Domestic Bookstores Increase for the First Time in 18 Years... 2,528 Locations

No Bookstores in Incheon Ongjin and Gangwon Pyeongchang Areas

On the 8th, ten days before the 2022 College Scholastic Ability Test, a signboard with supportive messages for CSAT examinees was installed at Kyobo Bookstore Gwanghwamun Branch in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

Last year, the number of bookstores in South Korea increased for the first time in 18 years. According to the "Korean Bookstore Directory" published on the 24th by the Korea Bookstore Association Federation, the number of bookstores identified last year was 2,528. This is 0.9% (208 stores) more than the 2,320 stores in 2019. After recording 3,589 stores in 2003 and declining every year, the trend has turned to an increase. The Bookstore Federation analyzed this as the result of the opening of various types of small bookstores, the revitalization of local bookstores, and the widespread adoption of ordinances supporting them. The average population per bookstore was 20,502, and the average number of schools and students per bookstore was 8.4 and 2,356 respectively. However, seven regions including Ongjin-gun in Incheon, Pyeongchang-gun in Gangwon, and Uiryeong-gun in Gyeongnam had no bookstores at all. There were also 29 regions classified as "bookstore extinction-prone areas" with only one bookstore. The Bookstore Federation stated, "We hope policy makers will cooperate so that bookstores can be recognized as cultural hubs in their communities."