End-of-Year “Mind Journey” Reading Challenge｜Join & Win Kyobo Bookstore Gift Cards

As the year comes to a close, Seoul invites citizens to reflect on their emotions and experiences through books. The 6th “Mind Journey Reading Challenge”, hosted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government in collaboration with Kyobo Bookstore, is part of the city’s ongoing initiative to build a “Loneliness-Free Seoul.”

Under the theme “Mind Settlement”, participants select a book that moved them this year, choose a memorable quote, and complete a personalized 2025 Mind Reflection Report—a meaningful way to close out the year through reading.

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📚 What Is the Mind Journey Reading Challenge?

The Mind Journey Reading Challenge is an online, participatory reading program operated under Seoul’s “365 Seoul Challenge”. It encourages citizens to care for their emotional well-being through reading while sharing thoughts and reflections with others.

Held every even-numbered month, the program has been conducted six times throughout the year, each with a different theme. This sixth session marks the successful conclusion of the annual challenge.

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🗓️ Participation Period & How It Works

Participation Period: December 22, 2025 – January 11, 2026 (3 weeks)

Participants read one of the four recommended books or a book of their choice, then submit:

• A memorable sentence from the book
• A mind keyword that best represents their year (e.g., Growth, Healing, Courage, Rest)

Only one submission per day is allowed. Collect seven participation stamps during the event period to complete the challenge.

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📖 Recommended Books for Session 6

• Goodbye, That’s What I Said – Kim Aeran (2025)
• Grapefruit Apricot Club – Han Roro (2025)
• Mileage Hour – Choi Yuna (2025)
• Only Hers – Kim Hyejin (2025)

Participants are not limited to the recommended titles and may choose any book they wish, making the challenge accessible to readers of all preferences.

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🎁 Rewards & Benefits

Kyobo Bookstore offers special rewards to participants:

• Participation Prize:
  200 participants selected by lottery from those with at least one stamp
  → Kyobo Bookstore e-Gift Card (KRW 5,000)
• Completion Prize:
  100 participants selected by lottery from those with seven or more stamps
  → Kyobo Bookstore Gift Card (KRW 10,000)

Each submission automatically generates a personalized 2025 Mind Reflection Report, allowing participants to preserve their emotional journey of the year.

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📊 Participation Highlights & Future Plans

Across the first five sessions, over 44,000 citizens participated, sharing more than 33,000 meaningful quotes.

Notably, during the third session, Seoul donated 300 books based on the number of shared reactions, combining reading with social contribution.

Seoul City stated that it will continue to introduce innovative reading initiatives next year, helping citizens build connection and emotional recovery through books.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Who can participate in the Mind Journey Reading Challenge?

A. Anyone can participate. There are no age or residency restrictions.

Q2. Can I join using a book that is not on the recommended list?

A. Yes. Participants may freely choose any book they wish.

Q3. How many times can I submit per day?

A. Submissions are limited to once per day.

Q4. Where can I get more information or assistance?

A. Please contact the Dasan Call Center at 02-120.