Stories That Travel: A Bookish Journey Through the Philippines and South Korea
Dear reader,
Some people collect souvenirs.
Others collect sand in their shoes or stamps in their passports.
But us? We collect stories—sometimes literally.
On a recent trip through the Philippines and South Korea, I set out with my checked bags and came back with something far heavier (and far more wonderful): conversations sparked by books, bookstores tucked into city corners, and the quiet reminder that no matter where we wander, reading always feels like home.
Chapter One: The Philippines
The week began with sunshine, wedding prep, and—unsurprisingly—book talk. While getting ready for the ceremony with a few fellow guests, the conversation drifted to travel reads. An old friend casually mentioned she packed eleven books for a one-week vacation. Eleven! A suitcase full of stories and zero regrets.
It turns out that many of us share the same cozy habit: visiting independent bookstores whenever we travel. A few days later, that same book-loving energy found its way onto a boat, as we drifted between islands in the Philippines. Between snorkeling stops and sun-warmed snacks, we traded stories about favorite cities, favorite shops, and what books we had packed “just in case.”
A new friend recommended Onul Books in Seoul—quiet, thoughtfully curated, and absolutely worth the detour. That rec ended up shaping the next chapter of the trip.
And in one of my favorite little moments, two people on our boat pulled out the exact same book to read during the ride. No planning, no coordination. Just a shared love for the same story. It felt like a soft reminder that books really do bring people together.
As we parted ways, my new friend handed me a final souvenir: a bookmark from Daunt Books in London, with a gentle suggestion—“You’d love it there.”
Reader, it’s officially on my list.
Chapter Two: Seoul, South Korea
Seoul is fast-paced, dynamic, and—delightfully—full of places to slow down. I found myself wandering through a couple of independent bookstores that felt like portals. No signs screaming for attention, just wooden shelves, warm lighting, and that quiet hum of discovery that only bookstores seem to hold.
Each shop had its own rhythm. One felt like a secret whispered between friends. Another, like a curated gallery of literary treasures. Korean titles lined up like poetry, and even though I couldn’t read most of them, the joy of being surrounded by readers needed no translation.
I made time for Onul Books, the boat-side recommendation from earlier in the trip. It was modern but warm, artfully arranged, and full of quiet charm. The kind of place where you browse slowly, as if the right book is waiting to choose you.
But my favorite stop by far was Daeo Bookstore—the oldest in the city. Tucked into a quiet neighborhood, it felt like stepping into a story all its own—part shop, part time capsule. There, I picked up a Korean edition of The Great Gatsby. I may not be able to read it, but the moment itself felt like a small literary treasure: a classic, discovered in a new way.
And of course, I visited Starfield Library—yes, the Instagram-famous one with towering shelves and escalators that make it feel like a book-themed dream sequence. Touristy? Definitely. Still magical? Absolutely. (Tip: go early if you want that crowd-free photo.)
The Final Chapter (for now)
Whether on a boat, in a bookstore, or in a makeup chair, this trip reminded me: our love of books travels with us. It sparks spontaneous conversations. It leads us to unexpected places. It’s the common language we share—soft-spoken, but strong—no matter where we are.
So here’s your sign to visit that little bookstore you bookmarked months ago. Pack the extra paperback. Mention your current read to the person next to you.
Because stories connect us—and that connection lives well beyond the page.
→ Where have books led you lately? Share your favorite bookish travel memory with us @thequietshelf.