Koreans Spend More on Cigarettes Than Books

South Koreans spend less than half of the amount spent on cigarette purchases or about one fifth of the amount on beauty products on books. Book purchases account for less than 1 percent of an average household’s monthly expenditures.

According to the National Statistical Office (NSO), an average household of 3.4 family members spent 10,397 won ($10) on purchasing books, magazines and other publications per month in July, August and September.