Description
“Uncanny Convenience Store” is a contemporary Korean healing novel that follows a mysterious night-shift worker and the neighbors who gather around a small convenience store in Cheongpa-dong, an old neighborhood in Seoul. Through warm humor and everyday episodes, the book offers comfort, laughter, and empathy to readers living through difficult times. It is ideal for readers who enjoy character-driven stories about ordinary lives, second chances, and the unexpected kindness found in familiar places.
Key Features
- Representative K-healing novel set in a neighborhood convenience store in Cheongpa-dong, Seoul.
- Centers on Dok-go, a man once homeless at Seoul Station, who begins working the night shift at the store and gradually becomes a dependable pillar of the community.
- Features a vivid cast of neighbors, including store owner Ms. Yeom, a retired high school history teacher; Shihyeon, a job-seeking part-timer in her 20s; Ms. Oh, a breadwinner in her 50s; Gyeong-man, an office worker who drinks alone to relieve stress; and Kwak, a private detective.
- Explores misunderstandings, conflicts, reversals, and reconciliation, highlighting how everyday encounters can lead to understanding and empathy.
- Blends heartwarming emotion with witty, realistic portrayals of life’s struggles, capturing both the weariness and quiet joys of ordinary people.
- Portrays the convenience store as a special space of solace, comfort, and shared laughter for those exhausted by modern life.
- Written by Kim Ho‑yeon and published in Korean, making it a strong choice for learners and readers seeking original Korean literature.
Specifications
| Title | Uncanny Convenience Store (Korean version) |
|---|---|
| Author | Kim Ho-yeon |
| Publisher / Brand | Namuyeopeuija |
| Category | Books & Literature, Contemporary Fiction |
| Language | Korean |
| Publication Date | 2021-04-20 |
| Pages | 268 |
| Weight | 332 g |
| Size | 135 x 200 x 20 mm |
| ISBN-13 | 9791161571188 |
| ISBN-10 | 1161571183 |
Mariana – Porto, Portugal –
Li esse livro e gostei muito das histórias sobre os vizinhos. O tom é leve e divertido, tornando a leitura bem agradável. A narrativa me prendeu até o fim.
Thijs – Amsterdam, Nederland –
Leuk boek met herkenbare personages. Het verhaal gaat om gewone mensen en hun leven. Ik vond het makkelijk te lezen, perfect voor een zondagmiddag. De ontwikkeling van de hoofdpersonen maakt je nieuwsgierig naar meer. Een aanrader als je houdt van licht humoristische verhalen over de dagelijkse strijd.
Wren – Nashville, USA –
This book gives a nice look at people’s lives in tough times. I really liked how it showed small moments that mattered, especially with the character interactions. It’s heartwarming and keeps your attention throughout its pages.
Min-kyu Park from Busan, South Korea –
Hey, so I just wrapped up ‘Uncanny Convenience Store,’ and let me tell you—it’s like a warm hug on a chilly Seoul evening. It dives deep into this small corner of Cheongpa-dong where the characters are quirky yet relatable, kinda like that friend who always has wild stories to share. Dok-go? What a gem! A homeless guy with unexpected luck? It sounds heavy but turns out to be quite heartening. The little bits about their daily lives make you appreciate life more! Highly recommend if you’re into those sweet tales that mix laughter with some feels!
Leandro dos Santos from Olinda, Brasil –
Num dia nublado, entrei em uma loja de conveniência e encontrei mais do que produtos: um laço com o desconhecido. Os rostos ao meu redor, repletos de histórias; o ambiente exalava conforto como a cozinha da minha avó. Fiquei preso na narrativa viva do lugar.
Maria from Barcelona, Spain –
A delightful read that combines humor and heart! The characters are relatable, making the narrative engaging from start to finish.