A New Page for Books in South Korea

Overview

Across Seoul, the capital of South Korea, independent bookstores are on the up. 50 such establishments have opened in the last year alone, with many in the bohemian Hongdae neighborhood. Each offers a unique selection of literature with a personal touch, with some even giving customers the chance to enjoy a beer or a coffee as they peruse the stock. Drawn to this world, more and more young people are choosing to self-publish their own writings, and even to open stores themselves. With the country's publishing industry undergoing rapid change, we meet some of the young people turning a new page for books in South Korea.