The Second Chance Convenience Store

By (author) Ho-Yeon, Kim; Translated by Hong, Janet
Short description/annotation:
The Second Chance Convenience Store is a Korean million copy bestselling novel set in Seoul telling the charming story of a store owner who gives those who work for her a second chance at life. For fans of Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop and Days at the Morisaki Bookshop.
Description:

''Holding on to the belief that life had meaning and must go on, I, too, would carry on.''

In this million-copy bestseller from Korea, the owner of a corner store takes in a homeless man who does a good deed – a kind soul whose presence will transform the whole neighbourhood.

Seoul Station is home to Dokgo, a man shrouded in mystery with no memories of his past. Until one day his subdued existence is disrupted when he stumbles upon a lost wallet, triggering a chain of events that will change the course of his life.

Enter Mrs. Yeom, a retired history teacher turned convenience store owner, who, upon discovering Dokgo''s act of kindness in returning her purse, offers him a meal as a token of her gratitude. Their chance encounter blossoms into an unexpected alliance when the man’s bravery saves the store from ruin, earning him not just a job but a place in the heart of the neighbourhood.

But just when things are looking up for Dokgo, Mrs. Yeom''s troubled son, eager to sell the store, hires a detective to dig into the mysterious man''s past and unearth what he seems to be trying so hard to forget . . .

The Second Chance Convenience Store is a moving and joyful story of a woman fighting for her community and a man who has lost everything except the will to try again.

''Dok-go''s realistic and encouraging relationship with the store''s customers, who have their problems and aspirations resolved so well through the pages, wins everyone''s hearts'' -The Korea Times

Review quote:
Dok-go''s realistic and encouraging relationship with the store''s customers, who have their problems and aspirations resolved so well through the pages, wins everyone''s hearts
Review quote:
A moving story about solidarity and the healing process
Biographical note:
Kim Ho-yeon has worked as a novelist, playwright, and comic book writer. Considered a complete storyteller, he won the 9th Segye Literary Prize (offered by the Segye Ilbo newspaper ) in 2013, and in 2021, was awarded Yes24 Book of the Year and Millie Audiobook of the Year. His work stands out for the humanity conveyed by his characters, always inspiring, and for stories that remind us of our own lives. He lives in Seoul.