T Map January to August analysis… Daegu ‘Ilgeulchaek’ destination setting increased by more than 300%
Quick Look
- As a result of T Map Mobility's analysis of driving data from January to August of this year, it was found that the number of destination settings for Daegu's independent bookstore 'Ilgeulchaek' increased by more than 300% compared to the same period last year.
- The number of destinations for bookstores in major neighborhoods across the country has also increased significantly, such as 'Cat Hall' in Tongyeong, Gyeongsangnam-do (151%), 'Bookstore of Duck' in Uljin, Gyeongbuk (147%), and 'Grape Bookstore' in Mokpo, Jeollanam-do (48%).
- This is believed to be due to the strengthening of the role of bookstores as complex spaces that provide unique cultural experiences such as book talks and reading groups.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
As the number of people who enjoy reading as a hobby increases due to the recent Text Hip craze, people are visiting unique neighborhood bookstores all over the country. These bookstores go beyond simple book sales and are transforming into cultural spaces for book talks and book clubs.
T Map January to August analysis… Daegu ‘Ilgeulchaek’ destination setting increased by more than 300%
(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporter Oh Ji-eun = Amid the so-called Text Hip craze, where people enjoy reading as a fashionable activity, people are flocking to unique local bookstores all over the country.
T Map Mobility announced on the 30th that, as a result of analyzing driving data from January to August of this year, the number of destination settings at major independent and neighborhood bookstores across the country increased significantly compared to the same period last year.
The place that recorded the highest growth rate was Daegu's 'Ilgeulchaek', where the number of destination settings jumped by more than 300% compared to the same period last year.
The 'Cat Center' in Tongyeong, Gyeongsangnam-do, which remodels an old village hall to display and sell cat-related books and art works, saw a 151% increase in destinations.
'Bookstore of Duck' in Uljin, Gyeongsangbuk-do, which sells small items and souvenirs along with books, and 'Podo Bookstore' (48%), a shared bookstore in Mokpo, Jeollanam-do that operates bookshelves and book talks curated by the bookstore owner, also showed a significant increase.
In addition, ‘Hidden Bookstore’ in Gangwon, ‘Old Questions’ in Chungnam, and ‘Maelgeum Bookstore’ in Seoul also saw an even increase in visitor searches.
T Map Mobility analyzed that these bookstores have become more than just a place to purchase books, but have become complex spaces that provide unique cultural experiences such as book talks, book clubs, and local atmosphere, leading to the influx of people who value taste consumption.
Mobile demand for all domestic bookstores also showed a solid trend.
As of January to August, T Map's number of nationwide bookstore destination settings increased by 2.7% in 2025 from 757,500 in 2024, and remained stable at 700,000 this year.
The number of searches for local bookstores also continued a gradual upward trend for three years, increasing by 6.9% between 2024 and 2025.
An official from T Map Mobility said, “Each bookstore offers a differentiated space and reading experience, and the number of users discovering and visiting unique neighborhood bookstores is increasing,” adding, “We will closely examine trends and changes in travel patterns using driving data.”
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Destination and visitor numbers to neighborhood bookstores will maintain current upward trends through the end of the year.
Likely · Within months
Open Questions
- Is this increase in destination settings exactly proportional to the increase in actual number of visitors?
- What impact will this local bookstore trend have on large bookstores and online bookstores in the long term?
- Check whether T Map data is temporarily affected by certain seasons or events.
