Recertification Applications Due by June 27, New Applications Accepted July 1-11
Priority Contracts for Book Purchases by Schools and Public Institutions, Plus Additional Benefits
On June 17, Gwangju City announced that it will accept applications for the "2025 Second Half Local Bookstore Certification Program" until July 11, as part of efforts to protect local bookstores and promote a reading culture.
The "Local Bookstore Certification Program" is a system that certifies bookstores located in Gwangju and operating for more than six months as "local bookstores" if they meet certain requirements, providing them with various support benefits. This round of certification will include not only new bookstores but also the recertification of 80 existing bookstores whose certification is set to expire in the second half of this year.
The certification requirements are as follows: bookstores must have an address and store in Gwangju and be open to the general public; they must be registered as a book retail business; they must not be engaged in other types of business, or if they are, more than 50% of their total sales must come from book sales. The certification is valid from the date of review completion until December 31, 2027, after which recertification will be conducted through another review process.
Bookstores that receive local bookstore certification will be given priority for contracts when public institutions such as libraries and education offices purchase books. They will also be eligible to participate in city-supported programs aimed at promoting and revitalizing local bookstores. The city is actively encouraging public institutions to prioritize contracts with certified local bookstores when purchasing books.
Applications for recertification must be submitted by June 27, while new certification applications will be accepted from July 1 to July 11. Applicants can download the application form from the notices section of the Gwangju City website, complete it, and submit it along with the required documents in person to the Gwangju City Cultural Heritage Resources Division, or by registered mail or email. The city plans to make the final selection of certified bookstores in July after document review, on-site inspections, and internal meetings.
Jeon Soonhee, head of the Cultural Heritage Resources Division, said, "The local bookstore certification program is an important system for strengthening the self-sufficiency of bookstores and spreading a reading culture among citizens," and added, "We hope that both new and existing bookstores will apply without exception."
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