Uijeongbu Where the Past and Future Coexist
2020.11.02
Being a central city in northern Gyeonggi-do Province, Uijeongbu is where nature and history blend together. Indeed, transportation is convenient as the city is near the capital, Seoul. The brand slogan of Uijeongbu, “Uijeongbu, City of Happiness,” exhibits the city’s will to become a city where its citizens are happy. At the center of the city flows Jungnangcheon Stream, which meets the Han River, and Suraksan Mountain and Dobongsan Mountain rise high in the East and West, respectively, which all add up to a balanced mixture of the city and nature. Meanwhile, the name Uijeongbu has a long history. The name derived from a historical incident where the top administrative body “Uijeongbu” moved its base here during the Joseon Dynasty. Being a gateway towards Seoul today, Uijeongbu has settled as a center of politics, economy, society, culture, and transportation.
Lifebooks, a link connecting books, people, and the world
Bond as a community is weak, and individuals tend to prioritize privacy in modern society. Society’s individualism has intensified as social distancing extends in daily life due to the pandemic. There is a bookstore that strongly resists against such generational flow and strengthens the link connecting books, people, and the world. Lifebooks in Uijeongbu is a special place to visit, as it is run as a cooperative with investments from various parties.
Lifebooks Cooperative is solidifying the link that connects books, people, and the world.
Yet, the notion of “cooperative bookstores” does not exist in Korea. Although rare, it is such a fascinating thing to operate a bookstore with its members through the medium called books. Lifebooks Cooperative began as an alternative to giving at least the hope to overcome the hardship the bookstore was undergoing out of the residents’ pure love for the bookstore. Currently, 16 residents are the members of the cooperative, and those interested in operating the bookstore among them are working as its operating manager.
This makes Lifebooks a bit special from other ordinary bookstores. Unlike other bookstores that prioritize making commercial profits, Lifebooks does not sell books for learning, education, or practical books. It is also different from independent bookstores that are run in the taste of their owner, in that the operational direction of the bookstore is decided by all the managers from the cooperative. Lifebooks explains that such a unique way of operation is quite advantageous in running cultural events or small group meetings within the bookstore. It also added that even though reaching a consensus and making decisions could be slow, wisdom from each member builds up to finding a good solution for difficult issues. It is a great joy running the bookstore together.
Small Talk with Lifebooks
How do you want Lifebooks to be remembered by visitors? What are the events or book meetings held in Lifebooks? What is the future plan and direction of Lifebooks as a “cooperative bookstore"?
Sungmundang, a bookstore that has kept its place for 30 years
One other bookstore has been standing in its place over a long period of time with love and affection from neighbors. It is Sungmundang, located in downtown Uijeongbu, which has been a landmark of Uijeongbu for 30 years. The history of the name Sungmungdang (崇文堂) is longer than that of the bookstore. Meaning to learn and develop skills of language, the kings during the Joseon Dynasty would have in-depth discussions about political affairs and study with retainers. As this meaning is somehow similar to the bookstore’s reason for existence, the founder chose to name the bookstore Sungmundang.
You can have a special experience where the past and the present make a fine mixture
As a town bookstore, many of its visitors are families. As the first and second generations of a family share memories through Sungmundang, about 80% of its customers are regular. The bookstore offers kind explanations about the price and location of books to the customers in a friendly atmosphere. The new history Sungmundang - the representative bookstore in northern Gyeonggi-do Province – will write is highly anticipated. Sungmundang is open 365 days, including national holidays.
Small Talk with Sungmundang
What do you think is the power that helped Sungmundang keep its place for 30 years since its establishment? You have been running the bookstore for a long time. Is there a customer that you remember in particular? As the influence and presence of regional bookstores are shrinking, what is that thing that Sungmundang is in need of?
The knowledge reservoir for residents, Uijeongbu City Library
Art Library of Uijeongbu (left), Uijeongbu Science Library (right)
Photos of children by the observatory
There are about 20 libraries in different parts of Uijeongbu. Among those big in size are Uijeongbu City Library, Science Library, Art Library, and Children’s Library. In particular, the Art Library of Uijeongbu is the first public library to specialize in art in Korea. Visitors can use the existing public library service and enjoy art books and exhibition halls at the same time. The library has been highlighted as the filming site for the TV drama “It’s Okay to be Not Okay”.
Written by Choi Ha-Yeong Choi Ha-Yeong |
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