SEOUL, April 23 (AJP) - In an era dominated by short videos and rapidly consumed content, young people in South Korea are turning back to books and written text.
Reading books, copying favorite passages by hand, and visiting bookstores and libraries have become part of a growing lifestyle trend known as “text-hip,” where reading is seen not as an act of studying or self-improvement, but as a way to express personal taste and emotion.
April 23 marks World Book and Copyright Day, established by UNESCO in 1995 to promote reading, publishing, and the protection of intellectual property rights. The day is observed around the world through book-related events and campaigns.
The trend is visible across central Seoul, where the city government is operating outdoor reading spaces including Gwanghwamun Book Yard, Reading Seoul Plaza, and Reading Clear Stream.
The program transforms plazas, streamsides, and other open urban areas into public libraries with bookshelves, beanbags, and lounge areas where visitors can read freely. This year, the city has also introduced walking tours for foreign tourists and a “Travel Library” featuring participation from 14 countries.
Scenes at the outdoor libraries differ from traditional quiet reading rooms. Visitors read with drinks beside them, share books with friends, or photograph memorable lines to post online. At sunset in Gwanghwamun Square, reading spaces host concerts and film screenings, turning reading into a leisure activity.
The reading boom has also expanded into tourism. At HiKR Ground, a cultural space located in the eastern hipster district of Seongsu, a recent exhibition titled “Text-Hip x Local Travel” introduced 109 regional typefaces from across the country.
The exhibition invited visitors to read, write, and experience fonts inspired by local identity, including seaside-themed lettering from Sokcho and typefaces reflecting the landscape of Andong. Programs included handwriting sessions, postcard making, and Korean-language tattoo experiences.
The shift reflects changing travel preferences. While tourism once focused on famous landmarks and food, younger travelers increasingly seek local stories, design, and atmosphere.
Experts say the trend is also linked to digital fatigue. In a world of endless scrolling, turning paper pages and writing by hand offers a slower form of concentration and rest.
Books were once seen as something to enjoy quietly alone. But in Seoul today, they are bringing people together, reshaping urban spaces, and inspiring new journeys. On World Book Day, young readers and tourists alike are experiencing the city through words once again.
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