Incheon's Baedari Secondhand Bookstore Alley bridges history, welcomes the world

Incheon, South Korea — The Baedari Secondhand Bookstore Alley, nestled in the eastern district of the bustling city, holds a unique charm as it celebrates its second anniversary this August. The multigenerational tradition of used book selling in the alley dates back to the conclusion of the Korean War in 1953, and now, eight bookstores call this area their home. One of these, Najeun Munteok, runs under the English name by its founder, Kim Ji-da.

Born and raised in Incheon, Kim chose to open her English bookstore amidst the rich literary history of the alley. Despite her initial doubts about making a profit, she was drawn to the passion for books held by the current book sellers. Kim, who also goes by her French name Sophie, was inspired by their love for literature and felt a calling to share her own enthusiasm for books with others.

Najeun Munteok, which translates to "low threshold," signifies the store's commitment to accessibility and its welcoming community spirit. As a former English teacher and organizer of reading clubs, Kim understands the difficulties that English books pose to Korean readers. Her store houses a diverse selection of titles, catering to both adult and children audiences.

Kim emphasizes that her primary motivation is to communicate through reading and discussions, and she finds immense satisfaction in introducing others to great books.