Minister Han Seung-sook of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups visited Gongju's Saseong Market and the surrounding Jeamincheon commercial area to gather feedback and discuss the future of local bookstores.
On May 18, the ministry reported that Minister Han visited Saseong Market, where she purchased rice cakes and side dishes, encouraging merchants who are struggling due to rising prices and decreased consumer spending while listening to their concerns.
She then toured the Jeamincheon area, visiting the 'Gongju Youth Shared Housing,' which has transformed an old inn into shared housing for young entrepreneurs, as well as the independent bookstore 'Bookstore, Itta' and the Hanok cafe 'Lucia's Garden,' where she heard from small business owners.
A 'Local Bookstore Meeting' was held at the independent bookstore 'Old Questions' near Jeamincheon. Attendees included Ji Myung-hoon, the representative of 'Old Questions,' Yeon Young-sook, who operates 'Danbi Bookstore' in Sejong, and Kim Jun-tae, who runs 'Dadada' in Daejeon, among other representatives from regional bookstores in the Chungcheong area.
Also present were Lee Dae-geon, president of the National Local Bookstore Network, along with commercial district planners and experts who shared their insights.
The meeting began with a presentation by Lee on the 'Current Status of Local Bookstores, Best Practices, and Future Development Directions,' followed by a free discussion format. Participants shared the role and importance of local bookstores as key hubs that connect people within local commercial districts and traditional markets, discussing future development directions.
According to a 2024 survey on local bookstores conducted by the Korea Publishing Culture Industry Promotion Agency, there are approximately 3,295 local bookstores nationwide, with 21 areas identified as at risk of extinction.
Minister Han stated, "Local bookstores are not just spaces for selling books; they are cultural hubs where community stories come to life. We will continue to support the development of local bookstores as cultural anchors in commercial districts, from startup assistance to collaboration and revitalization efforts."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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