In a five-day series of talks and signings, The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) invites Manila readers into the world of international bestseller Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop.
This September, the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) invites book lovers, dreamers, and seekers of quiet joys to a five-day literary celebration with Hwang Boreum, author of the international bestseller Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop.
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About Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop
From September 10 to 14, 2025, Hwang will be in Manila for a series of book talks, intimate conversations, and signing sessions, each one offering a space to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with literature.
Her novel, Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop, has touched readers around the world with its gentle narrative, tender character arcs, and message of hope and second chances. The story follows a woman named Yeongju, who, after leaving her demanding corporate job and divorcing her husband, opens a quiet secondhand bookshop in Hyunam-dong, hoping to start over. As the shop draws in people seeking comfort, connection, or simply a place to pause, it becomes a quiet refuge for stories—both on the shelves and in the hearts of its visitors.
A love letter to books and the transformative power of storytelling, fans have described Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop as “a heartfelt, quiet read” and “an invitation to find warmth in life’s simple pleasures.” It continues to resonate with anyone searching for meaning in everyday life.
Hwang’s own path mirrors the quiet courage of her characters. A computer engineering graduate and former software developer at one of Korea’s top electronic companies, she left the tech world to pursue writing full-time: proof that it’s never too late to start anew.
Event Schedule
Below is a rundown of the special programs and events that will be taking place over five days. Interested readers can register through the indicated links.
The Bookshop
Where: 2025 Manila International Book Fair, SMX Convention Center (booth within the National Book Store area)
When: September 10 to 14
How To Join: MIBF entrance fees may apply
Conversations Pt. I
Where: KCC Library, Bayani Road, Taguig City
When: September 11, 1 PM to 4 PM
How To Join: Register through bit.ly/StoriesInTheBookshop
Conversations Pt. II
Where: SURP, University of the Philippines, Diliman
When: September 12, 1 PM to 4 PM
How To Join: Register through bit.ly/StoriesInTheBookshop
Conversations Pt. III
Where: MIBF Main Stage and Book Signing at National Book Store Booth
When: September 13, 3 PM to 5 PM
How To Join: MIBF entrance fees may apply, see official National Book Store announcement here
Photos courtesy of the KCC.
