Koeul Logo
...

Diaspora Bookshelves: Reading Korean Books in Toronto

For those days when you especially miss the crisp rustle of a physical Korean book, here are some precious libraries and bookstores in Toronto where you can vividly feel the warmth of home.

Hello! While living in Toronto, there are times when you might really miss the distinct scent of a physical Korean book and the crisp, rustling feel of turning its pages. Today, for those who long for the printed words of their mother tongue, I’d like to introduce some precious spaces in and around Toronto where you can find Korean books. I have gathered useful places that will be helpful not only for those of us in the Korean diaspora who want to hold books in our native language, but also for Canadian friends who are interested in Korean culture.

1. The Warmth of Home on Library Bookshelves: Toronto Public Library (TPL)

Walking slowly through the aisles of the North York Central Library recently, I stumbled upon Cho Nam-joo's Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 alongside other Korean novels, and I couldn't have been more thrilled! The moment I encountered the familiar, warm Korean font among the densely packed English books, my heart swelled as if I had just run into an old friend from home. The Toronto Public Library houses a collection of around 4,000 Korean books, spanning both fiction and non-fiction. Beyond physical books, they also offer a diverse collection of about 200 e-books, over 400 films and videos, and audiobooks. You can find these at 10 different branches, including North York Central Library, Toronto Reference Library, and Palmerston Library. Be sure to take advantage of the library's website, where you can easily search for movies and books in Korean!

2. The Analog Charm of a Brick-and-Mortar Bookstore: Duranno Bookstore in Thornhill

Do you crave the thrill of taking in the deep scent of paper and physically turning the pages of a book? Open the doors to Duranno Bookstore, located in Markham just north of Toronto, and the blend of fresh ink and heavy paper will instantly give you the comforting feeling of stepping into a friendly neighborhood bookstore back in Korea. While they primarily carry Christian literature, they also stock books on parenting, finance, business, and health, and will gladly order any general books you are looking for. In particular, their bilingual English-Korean books—perfect for parents and English-speaking children to read together—serve as wonderful cultural bridges tailored perfectly for our diaspora families.

  • Address: 67 Doncaster Ave, Markham, ON L3T 1L6
  • Phone: (905) 482-9676

3. Korean Bestsellers from the Comfort of Your Room: Today’s Books Canada

If you want to get your hands on new Korean releases as quickly and conveniently as possible right at home in Toronto, I highly recommend this online store. Thanks to their robust Canada-wide delivery system, getting a book in Toronto takes just a few clicks. Every Friday, new arrivals are stocked, ranging from the latest buzzworthy works by Nobel laureate Han Kang to popular essays and fantasy literature. That distinct scent of a Korean book and the glossy cover that greet you when you open the shipping box are pure healing for an exhausting daily routine!

4. My Child’s First Korean Books: Tiny You Book Store

If you want to introduce the beautiful colors and vibrant sounds of the Korean language to children growing up in an English-speaking environment, look no further than this shop. Tiny You Book Store, a Canadian bookstore specializing in Korean children's books, directly imports and sells colorful picture books and interactive sensory playbooks online. The time spent with your child sitting on your lap, flipping through a board book and chattering away in Korean, will not only aid their language development but also build a strong connection to the Korean community.

Even far away in Toronto, Canada, the deep comfort and profound inspiration provided by Korean books are alive and well right here with us. How about enjoying a fragrant cup of coffee accompanied by a welcoming Korean book this weekend? Turn the pages and begin your very own new exploration of Korean culture!

(This content was created using generative AI, with partial edits and reviews by the administrator.)