South Korean author Hwang Bo-Reum has captured the hearts of readers worldwide with her literary sensation "Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop," a novel that offers comfort and healing through the simple story of a neighborhood bookstore. The book has resonated with thousands of readers globally, providing a sanctuary of peace amid life's relentless pace in both bustling cities and quiet towns.
As part of the Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) 2025 held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, Bo-Reum visited the Philippines to connect with her devoted fans. The event, organized in partnership with National Book Store, featured a special meet-and-greet session at the Korean Cultural Center in Taguig City on Thursday, September 12, 2025. During this intimate gathering, the best-selling author shared personal insights about her life, creative journey, and the humble beginnings of a book that would eventually touch readers across continents.
Bo-Reum's path to becoming a celebrated author was far from conventional. Writing was not a childhood dream but rather a conscious decision she made in her early 30s while working as an office employee. This late start in her literary career makes her success story even more remarkable, demonstrating that it's never too late to pursue one's passion and find their voice as a storyteller.
The novel "Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop" doesn't merely narrate the tale of a small neighborhood bookstore; it serves as a therapeutic experience for its readers, much like the healing it provides to the characters within its pages. The book has become a source of comfort for readers seeking respite from their daily struggles, offering them a literary sanctuary where they can pause, breathe, and find solace.
During her visit to the Philippines, Bo-Reum opened up about the quiet beginnings of her now-famous work and how she never anticipated its global reach. Her story represents the power of literature to transcend cultural boundaries and connect people from different backgrounds through shared experiences of finding peace and healing in unexpected places. The author's presence at the Manila International Book Fair highlights the growing international appreciation for Korean literature and its ability to provide universal comfort to readers worldwide.
