From chosun.com
Domestic brands now produce multi-year diaries, replacing imports, as customers use them for parenting, anniversaries, and self-reflection
“To everyone running the marathon of life, I present this diary. … Feel free to use it as a parenting diary, prayer notes, gratitude journal, or exercise log. Whatever it may be, please leave a 10-year record that only you can write. That story will become a book that no one can ever break.”
When ordering a diary at the “Night Bookstore” in Daesin-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, a letter like this is enclosed. The diary’s cover, as thick as an encyclopaedia, bears the numbers 2026–2035. This diary is a “10-year diary” to be used from this year until 2035. Opening the page marked January 24, there are sections listing 10 years from 2026 to 2035. As you fill the diary, you can glance at how you spent the same date last year, the year before, and so on, spanning a decade.
Kim Mi-jeong, 49 years old, the store manager, said, “As a ‘stationery deokhu’ (hardcore fan) who loves collecting notebooks and fountain pens, I always visit bookstores or stationery shops when traveling abroad, which is where I first encountered the 10-year diary.” She added, “When I opened this independent bookstore, I thought many customers would share my love for records and stationery, so I decided to produce the 10-year diary.” The store has been creating and selling 10-year diaries with different designs every year since 2018.
A few years ago, multi-year diaries like the “10-year diary” were rarely sold domestically, so many people imported them directly from German stationery brands like “Rhodia” or Japanese brands such as “Midori,” “Hobonichi,” and “NU.” Things have changed recently. Various domestic brands now release diaries that allow recording over multiple years, such as “5-year diaries” and “10-year diaries.” This year, 5-year diaries are particularly popular among those who prefer round numbers, as they can be used until 2030. Comedian Kim Young-chul also sparked interest by introducing the “5-year diary” on his YouTube channel late last year, saying, “This is something I’ve been doing really well in my life.” Those seeking shorter-term records often choose “3-year diaries.”
Ms. Jo, 45 years old, who recently left her 20-year career and is exploring new work, said, “In 10 years, I’ll be in my mid-50s, and I want to record and reflect on how I’ve changed over the decade.” She added, “Though there aren’t many entries yet in the first year, I feel excited and hopeful thinking that in three or five years, I’ll be able to look back at my past self.”
Ms. Lee, 35 years old, a working mother who had a child two years ago, purchased a “10-year diary” to document her growing child’s daily life. She said, “Even without special writing skills, the accumulation of daily life naturally becomes a splendid ‘parenting diary.’” She added, “Reading past entries, I can see not only my child’s growth but also how I’ve grown as a mother each year.”
Mr. Kim, 44 years old, who celebrated his 10th wedding anniversary this year, recently bought a 10-year diary as an anniversary gift. He said, “I gave the diary to my wife as a promise to do our best for the next 10 years.” He added, “When we look back on it during our 20th anniversary, it will hold great meaning.”
Kim Mi-jeong, who has been a long-time diary user before becoming a seller, said, “The charm of the 10-year diary is discovering your own patterns over time.” She explained, “In January and February, I actively use my mornings with many plans and resolutions, while in autumn, I often get sentimental. During busy periods, I sometimes leave the diary blank.” She added, “The 10-year diary offers an experience where the past, present, and future versions of myself continuously converse.”
https://www.chosun.com/english/national-en/2026/01/24/PXFKGSSTPBHIZCTFLZPHNMYDVI/
No comments:
Post a Comment