The Second Chance Convenience Store

The Second Chance Convenience StoreAuthor: Kim Ho Yeon Modern & contemporary fiction (post c 1945) Published on 8 January 2026 by PAN MACMILLAN (Pan Books) in the United Kingdom. Paperback 208 pages 131 x 197 x 17 158g 'Holding on to the belief that life had meaning and must go on, I, too, would carry on.'In this million copy bestseller from Korea, the owner of a corner store takes in a homeless man who does a good deed a kind soul whose presence will transform the whole neighbourhood.

Author: Kim Ho-Yeon

Modern & contemporary fiction (post c 1945)

Published on 8 January 2026 by PAN MACMILLAN (Pan Books) in the United Kingdom.

Paperback | 208 pages
131 x 197 x 17 | 158g

'Holding on to the belief that life had meaning and must go on, I, too, would carry on.'In this million-copy bestseller from Korea, the owner of a corner store takes in a homeless man who does a good deed – a kind soul whose presence will transform the whole neighbourhood.

Seoul Station is home to Dokgo, a man with no memories of his past. Until one day his subdued existence is disrupted when he stumbles upon a lost wallet, triggering a chain of events that will change the course of his life.

Enter Mrs. Yeom, a retired teacher turned convenience-store owner, who, upon discovering Dokgo's act of kindness in returning her purse, offers him a meal as a token of her gratitude. Their chance encounter blossoms into an unexpected alliance when the man’s bravery saves the store from ruin, earning him not just a job but a place in the heart of the neighbourhood.

But just when things are looking up for Dokgo, Mrs. Yeom's troubled son, eager to sell the store, hires a detective to dig into the mysterious man's past and unearth what he seems to be trying so hard to forget . . .

The Second Chance Convenience Store by Kim Ho-Yeon, translated from Korean by Janet Hong, is a moving and joyful story of a woman fighting for her community and a man who has lost everything except the will to try again.

'Dok-go's realistic and encouraging relationship with the store's customers, who have their problems and aspirations resolved so well through the pages, wins everyone's hearts' – The Korea TimesWhat Readers are Saying: 'Loved reading this slice of life . . . it is a story of kindness and the power it holds for healing and transformation''Beautiful story that will touch your heart''Quiet, heartfelt and hopeful. Just what I was looking for!''I truly loved this book . . . would have happily read more tales from this convenience store.''I love this book. It is heartwarming and a cozy read for everyone''Sweet without being too saccharine, this was an easy read and a cosy hug of a novel!'