The unique libraries in Jeonju are gaining attention as new travel destinations, thanks to the spreading trend of 'text hip' centered around the MZ generation.

'Text hip' is a newly coined term combining 'text,' referring to books, and 'hip,' meaning cool, representing a culture that views reading as a unique and cool activity.

On the 16th, Jeonju City announced that Jeonju library tours were selected as a 'rising city & anticipated city' based on a report from the Korea Tourism Organization's tourism big data platform, 'Korea Tourism Data Lab.' Social media mentions related to Jeonju library tours showed a 19% increase in anticipation for 2023.

In response, the city has expanded the library tour courses to nine, offering various contents including the recently reopened Wansan Library and nearby multi-cultural spaces. This year alone, over 600 people participated, with most courses closing within 3 days of registration due to their popularity.

Starting from June, 'workation library tours' that allow combining work and travel are set to resume, expected to attract more participation from the MZ generation.

Institution-targeted library tours are also receiving high interest, with applications for the first half of the year closing due to popularity. Various institutions, including the Jeonbuk Education Training Institute, have included these tours in their education programs, leading to visits from 14 institutions and over 240 participants this year, more than double the number compared to the previous year.

Choi Hyun-chang, head of the Jeonju City Library, stated, "Text hip has evolved beyond a simple trend and has become a means for the MZ generation to express their individuality," adding, "We will expand our engagement with the younger generation through various contents such as Jeonju Book Festival and Jeonju Reading Fair."