Libraries Grow Closer and Busier Nationwide... 230 Million Visits Across the Country

Last year, public libraries across the country attracted more than 230 million visitors, strengthening their presence as spaces for everyday cultural life. The number of libraries increased, as did the number of visitors and program participants. This signals that the role of public libraries, once focused mainly on reading rooms and lending, is expanding to include lectures, exhibitions, and cultural programs.

A library in Gwangmyeong City. The Asia Business Daily DB

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According to the "2026 National Public Library Statistics Survey" announced on April 24 by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korean Library Association, there were 1,328 public libraries nationwide as of 2025, an increase of 32 libraries (2.5%) from the previous year. The population per library dropped to 38,492, improving accessibility.

Usage indicators also rose. Last year, the number of public library visitors nationwide reached 230,531,038, a 2.8% increase from the previous year. The average annual number of visits per person was 4.51. In contrast, the number of books lent was 146,298,000, a slight decrease of 0.3% from the previous year, remaining at nearly the same level.

Program usage increased even more sharply. Last year, the number of participants in reading and cultural programs was 30,947,841, up 6.8% from the previous year. The number of participants per library was 23,304, a 4.2% increase. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism explained that this shows public libraries are evolving beyond simple reading spaces to become focal points for local communities and multifaceted cultural hubs.

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Collections, staff, and budgets also increased. The total number of books held was 126,114,403, a 1.4% rise from the previous year, with 2.47 books per capita. The number of full-time librarians grew by 3.4% to 6,276. The total budget amounted to 1,542,594,610,000 won, a 6.3% increase. However, the average number of full-time librarians per library remained at 4.7, the same as the previous year, and the average number of books per library decreased to 94,966.

Online usage also rose. Last year, the number of visits to public library websites was 1,154,628,190, a 21.8% increase from the previous year. The average weekly opening hours per library was 66.2 hours, a slight increase. Offline space usage is expanding alongside a growing online presence.

Kim Yongseop, Director of Regional Culture Policy at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, stated, "The fact that 230 million people visit libraries annually means that libraries have established themselves as a core foundation enriching the lives of the public, beyond simply being information providers." He added, "We will continue to expand the role of public libraries through tailored policies that meet the expectations of the people."

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