"'Reading is Emotion' Sales of Reading Supplies Increased... Kyobo Bookstore 'Byeolchaekburok' Special Exhibition"

Kyobo Hottracks Hosts 'Byeolchaekburok' Special Exhibition
Bookstand Sales Up 126%
Book Cover Sales Up 88%

Kyobo Hottracks announced on the 26th that it will hold a special exhibition called 'Byeolchaekburok' reflecting the trend of a surge in sales of reading accessories as more people try to decorate their reading spaces emotionally.

Book cover collaborated with artist Susujin. Provided by Hottracks

According to Hottracks, sales of reading accessories increased by 28% compared to the previous year (from the beginning of the year to March 21). In particular, the growth rates of bookstands (125.7%), paperweights (78%), and book covers (87.5%) were remarkable.

Changes in the consumer base are also being detected. The purchase share of the 10-20 age group nearly doubled from 16.2% in 2020 to 29.5% this year. Especially, buyers under 19 years old grew about sixfold from 0.6% in 2020 to 3.6% in 2025. On the other hand, the purchase rate of those aged 50 and above decreased.

In line with this trend, the Byeolchaekburok exhibition was prepared as a curated event introducing various reading accessories that help young people enjoy emotional reading. It features bookstands, bookmarks, paperweights, book covers, tumbler bags, tea coasters, e-book pouches, eco bags, and more. In particular, book covers are released as seasonal goods every quarter in collaboration with illustrators. In the first quarter of this year, collaborations were held with artists Haidana, Sogeumkkachi, Susujin, Im Jina, Lee Gyutae, Hwiri, and Goddaemmu, and in May, new book covers, lunch bags, and picnic mats collaborated with artist Goddaemmu will be newly introduced.

Kim Hyein, MD of Kyobo Bookstore's e-commerce sales team, explained, “Recently, consumption of reading goods to decorate reading spaces has been active among the younger generation. In particular, book covers are gaining attention not only for their function of protecting books but also as items that reflect the psychology of not wanting to reveal the book being read to others and express one’s own personality.”