Get Paid to Read: Gyeonggi Province Launches Reward Program for Book Lovers!

If you read a book, you can now earn money to buy more books.

Gyeonggi Province is making waves with a novel initiative that rewards residents for hitting the books, in a bid to promote literacy and bolster the publishing industry.

Launched on July 1, the “Book Points for a Thousand Books” program has already seen an impressive turnout, with over 40,000 participants signing up in just the first week.

Gyeonggi residents 14 and older can now earn up to 60,000 KRW ($43) worth of book points annually, with a cap of 30,000 KRW ($21.45) planned for the latter half of 2025. While reading incentive programs aren’t new, this is the first to directly convert reading activities into redeemable points at local bookstores, setting it apart from traditional prize or mileage-based systems.

A spokesperson for Gyeonggi Province explained that the initiative aims to cultivate critical thinking and intellectual curiosity through reading, while simultaneously creating a sustainable ecosystem that links individual reading habits to the local economy. The provincial government hopes this innovative approach will not only foster a love for reading but also throw a lifeline to small, independent bookstores struggling in the digital age.

Participants can rack up points through various reading-related activities, including book purchases, library loans, journaling, and posting online reviews. Even joining a book club earns points. To prevent fraud, participants must provide verifiable proof of their activities, such as receipts, photos, or journal entries. Points are then automatically calculated and converted into provincial cash credits on the 25th of each month, redeemable at any of the 351 participating bookstores.

The program runs through November 24, with earned credits set to expire on December 7. Any unused rewards will be forfeited after this date. To keep readers engaged, the program offers additional perks like welcome bonuses, referral rewards, and a 21-day attendance challenge.

Interested readers can access the program through its dedicated platform at library.kr/bookpoint.