certified librarian, a dream come true. But my real dream is to open a coffee shop with a small library in it, where customers could relax while browsing my collection. This is an exciting dream, but I wonder, not even having a job yet, when I will have enough money saved to make it come true. I hope to find courage through your book prescription. You: Running such a shop ourselves, we know its reality. Lyka is pursuing a risky business... Your book prescription for her? Sohn: First, congratulations to Lyka for becoming a librarian. You: Congratulations! She passed the difficult exam! Sohn: Indeed. She has worked hard and is excited and worried about her future. The first book that came to mind is this: Street Painter, written and illustrated by Soo Shin Ji. The bestselling author of Gone and Daughter-in-Law based this book on her art college years. The main character Arang, a senior paint student, becomes a part-time street painter, along with four middle-aged male artists, painting caricatures at a park. Arang does not falter but finds her own way by asking advice from an artist friend or trying to get along with the male artists. You: She’s learning the skills of a street painter! Sohn: Exactly. She and the four male artists start as competitors but end up as good friends and partners. Let me share some passages from this graphic novel. They’re lines, meant to be acted rather than read. You: I happen to be a theater expert! Let me see them. Sohn: You play Cheolsoo, one of the male artists. Arang: Saw the weather forecast? It’s going to rain allweek next week. Cheolsoo: It’s OK. Winter is a slow season, anyway... Whenspring comes… boom! Arang: Really? Wow, I can’t wait! Cheolsoo: When it’s cold and rainy, let’s just practicepainting! From Street Painter Sohn: For me, this refreshing dialogue was an exercise in changing perspectives. The bad weather is something we can complain about forever. They could have done that, too. Instead, they accepted it and moved on. I think that was great. You: I agree. Even when we feel helpless, there are still things we can do to prepare for the future. Although Lyka needs a job right now, it is not a waste of time but a great investment for her future. Sohn: Exactly! When it’s cold and rainy, let’s just practice painting so we can paint a nice rainbow after the rain…! You: Lyka’s letter reminded me of my own bookstore. A library combined with a coffeeshop is called a ‘book café’ in Korea. My own ‘Wit N Cynical,’ which sells books and coffee, is of a similar type. As a firm believer in reading books, determined to save my bookstore, I have many side jobs. That’s exhausting, frustrating, and makes me want to cry, and I do cry sometimes. There’s a poem that gave me courage. Let me read it for you and Lyka. How am I supposed to piece together these brokendreams? How far should I go with a broken backbone? Is there any possibility left? Nevertheless, I am trying to be a believer in the possible, placing my faith in the possibility of the impossible From A Believerin the Possible You: This poem, “A Believer in the Possible,” is from the poetry collection of the same title. It’s by poet Ra Heeduk. With her poems translated into various languages, her name is probably familiar to KLN readers. What drew me to this poem is the word “Nevertheless.” “Something is wrong. Nevertheless, it will get right.” This is the essence of possibility. Lyka! You’re so young and poor now that your dream may seem distant to you. “Nevertheless,” keep on dreaming and trying and someday you’ll have your own library café full of customers. Let’s believe in the value of books and reading and dream the dream together. Someday, I will visit Lyka’s library café in the Philippines for a look around and a cup of coffee. This was another happy episode of sharing our stories through books. Let’s look forward to the next episode. Sohn: Book for You You: Book for You You&Sohn: Bye~
By Korean Literature Now
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The Place
The Translator’s Book Store: Specializing in Translated Literature
A bookstore by day and a translator’s study by night, Mapo-gu, Seoul. I am Park Seon Hyeong, a translator and owner of the Translator’s Book Store. The Translator’s Book Store is a bookstore with a collection of translated books curated by a translator. I specialize in the Japanese language, working mostly on essays and books on humanities and philosophy. Q. What made you, as a translator, open a bookstore? I worked as an editor for a publishing company, and collected many Western books as part of being a translator. I wanted to share the books I loved and knew were worth recommending. That’s what led to the opening of The Translator’s Book Store. Q. Who are your major patrons? They range from publishers to translators and writers. We also attract many people living in the neighborhood. I’m proud of the strong bond we have with our patrons, most of whom are genuine book lovers. Q. How do you choose which books to introduce each week? I try to introduce at least 30 titles. I go over press releases to pick the latest books in the market. I always include books by writers or publishers I have been interested in. I also introduce books that might go out of print so that people won’t miss out on the opportunity. I try to strike a balance between new and old books. Q. Are there programs unique to The Translator’s Book Store? I have taught “Learn Japanese by Reading” for five years since the store’s early days. It’s one of the most popular programs. Participants not only read books in the original language, but also learn the skills of translation. “Translated Book Concert,” a program launched this year, is held on the third Thursday of every month. The program introduces novels, and plays LP records to accompany the stories. It’s one of the few programs that combine literature and music. I am very satisfied with the positive reception. Q. Top 3 books recommended by The Translator‘s Book Store Books on art and classics have been quite popular. Among the top three is What Artists Do. It’s a recent book by Leonard Koren, a writer with unique views of art. The book contains his thoughts on being an artist. I recommend it to those interested in the difference between art careers and regular jobs. The second book is Kusamakura. Natsume Sōseki has quite a number of dedicated readers in Korea. One of his more popular books here is Kusamakura. It’s a book that summarizes the writer’s views of art. The book has literary and artistic depth, and reading it is similar to reading a haiku. Lastly, there’s the picture book The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse. This book is not simply a picture book, but a philosophical book that can be enjoyed by adults. It contains universal truths and heartwarming drawings. I am aware it has been translated into many languages. Since the translated versions come in the same size, it will be interesting to read and compare them. Q. Is there a good place for reading near the store? Mangwon Hangang Park is nearby. Enjoying a picnic over a book will be a much-needed break from life. Q. What are your plans for The Translator’s Book Store? I’d like The Translator’s Book Store to introduce even better books. I’ll have to continue actively reading. I want to maintain this space for as long as I can, I hope everyone visiting the store can read and relax to their heart’s content. Translated by Park Kyoung-lee
By Korean Literature Now
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Book For You
[Book for You] Can you recommend books about adventure, travel or journey?
Jeong Ji Hye(Jeong) : Hello. This is Book for You from KLN. I’m your host, Jeong Ji Hye. You Hee-kyoung(You) : I'm You Hee-kyong, a poet. Jeong : Book for You allows us to communicate with various people from all over the world through books. It is amazing how Korean literature can connect us to the world. You : It is really great how Book for You brings people of all nations and races together with books. Jeong : Today, we have another letter from afar. From where? You : From Romania! Jeong : Please read the letter from Romania for us. Camy’s letter addressed to Book for You I am a Romanian and I have been to Korea in 2013 and 2019. I have a dream of publishing a travel journal about my solo trip from 2019 with all my adventures, photos and sketches. I would like to read books on adventure, travel, and journey. You : This was Camy’s story. Which book would you recommend for her? Jeong : This is the first story collection by Jang Ryujin, Pleasures and Sorrows of Work. My pick for Camy is the last short story from this collection, “Tampere Airport.” The main character of “Tampere Airport” has a dream of producing documentaries. To gain a work experience to add to her resume, she is flying to Dublin, Ireland for a Working Holiday. At a stopover at Tampere Airport in Finland, she runs into an old man. She makes a brief but impressive memory with him. Later, when she comes back to Korea, she receives a picture postcard from the old man. Years pass and the main character isn’t producing documentaries but doing a job at a food company that has nothing do with her dream. One day, she stumbles on the postcard again. This time, she notices that the picture has a stiff piece of paper added to its back and has an instruction written on it: “Do not bend (Photo inside)” This was the old man’s precaution against bending the picture. To me, this message read: “Do not bend; you have a dream inside you.” This was how I interpreted this story. You : Exactly! It gave me goosebumps! Jeong : Like the old man from this story who wanted to protect the photo, I hope that Camy will never bend but protect her dream. I would like to read this story's last sentences to her. I wiped away my tears and took out the biggest notebook and marker I had. And I began writing a reply, which I had kept putting off, in large letters. Dear. From “Tampere Airport” Jeong : Imagine what will happen afterwards. Will the main character go and see aurora in Finland? And will Camy’s wish to publish a travel journal come true? This was my book for her. You : Is this book available in other languages? Jeong : Yes, it is. It’s available in Japanese and Chinese editions. I hope that it will be made available in Romanian and other languages so that Camy and other readers can read it. Do not bend; you have a dream inside you. You : Most poets I know love travel. I think that writing poetry is akin to taking a break from here to visit somewhere else. When I was reading Camy’s story about travel, the first poet that came to mind was Lee Byungryul. Lee is a great poet and essayist. He is also an avid traveler. Perhaps he is travelling Romania right now. The poet is also well known for his travel essays. Camy’s story about how she wants to write her own travel essays inspired me to introduce this poet to her. I think that going on a trip is about being ‘alone,’ being alone to reflect on ourselves and our lives. Here is a poem about how we discover ourselves in the process. Let’s hear it. In the freezing, abandoned midnight, anyone is a complete one, light and soft, with what one has to say forming its body, destined to be alone for long, finally succumbing to eternal permeation One that locks itself up, drinks itself, thereby rising as a range of ice-capped mountains, only to melt down From “Alone” You : This poem is from Snowman Inn. This book of poetry embodies the heart of a traveller of his own life. I suppose that it is a both lofty and lonely heart. I think that being alone, finally realizing who we are, is a theme shared by the story that Camy wants to write. Hopefully, it will be published and translated into other languages so we can read that amazing, interesting, and somewhat melancholic travel journal. This was my book for her. Jeong : I think that Camy will find your book prescription very helpful. Travelling is about finally and truly being alone! Write about that moment of being alone and keep it forever. You : This was another fun, happy episode for me that allowed sharing our stories through books. I look forward to the next episode and the story waiting for us. Jeong : So do I. If you seek some comfort from us, please send your story to the address below. Need a book prescription? Share your story with us at the KLN website (www.kln.or.kr) You : You will be eligible for a chance to win a gift as well as our book prescriptions. Jeong : That’s all for today. Jeong&You : Bye~
By Korean Literature Now
