"Information on Over 150 Local Bookstores in Seoul in One Place" ... Online Platform Launch

Promotion of Unique Cultural Programs and In-House Products at 'Seoul-Style Bookstore'

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] The online platform "Seoul-style Bookstores (https://seoulbookshops.kr)," which gathers information on neighborhood bookstores throughout Seoul in one place, will open on the 16th. The site was built to promote neighborhood bookstores struggling due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic online, aiming to connect citizens and bookstores.

This platform focuses on introducing about 150 Seoul-style bookstores selected by the Seoul Metropolitan Government. Since last year, the city has been selecting bookstores that spread reading culture and serve as cultural spaces in the community to revitalize local bookstores. Following 50 stores last year, a total of 100 Seoul-style bookstores have been selected this year, receiving various support such as hosting cultural events and online and offline promotions.

On the online platform, users can search for the locations and addresses of all neighborhood bookstores located in Seoul, and various local bookstore support projects by the Seoul Library, such as the "Cheonggyecheon Used Bookstore Special Program," can be introduced non-face-to-face. The platform menu consists of ▲Bookstore List (introducing Seoul-style bookstores selected in 2019-2020) ▲Bookstore Programs (promotion of cultural programs by each bookstore) ▲Bookstore News (introduction of Seoul Library support projects) ▲Find a Bookstore (search for bookstore locations in Seoul) ▲Bookstore Products (sales of independent publications and self-made products by bookstores).

Neighborhood bookstores with offline stores in Seoul can promote their online and offline cultural events held at their bookstores and products they directly produce, and the products for sale are linked to the bookstore site, allowing citizens to purchase them online.

Through this, the Seoul Metropolitan Government expects to connect citizens and neighborhood bookstores in the COVID-19 era, expand citizens' opportunities to enjoy culture, and simultaneously revitalize local bookstores.

For more details, visit the Seoul-style Bookstores (seoulbookshops.kr) or Seoul Library (lib.seoul.go.kr) websites, and official SNS channels also provide information. For inquiries, contact the Seoul Library Knowledge and Culture Division at 02-2133-0219.

Lee Jung-soo, Director of Seoul Library, said, "We will establish the online platform not only as a means to promote the 150 Seoul-style bookstores but also as a tool to promote small neighborhood bookstores throughout Seoul, expanding it into a local cultural space that communicates with more local residents."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.