Charlotte Couple Builds Public Garden Haven With 150,000 Book Asian Library

At the corner of Cherry and Baxter streets in Charlotte's Midtown sits an unexpected sight. The nation's largest private Asian book collection, over 150,000 volumes, shares space with a stunning public garden. This unique spot mixes quiet reading nooks with outdoor art.

Ki-Hyun Chun and his wife, Sunny, watch over this space next to their accounting office. Bronze children play among shaped trees and bushes. "Live for others," Chun says, sharing his father's wisdom with The Charlotte Ledger.

Sweet figs hang ripe for picking in the public area. Past the fence, Asian crops thrive: cucumbers stretch toward the sun while persimmons and pomegranates weigh down branches. Blueberries and jujube trees fill out the private growing space.

Since 1985, the Asian Herald Library has given readers access to books in six languages: Japanese, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Korean, and English. It's now a key meeting point for Asian residents.

While Green World handles the shaped plants, Chun tends the grounds each day. His wife notes his dedication: "Every morning, he weeds. If he spots even one, out it comes."

The gates stay open for weddings and gatherings at no cost. Visitors find the garden across from Myers Tabernacle AME Zion Church in Cherry. A clock tops the three-story King's Tower at 1339 Baxter St.

The Chuns left Seoul for Charlotte in the 1970s. At 80, Ki-Hyun still puts in five-day weeks, keeping the strong work ethic from his early days.

Kids reading and at play come to life in bronze throughout the grounds. A girl swings while others climb nearby trees. Chun keeps watch as young guests clamber on the statues, making sure they stay safe.