Life in the 21st century often feels overwhelming, leaving many feeling tired, burned out, and frustrated. Hwang Bo-Reum’s debut novel Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop offers a remedy with its feel-good, slice-of-life story that puts readers in a relaxed and cozy mood. The story follows Yeongju, a young Korean woman who quits her job and divorces her husband to open a bookshop in Hyunam-Dong. As customers are drawn to the shop, the novel explores Yeongju’s journey of starting her own business, catering to the unique tastes and needs of her customers, and discovering fulfillment in life through the bookshop. Each chapter feels like a new episode, with quirky titles that gradually shift from being about the bookshop to more personal and introspective themes.

The bookshop becomes a place for people to figure out their lives, as seen with characters like Minjun, a postgraduate who follows the conventional path but ends up feeling lost and unfulfilled. Minjun’s journey of self-discovery, using coffee as a metaphor, mirrors the experiences of Yeongju and others who frequent the shop. Hwang’s novel presents relatable characters dealing with life’s challenges, offering comfort to readers who may be going through similar struggles. The conversations in the shop touch on deep, relatable issues such as happiness, success, and the true meaning of fulfillment.

Hwang’s story subverts societal expectations of success, showing that true happiness may come from small, meaningful connections rather than material wealth or career achievements. Yeongju’s decision to leave her “successful” life behind and open a bookshop at the cost of her savings brings her more fulfillment than her previous life ever did. The novel encourages readers to reflect on their own lives, as it suggests that happiness is not always tied to societal measures of success but can be found in the simple joys of life and in the people around us.