Choi Ina is a figure noted for her creative endeavors at Cheil Worldwide, which is one of the biggest advertising firms in Korea. Her 30 years in the advertising industry has resulted in many successful campaigns and slogans, some of which have won her prizes and press attention. The opening of her bookstore gives us an opportunity to take a glimpse into the beautiful mind and a place to gather and share stories.
With its exterior resembling a quaint European town house, the bookstore feels like a big study and/or in-house library. With a grand piano located in one corner, a huge bookshelf (rolling ladder provided) in front of the main reading area, ample seating and desks, and also a second floor with more reading area. Of the 5,000 books supplied at the store, about one third of them are books selected and recommended by about 150 professionals in the advertising business. These books also have in them a ‘book card’ with hand written reasons of why the particular book is a must read. One downside for non-Korean speakers is that the selections only include Korean publications. Still, with the café providing a nice ambiance, Choi Ina Books is a place worth a visit when you're in need of some quiet time for reading and relaxing.