Nowon-gu Receives 'Excellent Workplace for Reading Management' Certification for 5 Consecutive Years

Co-hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Publication Culture Industry Promotion Agency, certified as an 'Excellent Workplace for Reading Management in Korea' for 5 consecutive years... Various reading promotion programs such as e-book subscription support, summer vacation Sagadokseo system, and partner reading are operated

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Nowon-gu (District Mayor Oh Seung-rok) has been certified as an ‘Excellent Workplace for Reading Management in Korea’ for five consecutive years.

The ‘Excellent Workplace for Reading Management in Korea Certification Program,’ jointly hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Publication Industry Promotion Agency, is a system that awards certificates to companies and public institutions that have demonstrated outstanding reading management achievements to promote a culture of reading.

The district has been certified as an excellent workplace for five consecutive years because it establishes an annual Nowon reading management plan and takes the lead in creating a workplace culture of reading through various reading promotion programs.

In April of this year, the district implemented an e-book subscription support system through the e-book subscription platform ‘Millie’s Library.’ Employees can access desired books anytime and anywhere using smartphones without restrictions on location or number of books, which has received high approval from staff. Over two months, 80 employees received e-book subscription support.

Additionally, since 2014, the district has been operating an online book cafe called ‘Nowonin’s Library.’ It is an online communication space where employees freely share their reading lives. They exchange book reviews, share recommended books, and create a reading culture that fosters communication and healing among colleagues through books.

During the summer vacation season, the district implements the ‘Saga Reading System.’ This program is inspired by a Joseon Dynasty system that granted young officials leave to focus on their studies. Employees who read one book during their personal vacation period and register a review are entered into a drawing to receive gift certificates, encouraging reading among staff.

Group reading club activities, where many share the joy of reading together, are also active. This year, 13 clubs have been formed, and the number of employees participating in reading clubs is steadily increasing.

Furthermore, the district operates ‘Buddy Reading,’ where close colleagues pair up to encourage each other’s reading, and a ‘Reading Mileage System’ to motivate employees to read.

District Mayor Oh Seung-rok said, “The reading culture of reading and sharing books with colleagues is revitalizing the organization,” and added, “We will continue to strive for personal growth and organizational capacity enhancement through ongoing reading management.”