2716 Local Bookstores Nationwide... Increased by 188 Compared to 2 Years Ago

Korea Publication Culture Industry Promotion Agency Conducts First 2022 Local Bookstore Survey
Scheduled Every Two Years

The number of bookstores nationwide has slightly increased compared to two years ago.

According to the "2022 Local Bookstore Survey" released by the Korea Publication Culture Industry Promotion Agency, there are approximately 2,716 local bookstores nationwide, an increase of 188 stores compared to two years ago.

However, six areas including Uiryeong in Gyeongnam, Pyeongchang in Gangwon, and Bonghwa in Gyeongbuk were identified as bookstore extinction zones, while 30 areas including Taean in Chungnam, Goheung in Jeonnam, and Yanggu in Gangwon were classified as at-risk extinction zones.

Based on the number of bookstores per 100,000 people, Jeju had the highest with 13.7 stores, followed by Daejeon (8.4 stores), Jeonbuk (8.1 stores), and Gwangju (6.8 stores).

The majority of local bookstore operators were aged 50 and above, accounting for 56.4%. In terms of annual sales, 43% earned less than 100 million KRW, followed by 19.7% earning between 100 million and 200 million KRW, and 13.2% earning between 200 million and 300 million KRW. Regarding the duration of bookstore operation, 48.9% had been running their stores for more than 10 years.

The most common store lease type was monthly rent at 40.5%, followed by ownership at 33.4%. The average store area was 127.4㎡, and the average number of book titles was 6,551.

The nationwide local bookstore survey is conducted every two years by the Korea Publication Culture Industry Promotion Agency in accordance with the "Publication Culture Industry Promotion Act and its Enforcement Decree." This survey was conducted from December 13, 2022, to January 19, 2023, targeting bookstores holding business registration certificates.

An official from the Publication Promotion Agency stated, "We plan to establish an online survey system for more precise data collection and statistical analysis in the future. Through this, we will strive to develop highly reliable policies based on data."