Stories from Jeonju's Bookstores
In the alley near Jeonju Hanok Village and Jeolla Gamyeong,
stories shared by a grandmother from a bookstore and a young man.
Sometimes, we become so obsessed with seeing everything that we can't fully enjoy even a brief moment of rest. We often forget the joy that comes from chance encounters and small stories.
When that happens, stepping slightly away from the splendor of Jeonju Hanok Village and into the serene alleys near Jeolla Gamyeong, you can discover two bookstores that offer unexpected joy.
These are 'Chaekbo Bookstore' and 'Sunday's Bed'. Chaekbo Bookstore conveys 'accidental warmth', while Sunday's Bed creates 'relaxed connections'. Here are the stories of these two spaces that are similar yet distinct.
Chaekbo Bookstore. A story of 'chance and comfort' handed down by a grandmother in the alley.
◆ Location: 26-5, Pungnammun 4-gil, Wansan-gu, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do
◆ Available books: Humanities, novels, poetry, essays, and independent publications.
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<Bookstore Programs>
(Wednesdays at 10 AM) Reading of works by author Han Kang
(Fridays at 7:30 PM) Reading group
(Ongoing) Mini binding book making, photo and art exhibitions, etc. (Fox photography exhibition planned for February)
Upon opening the door to Chaekbo Bookstore, transformed from a brick house, you feel as if you've stepped into a different world where time flows slowly.
Instead of cold cement walls, warm brick walls entwined with ivy and wooden furniture greet visitors, filled with handwritten notes from the bookstore owner and small items made and given by local residents. In this warm, homely space, I had a conversation with the bookstore owner, Baek Seon-ok, whom we affectionately call 'the grandmother of the bookstore'.
The joy of achieving planned tasks in life is significant, but sometimes the comfort we gain from unexpected moments is even deeper.
I hope you enjoy the joy of encountering a person by chance in this old alley or discovering a book you never expected.
When asked what stories Chaekbo Bookstore holds, the grandmother's answer is gentle and warm. She hopes the bookstore captures 'moments, chance, now, happiness, and comfort' instead of 'achievement, planning, results, and future'.
Perhaps because of this gentle intention, the name 'Chaekbo Bookstore' carries such meaning. 'Chaekbo' refers to the cloth used to wrap books, a 'fool who only reads books', and a friendly term for someone who loves books.
When I was young, I used to carry books wrapped in cloth. (laughter) It meant 'a fool who only reads books' and 'someone who loves books'.
When you read aloud, you dive deeper into the work than just reading visually. I'm also planning a literary tour of Han Kang in the future. On Friday nights, instead of comparing with others, we focus on our voices and internalize the author's essence.
Sunday's Bed. A 'comfortable chatter' like conversations under the weekend duvet.
◆ Location: 15-13, Pungnammun 4-gil, Wansan-gu, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do
◆ Available books: Focused on domestic novels and essays (especially literature by female authors).
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<Bookstore Programs>
(Pajama Book Club) One-day reading meeting with books selected by the bookstore owner.
(Reading Pub) A drinking reading gathering where participants bring books they want to read.
(Writing Room) A four-week writing group where we write and share stories together.
(Mooncheong Meeting) A reading group operated seasonally for three months.
(Pepperoni Book Club) A book club with author Kim Geum-hee. Recruitment in January 2026.
After leaving the warm send-off of Chaekbo Bookstore and turning into the alley, you will encounter a pleasant olive-colored door. 'Sunday's Bed.' As the name suggests, this place resembles the relaxed 'Sunday time' and the intimate, comfortable space of a 'bed'. In this warm, blanket-like space, I met the owner, Seo Ji-seok, and listened to his stories.
When you think of a reading group, you might imagine a heavy atmosphere filled with criticism and blame. I wanted to create a gathering where anyone could participate easily. A loose connection where people can join without grand resolutions, just because 'the schedule fits' or 'it's a favorite author'.
The charm and secret to actively operating many gatherings is the 'unburdened comfort' he spoke of. Perhaps that's why even though it's a Jeonju gathering, many travelers and those temporarily staying in Jeonju visit.
Indeed, the programs here are very lively. The 'Reading Pub', where you share your preferences over a drink, and the one-day 'Pajama Book Club' exemplify what a comfortable connection looks like.
Staying without pressure. If you find a connection, you gradually deepen your ties through 'Writing Room' or the seasonal 'Mooncheong' meetings, making you want to return to Sunday's Bed.
This comfort is not merely soft. Rather, it conveys a solid affection and philosophy towards the space. The owner introduces himself as a diligent 'self-employed person' who manages this bookstore.
"I think it's dangerous if a bookstore is seen merely as a space to fulfill dreams. This place is my daily life and a precious business tied to my livelihood. Only if I stand firmly as a self-employed person can this warm connection last long."
Thanks to this responsible curation, the bookshelf becomes even richer. Recommended books for a leisurely read between January and February 2026 are Han Jeong-won's 'Poetry and Walks' and Lee Seul-ah's 'Conflicted Eyes', which help expand perspectives on others. These two books, beautifully leisurely yet firmly observing the world, resemble the bookstore.
If you've been tired throughout the week, feel free to drop by 'Sunday's Bed' without any obligation or burden regarding books, just to relax and share your stories.
Chaekbo Bookstore
Sunday's Bed
Source :https://blog.naver.com/jbgokr/224180140567
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