`Korea`s average book price is lower than in overseas, say Korean publishers

`Korea`s average book price is lower than in overseas, say Korean publishers. October. 22, 2014 15:11. .

How much is average book price in Korea and how does it compare with other countries? The publishing sector argues that it its` lower than in foreign countries.

According to the Korea Publishers Society, average book price in Korea is estimated at 13,010 won (12.34 U.S. dollars) based on the fixed price system, which was reflected a maximum 15 percent discount rate.

In the U.S., an average book is 87.51 U.S. dollars, seven times that in Korea, and 25.71 euros (32.93 dollars) in Germany, twice the Korean book price. In Japan, it is 1,407 yen (13.19 dollars). British book price averaged at 7.69 pounds (12.43 dollars), similar to Korea`s.

However, experts say that simple comparison doesn`t work. Korea doesn`t have lower price paperbacks and people have no option. In the U.S., most books come in both higher-priced hard cover and a more popular paperback whose average price is 6.8 dollars. Also in Japan, average price of a paperback is 1,109 yen (10.4 dollars), cheaper than in Korea.