1984

1984 is the latest iteration of a publishing company established in 1951 and handed down from father to son to grandson, Jeon Yong-hun. Born in 1984, the youngest Jeon renamed the place not just after his birth year, but also the iconic novel by Orwell, which he says had a big influence on him. Witnessing the changes in the publishing industry first-hand, Jeon decided that publishing houses should also be places of culture and knowledge sharing. Thus, 1984 hosts lectures and performances alongside their bookshop, café, and shop. For 12,000 won, you can get a drink and a copy of Orwell’s “1984” (albeit in Korean). The shop sells lifestyle goods from local and international sources, including Australian skincare brand Aesop and American workwear brand Red Kap. Seating is plentiful, though in nice weather, the comfy outdoor cushions are highly coveted.