Korean Literature and Magical Realism: Sundry Book Club discusses Lee Miye's novel "The Dallergut Dream Department Store"
2025-06-20
The Korean literature fame and hype are increasing all over the world these days; there are even some genres that are related especially to Korean literature, like the Korean healing novels. These novels usually revolve around a specific character or characters and their journey to discover themselves and their worth in the middle of the complexities of the modern world. This genre also often intersects with the magical realism genre, like in The Dallergut Dream Department Store novel by Lee Miye, which will be this article’s subject.
Sundry Bookclub is an online gathering for literature lovers from all over the world. May’s reading theme was magical realism in Korean literature, so The Dallergut Dream Department store novel was chosen, and it was exciting to participate and discuss it.
The novel revolves around Penny, the new employee who starts working at the mysterious dream store. The readers follow her journey as she learns the intricacies of the dream business and encounters the unique customers and dream-makers.
At the beginning of the meeting, there was a short time for the new members to briefly introduce themselves. Then the host explained how the meetings go. First, the members are asked various questions about the novel and its different aspects. Then, at the end, each one evaluates the novel as a whole.
The first question was about the main character, Penny. The host asked us why Penny was a suitable person to work at the dream store. In my point of view, what made her stand out was her deep understanding of the true purpose and significance of dreams, and the way she conveyed that clearly during her job interview. The other members had similar opinions and agreed that her simplicity and genuine passion for dreams made her special.
Then, the significance of the legend of the God of Time and the Third Disciple in the novel was discussed. According to the legend, the God of Time chose three disciples to teach them the secrets of time. The first wanted to control it, the second wanted to slow it to reflect on the life events, but the third one wanted to understand dreams and their link to memory and desire. The third disciple broke the laws of time in his journey and got stuck in the void between dreams, where he built the dream store.
One of the members spoke passionately about this part, calling it one of her favorites. She said that it highlighted the importance of dreams and their connection to time and memory. She explained that dreams are our gate to the past and future, allowing us to preserve the past while shaping the future in the present moment. Her comment gave this part of the novel a new meaning.
Later, the host asked a more personal question, which was about what dream each member would have bought from the store. The flying dream was the perfect one from my point of view because it gives a sense of freedom, and it is an unforgettable experience, and that is why this dream was always sold out in the novel. One of the members chose the dream of meeting a deceased loved one, and another one chose a random dream chosen by the store employee to escape the stress of the daily decision-making responsibility. Also, someone chose the dream of confronting and overcoming her deepest fears and traumas. The members talked freely about dreams and discussed which dream seemed most interesting in the novel.
The host also reflected on modern Korean society and its complexities, and how this affected and inspired the novel. I had an opinion that perhaps the author used the store as a way to give dreams a tangible and transactional form, because people in a materialistic world would find anything spiritual without direct results hard and useless to value.
The host also mentioned an article she read about loneliness in society and how this might be the reason to escape into dreams.
Later, the host talked about the novel’s impact on our understanding of dreams. I mentioned that it didn’t really change much for me because I already value dreams the most, but it reminded me of the importance and beauty of dreams. Also, an interesting topic about artificial intelligence and how it might be able to shape our dreams in the future was discussed. Before giving the final ratings, some members mentioned their favorite parts of the novel and how the author was able to build a unique world and design a store that is both familiar and authentic at the same time.
At the end of the meeting, all the members evaluated the novel. Some of them gave it a high rating, and others gave it an average rating. As for me, my opinion was mixed. I gave the plot, the characters, and the novel structure an average rating, as this genre isn’t one of my favorites. But also, the novel idea is unique, I spent a nice and cozy time reading it, so I gave the reading experience a high rating.
This experience was exciting and special as it was an opportunity to discuss Korean literature with readers from different countries and cultures. Literature connects us all despite our different cultures and backgrounds, and Korean literature focuses on these simple stories and feelings that connect all humans, which makes it unique and appealing.
Keywords:
Dallergut Dream Department Store, Korean Literature, Magical Realism, Korean Culture, Korea Net, Republic of Korea
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