Han Kang-bookstore

▲ This Oct. 11, 2024, file photo shows visitors waiting to enter the independent bookstore Onul Books in Seoul. (Yonhap)

Han Kang-bookstore

Seoul bookstore founded by Han Kang closes after 8 years

SEOUL, July 8 (Yonhap) -- An independent bookstore founded by Nobel laureate Han Kang has temporarily closed after eight years.

Onul Books, founded by Han in September 2018, had relocated to the quiet Seoul neighborhood of Seochon three years ago before its final day of business Tuesday.

"It was a deeply meaningful time renting and renovating this space ... lighting it up, bringing in books and meeting visitors, introducing an 'author's bookshelf' every season, and holding readings and workshops with wonderful people along the way," a recent statement posted on the bookstore's social media account read.

"The bookstore's journey has come to an end, for the moment, eight years after preparations (to open it) began in July 2018. When and where it will reopen remains undecided," it added.

Han is known to have been fond of the bookstore, curating books and organizing events in its early stages. She reportedly stepped down as head of the bookstore in 2021 and joined its board.

The bookstore had temporarily suspended operations in 2024 as crowds flooded the area following Han's Nobel Prize win.

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