"Seeking Excellent Workplaces for Reading Management"... Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism Accepting Applications for Reading Management Certification

Application for Excellent Workplace Certification in Reading Management Now Open
Until July 25
Initial Certification Period Extended from One Year to Three Years

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced on June 16 that, together with the Publication Industry Promotion Agency of Korea, it will be accepting applications for the "2025 Excellent Workplace Certification for Reading Management" from companies and organizations nationwide until July 25.

Since 2014, the ministry has been promoting the "Excellent Workplace Certification for Reading Management" to widely share the value of reading by spreading a reading culture in the workplace, enhancing employee welfare, nurturing creative talent, and fostering a culture of empathy and communication. The program started in 2014 with 20 companies certified in its first year, and the number of certified companies has increased annually. In 2024, a record 252 companies (103 newly certified, 149 recertified) received certification.

New Certification Period Extended to Three Years, Certificates Issued in the Name of the Minister

Starting this year, the initial certification period for newly certified reading management companies will be extended from one year to three years to reduce the burden of recertification and help establish reading management in the workplace. Newly certified companies can be recognized as excellent workplaces for reading management for up to three years through annual interim evaluations after their initial certification. Including recertification, companies can promote themselves as certified excellent workplaces for reading management for up to six years. Additional points are also awarded when applying for leisure-friendly certification and excellent institution for cultural and artistic sponsorship certification.

Certified companies and organizations will receive a certificate issued in the name of the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, as well as support for book purchase costs, distribution of best practice casebooks, and networking events for practitioners. For interested companies, customized reading management consulting will be provided through on-site visits by management and publishing experts, who will assess the company’s reading management level and suggest improvement tasks. In addition, the top 16 organizations and companies that have demonstrated exemplary reading management will be awarded the Minister’s Award (Grand Prize, Excellence Prize) and the President’s Award from the Promotion Agency (Merit Prize), along with book and cultural gift certificates and certification plaques.

Details on how to apply and required documents can be found on the Excellent Workplace Certification for Reading Management website. Applications must be submitted by 4:00 p.m. on July 25. The final results will be announced in October after document and on-site evaluations by experts. In November, an awards ceremony and a best practices presentation for certified workplaces will be held.

Online Information Session for Excellent Workplace Certification for Reading Management

In addition, for companies and organizations interested in applying for certification, an online information session will be held at 2:00 p.m. on July 9. The session will provide detailed guidance on best practices, self-assessment for certification, and how to prepare the activity report. Those wishing to attend should register in advance through the website. In addition, one-on-one customized information sessions will be offered both online and offline for interested companies.

A policy official from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism stated, "Books are a repository of knowledge and culture that not only enhance individual thinking and creativity, but also contribute to improved communication within organizations and the discovery of innovative ideas through shared reading and discussion. We hope that reading management will become widespread so that employees can enjoy personal development and the pleasure of reading, while also contributing to the growth and improved performance of their workplaces. The ministry will continue to expand follow-up support for certified companies and promote collaboration with local bookstores and libraries in the future."