whilst I love the concept of this, I didn't love the story itself. the execution was okay, but I had no affection for any of the characters and that's hard for me to love a book without that

This is pure magic! Something you need when your heart feels a little empty. I devoured this book in a weekend,it brought me all the reels I want in a book. I definitely will be recommending this to my students.

Ever since I’ve joined Netgalley, and reviewed Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop, I began following Shanna Tan on Instagram and recently learned she would be publishing another translation from Korean, which got me excited. This is how I ended up placing an ARC request through Netgalley and got approved for reading the Yeonnam-Dong’s Smiley Laundromat before its publication. So, really, big thank you for allowing me to read this gem of a book and sharing my thoughts on it, Netgalley and Quercus Books!

The Book Title and Cover
This is one of the few times when I did not choose the book based on the cover but rather based on the translator (I never did this before, to be honest), and I got no regrets. Anyway, going back to the cover, the illustration seems pretty straightforward: there are a couple of buildings in the back, a tree in the foreground and, of course, the famous laundromat as the centerpiece. What I found interesting was the placement of the vending machine and the lady writing in a notebook, since she could be virtually anyone (from the author to one of the other female characters in the book), although I prefer to imagine this is Han Yoreum (the writer’s alter ego?). I also enjoyed the title placement, as well as the author’s name drop—the design team did a great job with this!
The title is also rather simple, as it describes the main place that ties together a series of destinies and allows people to wash away their worries, sorrows, or past stains, while, at the same time, enabling them to meet, grow closer together and help each other out.

The Characters and Plot
Old Jang is a retired pharmacist in Seoul. He lives together with his dog, Jindol, whom he loves very much, in a well maintained house in Yeonnam-dong. One day, due to an unfortunate incident, he ends up visiting the Smiley laundromat where he discovers a mysterious journal. As he leafs through it, he discovers an entry made by a young woman, and jots down a few soothing words for her, hoping she would find the strength to move on in life. Eventually, the old man meets other characters, more or less at the same time as the reader, and slowly learns about their lives, struggles and regrets.

Thoughts
I started this book slow, as I wanted to enjoy each word on the page, but after a few pages, I found myself turning them more rapidly, until I made myself stop. I was beginning to feel like the story would end too quickly and I wanted to spend more time with Old Jang and Mira. I couldn’t resist much, and eventually picked it up again and started to devour it. I couldn’t stop reading.

Although the stories presented by Kim Ji Yoon are rather simple and the writing is easy to follow, I found myself immersed in each character’s struggle. For the old man, it was the cry of the memories versus his son’s pretend happiness, for Mira, the pain of being a fresh mommy, for Han Yeoreum, the struggle to make it into the writers’ world. Hajoon reminded me lightly of a webtoon character with the same name, even though their stories are different. The young artist triggered my fight response, and Daegu made me want to slap some sense into him. Yet, even though they were all flawed, these characters kept me company and made me reminiscence things from my past.

The mystery of the notebook also caught my attention and, even though it turned out to be very different from what I had imagined, I have to confess I loved the first line in the green diary. The story was heart-wrenching and, sadly, way more common than we’d imagine in South Korea (beware the scams!). The same goes for Mr. Daegu-I-am-too-stubborn-to-see-reason. Although I despised him, I could understand where he was coming from.

Anyway, at the end of the day, I found myself wanting to join Yeonwoo on a friendly adventure and helping her deal with her loving boyfriend, as well as Jaeyeol on his brief chase for the scammers. Hajoon also gave me secondhand embarrassment with his cheesiness, and Yeoreum and Mira made me want to jump into the book and comfort them both.

Overall, the book was great and I enjoyed roughly every line of it, but if I were to have written it myself, I would have spiced it up a little more and proceeded to develop the female characters a bit more, while also adding a bit more context for the magical place that threads together their strings of destiny.

How wonderful it is when a book fills your heart with warmth and every so often squeezes your heart so much that your eyes fill with tears. Well for me, this is one of those books and it is a book I loved reading!

In the neighbourhood of Yeonnam-dong sits a special laundromat that does more than just allows you to wash your clothes. In there, on a table, a diary waits for you if you feel that life is too much or you’re feeling alone and you need someone to share the load with and listen. The diary, which hopes for “a world where we can sleep without worry”… And so we meet the mother with a young child struggling to make ends meet, the artist trying to make a breakthrough and the writer struggling to make her mark, the student who broke up with her boyfriend and the man wrecked with guilt over his brother’s death. And before long their lives collide…

Through most of the story we also follow Old Jang and his son who struggle to understand each there. Maybe the laundromat also has something in store for them…

This book reminded me of another Korean book I thoroughly enjoyed (‘Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop’) and as such, it was so lovely to see at the end that they were translated by the same person.

So when times get tough, remember that better days are ahead and if your days are brighter at the moment, remember to be kind and look out for those who are weathering a storm.

This book was very cute and lovely but also brushed up on real, rooted themes so it felt easier to connect to the characters in that way. All their lives interconnect thanks to this laundromat and a little green diary that the community confides in — real anime vibes going on here.

If you want the feeling of putting on a warm jumper just after it’s got out of the tumble dryer, then have a wander into Yeonnam-dong’s Smiley Laundromat!

'Every one of us needs our own little beach. A place where we can let go and cry. Here in Yeonnam-dong is one such spot, washing away our tears and sadness with its frothy waters.'

In a quiet district of Seoul sits a small laundromat, and as this quietly written novel progresses it becomes the heart of the neighborhood. To it comes a motley collection of customers: the widowed Old Jang and his dog, a mother and her daughter, an aspiring script writer who keeps getting passed over.... And there are more, whose stories start to weave in and out as connections are made, each of them finding solace in the warmth and comfort of this unique laundromat. And at its heart is a green notebook, a place for anyone to write about their troubles or to offer solace for others.

Definitely in the genre of uplifting reads that are becoming quite widespread now from Japan and Korea, but this one definitely stands on its own two feet. Yes, its warm and cosy and gives you everything that you need, but its not afraid to tackle some darker issues along the way.

A book about the importance of opening up, of giving voice to the worries that you keep inside thinking 'well, I won't bother anyone with this'. Talk to someone. Help someone. Do a good deed. If this book doesn't inspire you, nothing will. A true testament to the power of books.

(With thanks to thepublisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this title.)

This was such a heartwarming read! I absolutely loved all the characters and how everything tied up together in the end. A unsuspecting laundromat with a mysterious journal left behind seemingly brings joy and answers to the residents of this small town. I felt the beginning was quite strong and the final story was okay. Although, it seems like 4 seperate stories, I liked how we catch glimpses of all the residents throughout the whole book.

Like most Korean stories/dramas, there’s a little dark and mysterious backstory every step of the way.

Very similar to Before The Coffee Gets Cold or The Kamogawa Food Detectives. So if that’s your vibe, you’ll like enjoy this one too!

A heartfelt, warming tale about the residents of Yeonnam-Dong, a suburb of Seoul, South Korea. A 24 hour laundromat that provides solace to troubled people, who communicate their worries in a diary, read by the patrons who provide anonymous offers of help & support.

It comprises of several lengthy chapters, each focusing on a different person/people but their paths inevitably cross and this really appealed as I love this form of storytelling, it ticks a lot of boxes.

Some great characters, all quite varied in their personality type, but they're all drawn to the welcome and comfort of the laundromat with it's gorgeous smells, complimentary coffee and calming atmosphere. I really loved all the stories, but my favourite has to be Yeoreum, a young scriptwriter who has lost her way a little.

It's observational, witty and a must for fans of this genre of fiction and great for those to whom the genre is brand new,

3.5 A heartfelt and human reflection on community, this short story serial features an interesting cast of characters connected by their community laundromat. This might sound a bit unusual, but it really works!

What worked for me:
🧺 The cover was beautiful and calming, creating its own unique sense of place with quiet slice-of-live art
🧺 Our premise was unique and I loved spending time in the laundromat and how it became such a community hub over the course of the book
🧺 Many of the characters! Old Jang was a firm favourite: the love he had for his dog, Jindol, his endless patience, his stubborn streak, and the care he showed to the people in the laundromat community made him easy to root for. Yeonwoo was a sweetheart too: while the beginning of her story was hard to stomach, I enjoyed her growth and development as a character. Plus, her little buddy Ari was a delightful addition! As a result, I think Take Care of the Tomato Plant and The Umbrella were my favourite sections. Mira, Sewoong, Jaeyeol, Hajoon, and Jaeyoon the vet were interesting to spend time with too.
🧺 I wasn’t expecting the action-style story of Lost and Found - it was a refreshingly different addition to the story that I've not seen before in this type of serial short
🧺 The redemption arc in Jujube Ssanghwa-tang was awesome!
🧺 The translation was well done: I liked the use of Korean when there wasn’t a like-for-like English word and the care the translator put into making sure the translation was accessible for all English readers, not just British audiences (the only slightly weird exception to this was Yeonwoo’s boyfriend who spoke like a British rude boy).

What I wasn’t so keen on:
🧺 A few of the characters really grated on my nerves: Daeju, who was almost abusive toward his Dad. Old Jang isn’t financially responsible for his son or grandson but Daeju was blaming him exclusively, never mind the frustratingly questionable financial choices he was making which were completely driven by wanting to appear wealthy. Make better choices! Yeoreum was such a milquetoast character. She had no personality outside of self-pity was deeply obtuse and kinda creepy too: imagine giving a busker too much money and then stealing a smaller amount back? Just talk to the guy! I found both of them tricky to root for and spend time with.
🧺 The only section I wouldn’t rate four or five stars was A Midsummer Romance: I liked Hajoon’s musical journey and wish this had been the focus of the section rather than a romance. Our two lead characters had zero chemistry and all of their interactions felt awkward and forced. It was a very unconvincing ‘romance’.
🧺 I didn’t like the commentary that being “unattractive”, overweight, poor, and/or unemployed meant a person was somehow deficient.

In Take Care of the Tomato Plant, Old Jang mentions if he moved into an apartment, Jindol would need ‘dog devocalization surgery’. I am genuinely too scared this up - please tell me this barbaric idea isn’t a real practice?

I your enjoy Korean healing fiction or simply enjoy spending a little time with some interesting characters on healing journeys of their own, I recommend this with confidence.

I was privileged to have my request to read this book accepted through NetGalley. Thank you so much, Quercus Books!

I love all the Korean translated book that are around at the moment and this one has to be up there with my favorites. It is like a warm hug and a lovely feel good story. It covers a lot of real life topics and challenges but the author does this beautifully.

“Yeonnam-Dong’s Smiley Laundromat” by Kim Jiyun, translated by Shanna Tan, is heartwarming and beautifully captures the essence of community, connection, and the power of kindness. Set in the rapidly gentrifying district of Seoul, the laundromat becomes a sanctuary for locals, transforming into a place where extraordinary stories of ordinary residents unfold. It’s not just the coffee machine, full bookshelf, and warm lighting that give the place a cosy atmosphere, but a notebook left behind by a customer. This notebook allows customers to share candid diary entries, opening hearts and inviting acts of kindness among neighbours who were once just faces in the crowd.
The novel’s ability to create a sense of community among its characters also extends to the readers, making them feel included in the heartwarming narrative. Each vignette is well-paced, with interwoven stories that develop gradually, expanding the network of characters and their friendships. I love the novel’s simplicity in bringing people together and creating a tapestry of human connection.
Although there’s a dramatic tonal shift three-quarters of the way through, introducing a darker element that might be jarring for some readers, it adds depth to the narrative.
Overall, “Yeonnam-Dong’s Smiley Laundromat” is a lovely, touching, cosy, and memorable light read. It doesn’t shy away from difficult themes but does so in a way that uplifts and inspires. The novel’s ability to tackle challenging themes while maintaining a sense of hope and inspiration is commendable. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a book about kindness, community, and the connections we can build in the most unexpected places.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, and I specifically requested it because Shanna Tan translated it. I thought her translation for Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop was superb, and she conveys the story’s warmth and charm here, making this a lovely read. I've now asked Shanna onto my YouTube channel and she said yes! if you see this before the book is published then join us on 27 August for a live discussion of the book! Noon uk time, 7pm singapore time. Page Turners with Katja.

"She'd never imagined that anonymous words of comfort would mean so much to her."

Inside the Yeonnam-Dong Smiley Laundromat, there is an olive-green diary where the customers write down their troubles; and are then given written replies of advice and words of wisdom by other customers - mainly from elderly neighbourhood resident Old Jang.

I absolutely loved this book! The story was warm-hearted and wholesome; a beautifully written comfort read.

3.5

This isn't my usual sort of read but I needed cheering up and this was perfect.

The story obviously revolves around a laundromat on the edge of a park where it's always warm, the coffee is free and people like to go. There are lots of customers to the laundromat but the stories intertwine and the one that feeds through the whole book is that of Old Jang and his dog Jindol who first uses the laundry when he can't get a stubborn smell out of his dog's blanket. While waiting he sees a green diary that people have written their problems in.

As the story develops more people use the laundry and write their difficulties in the diary. The other visitors always try to find a way to help - finding a place to live for one family, helping with relationship advice, even looking to get revenge on a bad man.

It might sound cutesy but there are real themes of debt, loss, caring for others and animals, taking time for your own mental health. Plus there's some really exciting parts and over it all is the problem Old Jang has with his money-minded son.

It's a quick and easy read with a moral overtone but not preachy. If you want a feel-good book with a few twists then you'll enjoy this.

Thankyou to Netgalley and Quercus Books for the advance review copy.

Thank you to NetGalley and Quercus Books for the ARC

This book is like a warm hug. It was a bit more slow paced, but I didn't mind. The characters were well developed and the story was heartwarming. It was all vibes and a great comfort read.

Another heartwarming, emotional read. I love the interconnectedness of these stories and how everything came together at the end.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6713796610

“All is in place. It’s time to welcome a fresh batch of laundry”

A warm Hug of a book. Very much a part of the contemporary cosy fiction coming from Japan and Korea.

I wanted to really like this book. And I was definitely drawn in to the Laundromat’s world and how the diary found there by its customers, helped improve their lives. A reminder that kindness exists in strangers and that strangers can become friends.

But about 2/3 of the way in the storyline is jarring and seems unrelated and out of sync with the rest of the plot and One character in particular is very unlikeable and doesn’t get the redemption you would hope for sadly.

A warm and cosy book, told via interconnecting short story chapters, gradually the characters all intertwine. It is a hug and warm blanket on a cold day, heartwarming and kind. Definitely recommend if you need a little pick me up.

I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.

Yeonnam-Dong's Smiley Laundromat by Kim Ji-yoon was a delightful, sweet read. It follows the popular style of Japanese and Korean cosy contemporary fiction, but in this particular story there were no magical realism elements. I enjoyed seeing how the characters from the neighbourhood gradually got to know one another through the laundromat's diary, helping one another both mentally and physically with the different challenges they each faced. It was heartwarming without being cloying, and the vignettes were all well paced, the interrelationship between each individual stories nicely handled so that the friendships forged through the laundromat developed little by little, each new tale expanding the network of characters. Overall, a lovely light read when you want to be uplifted. I would definitely read more by this author in the future and I am giving this book 4.5 stars.

I had high expectations for this book like I do with most translated works from Asian authors. However, this book just did not hit the spot.
‘Yeonnam-Dong's Smiley Laundromat’ by Kim Jiyun I described as a heartwarming bestseller and I can understand where everyone is coming from on that. It all revolves around a diary being left in the laundromat, and different individuals decide to write in it, also responding to each other with anonymity, allowing friendships and a community to get closer.
The first customer we meet is Old Jang, an elderly gentleman and his dog. Discovering the olive-green diary; he noticed how well-used it is, and his curiosity got the best of him as he started looking through it. A portrait of someone in between some of the pages, and a lot of different handwriting revealed it was a shared space.
This is how we also meet the other customers of the laundromat, such as Yeoreum, Jaeyeol, Daeju, Sewoong and others. There are a handful of characters introduced in this short story, but unlike other novellas I have read, you do not get too confused with the overlapping storylines as they are quite different which makes it easier to identify each character separately also.
I only gave this book two stars, which disappointed me because it had so much potential, and I was just underwhelmed, as well as just generally confused by how a cosy and comfortable can turn into a somewhat unrealistic storyline.
I loved this book up until all the customers got together to capture a scam artist that led Jaeyeol’s brother to suicide. It somewhat became a detailed execution in which each character had a role to get this guy, yet in reality none of this would happen. Even in a fictional world focused around a laundromat, it seems a bit farfetched and almost like two stories merged into one.
This was my main issue for giving the book a low score I think. I did have two other issues, however.
I don’t think I’ve ever hated a character as much as I hated Daeju and how he treated his father. I’m hoping other people who read this feel the same way.
The last issue I have with this book is the fatphobia in it. I understand Korean culture is a lot different to the British, but the blatant digs to bigger sizes were getting annoying and old.
“Hundred per cent cocoa won’t make me fat”, “… she hated that. Fairy? More like an elf. Or a glutton fairy.”
There are a lot more instances in which it is more the tone that implies bigger bodies are not as attractive, or loved.
I understand not everyone will care about these factors when reading the book, but for those who are fat and have heard things like this throughout their lives; it’s a bit disappointing to hear them being referenced like this in 2024.
Overall, the book just slowly went downhill with the unrealistic storylines – even for a fictional novella – as well as the body shaming and my hatred for a fictional man.

A set of interconnected short stories all linked by a shared proximity to a local laundrette (laundromat in US English). In the laundrette, there’s a community ‘diary’ where residents anonymously write down their concerns and others anonymously chip in with their advice. This helps lift a number of the characters out of their slumps or difficulties. It also creates a sense of community when the anonymity is removed as they all start helping each other. Some of the scenarios are somewhat far fetched (esp. the take down of the scammer) and I didn’t warm to some of the characters, Daejun in particular. An ok read but nothing special. With swearing and adult themes. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.