English books forbidden reading? Browsing? Or...?

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I was just at Young Poong books at Sfunz in Haeundae. All of the English books, novels, travel books, etc. are wrapped in plastic with a sign above the shelf saying you must ask an assistant to open them and read PART of them. (emphasis not mine).

I asked the girl why only english books have plastic and none of the Korean books:

First reply: "This section is colder" 

I give her a look of disbelief, she changes her story: "Foreign books use different paper and get dirty."

I asked: "So foreigners are dirty?" she was very embarrassed and said "no no."


I may have answered my own question noting the "PART" aspect of the sign and that people try to read entire English books there. (unlikely considering there is nary a seat in the place).

In all seriousness, does anyone have a reasonable explanation for this blatant readerism in "dynamic Busan?"

Re: English books forbidden reading? Browsing? Or...?

Submitted by on

I was pretty shocked when I first discovered this as well but I had my girl friend ask and the answer seemed reasonable although I can't remember exactly.  Something to do with them coming from overseas and being more difficult to return if they are unsold but don't quote me on that.

I've been going there for many years and when they were unwrapped there were always significantly more Koreans browsing the English books and reading them than there were foreigners so I don't think the reason can be ascribed to racism (although that was my initial thought as well).

Re: English books forbidden reading? Browsing? Or...?

Submitted by on

I have been back and forth to Haeundae and the US for over twenty years since my childhood. Youngpung Mungo used to be a small tiny store in Nampodong.  I wonder how it expanded a branch, opened in Sfunz Haeundae.  It is a local Busanite bookstore, where most of Korean school references are on sale as it usually is at YoungKwang Doseo as well in Bujeondong across from Lotte Seomyon.  They do not import much of English, therefore, those books seem not to sell but to exhibit in their store; which used to be done with Japanese magazines for kids.

I usually go read English journals/books at Kyobo in Seomyon or in the centum city.  If I really wanna have a read on some of them, go read eBooks on Nook at BarnesandNoble.com lol.  Best,

H.

Re: English books forbidden reading? Browsing? Or...?

Submitted by on

it is because koreans read them too much, they are more expensive, usually, than korean books that are printed here and most importantly because they do not sell as fast as korean books. humidity and paper do not go well together. my wifes friend used to work at the big bookstore in seomyeon and i had asked her about this before. it has nothing to do with foreigners. seriously, how many are ever in a book store at one time-usually less than 1%.