Book Curation

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More than 50,000 new books are published annually, but adults read only eight books a year on average. Perhaps that's why the so-called "book curation" service provided by small bookshops is gaining popularity recently for helping readers find the right books to read.

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This small bookshop introduces books according to the monthly theme. The theme is based on social issues or authors. Since its launch nearly a year ago, the event has been drawing more and more customers.

[Soundbite] Cha Kyung-hee(Bookshop Owner) : "We started introducing novels, essays, poems and picture books according to the theme."

The way the shop displays its books is also quite unique. Each book is placed in a carefully chosen spot so that customers can easily see what the book is about. The so-called "book curation" service provided by bookshops to introduce more books to customers has many advantages.

[Soundbite] Lee Sae-hae(Seoul Resident) : "This place allows customers enjoy reading in a unique atmosphere created by the owner. I feel like readers and authors can become closer here."

The service also inspires readers to discuss what they read and bond as well.

[Soundbite] Choi Ji-ae(Bookshop Owner) : "We try to create a new ambience for reading by serving coffee and letting our customers hold book club meetings at our shop."

Thanks to the popularity of "book curation," the number of such unusual small bookshops rose to nearly 300 last year.