EPUBLIC Korea

What EPUBLIC Korea does

EPUBLIC Korea (이퍼블릭코리아) is a privately held Korean education-culture media enterprise founded in 1955 as Bumunsa (범문사) and rebranded to E*PUBLIC in 2005 on its 50th anniversary. Headquartered in Seoul's Mokdong district (Yangcheon-gu), the company operates a multi-brand portfolio spanning publishing, digital learning, institutional education programs, English-language textbook distribution, infant/children's lifestyle products, and medical publishing through two core subsidiaries — Language World (언어세상, English education materials and bookstore operations) and Panmun Education (범문에듀케이션, medical publishing and digital anatomy content).

The company's product architecture is organized around five publishing imprints (A*List for English language teaching, Safari for children's and youth literature, Login for parenting and language learning, Milestone for economics and self-development, Tiramisu the Book for humanities and essays), three education service platforms (e*Learning Town LMS, Play N Learn Academy franchise program with Uni-Player app, and Little Safari kindergarten/childcare reading program with the Safari Pen interactive reading tool), one distribution arm (ELT Business Team supplying A*List, Oxford University Press, and Play N Learn content domestically and internationally), and one lifestyle brand (Toytree, importing overseas children's fashion and toys). Digital infrastructure includes 2,200+ e-book titles in the e-Library, an integrated A*List app, audio book content distributed across all major Korean platforms (Naver Clova, Millie's, Woongjin Think Big, EBS Kids, Storytel), and e-Library / Medical+ online shopping malls.

EPUBLIC generates revenue through one-time book sales across retail and wholesale channels, recurring subscription fees for educational programs (Play N Learn Academy, Little Safari, e*Learning Town), transaction fees on textbook distribution, hardware sales through Toytree, medical textbook publishing royalties through Panmun Education, international licensing of Korean-developed content, and audio book distribution. The company sells through owned e-commerce sites, the English+ bookstore chain (10+ physical locations), major Korean online retailers (Kyobo, Yes24, Aladin), digital platforms (EBS Kids, Millie's, Class 101), franchise operators (Play N Learn Academy), and direct institutional sales to schools and academies. It maintains exclusive Korean distribution agreements with Oxford University Press (since 1989), Scholastic, HMH, and Penguin Random House, and a 2024 brand deal with Macmillan Publishers (UK). Flagship series Ready, Action! surpassed 3 million copies sold and Phonics Monster surpassed 1.5 million copies by 2024.

Name

EPUBLIC Korea

Legal name

주식회사 이퍼블릭코리아

Website

https://epublic.co.kr

Company type

Private

Founded year

1955

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

EPUBLIC Korea is a 70-year-old privately held Korean education-culture media company operating a multi-brand publishing, English textbook distribution, digital learning, and infant/children's lifestyle products portfolio through two core subsidiaries and five publishing imprints.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Educational Publishing and Media

NAICS

Educational Support Services (61171), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Books: Publishing Or Publishing & Printing (2731), Services-Educational Services (8200), Miscellaneous Publishing (2741)

akta.pro primary industry

World Languages & Bilingual/ESL (K–12) Materials (EDAGAAAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Digital/Blended K–12 Courseware & Interactive Textbooks (EDAGAAAJ), Children’s Educational & Curriculum Publishing (MPAJAFAF), Young Learners ESL/EFL Materials (Pre-K–Primary) (EDAGAHAF)

Keywords

• Educational publishing
• English language textbooks
• Children's literature
• Educational services
• Medical publishing

Headquarters

HQ city

Seoul

HQ country

South Korea

HQ region

Asia

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Book Publishing & Sales: Publishing and sale of educational textbooks, children's books, self-help, economics/management, and humanities/essay books through multiple branded imprints (A*List for English ELT, Safari for children's/young adult, Login for parenting/language learning, Milestone for economics/self-help, Tiramisu for humanities/essays). Revenue from direct retail, online sales, and wholesale to bookstores.
2. Educational Services & Programs: Play N Learn Academy franchise education centers offering integrated English programs (Eduplay, Edu Musical, Edu Plus), e-Learning Town online platform subscription, Home & Class parent education platform, and Little Safari early childhood reading program subscription.
3. Textbook Distribution (ELT): Distribution of English language textbooks including A*List published materials, Oxford University Press original textbooks, and Play N Learn programs to domestic and international markets. 68 years of experience importing English originals since 1955.
4. Infant/Children's Fashion & Toys (Toytree): Import and sale of overseas children's fashion accessories and toys through Toytree brand, including exclusive Korean import rights for brands like Stephen Joseph, Green Toys, Petit Jours, Natruba, Jelly Stone, and Belzy.
5. Medical Publishing (Panmun Education): Medical and health science textbook publishing, international import and translation, digital medical content production and supply through Medical+ online shopping mall.
6. International Content Export: Export of Korean educational content and publishing rights to international markets including China, Japan, Taiwan, Southeast Asia (Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia), Latin America (Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador), and Europe.
7. Audio Book Content Distribution: Distribution of self-produced audio book content to major Korean platforms including Naver Clova, Willa, Storytel, Dasan Books, Millie's Library, Woongjin Think Big, EBS Kids, and MegaStudy.

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels12 records

Core offering

EPUBLIC Korea is an education-culture media company that publishes English language textbooks (A*List), children's and youth books (Safari), parenting and self-help titles (Login, Milestone, Tiramisu), and operates institutional English education programs (Play N Learn Academy, Little Safari). It also distributes imported ELT materials from Oxford University Press, Scholastic, and Macmillan, and runs Toytree for premium infant and children's lifestyle products alongside Panmun Education for medical/healthcare publishing.

Product overview

EPUBLIC Korea operates as an education culture media company with a multi-brand portfolio spanning publishing, digital learning, institutional education programs, textbook distribution, and infant/children's lifestyle products. The core publishing division includes A*List (ELT textbooks), Safari (children's/youth books), Login (parenting/language/self-help), Milestone (business/self-development), and Tiramisu the Book (humanities/essays). Digital learning is served through e*Learning Town (smart LMS for A*List users), while institutional programs include Play N Learn Academy (integrated English education) and Little Safari (nursery/kindergarten reading program). Textbook distribution is handled by the ELT Business Team (supplying A*List, Oxford University Press, Play N Learn). The Toytree brand covers infant/children's fashion accessories and toys. The E*PUBLIC Group includes subsidiary 언어세상 (English education materials, online libraries, English bookstores) and 범문에듀케이션 (medical publishing, Medical+ bookstore, digital medical education).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• A*List: English language education textbook publishing and education service brand, described as the world's English education brand
• 사파리 (Safari)
• 로그인 (Login)
• 마일스톤 (Milestone)
• 티라미수 더북 (Tiramisu the Book)
• e*Learning Town
• Play N Learn Academy
• NEW 리틀 사파리 (NEW Little Safari)
• ELT사업팀 (ELT Business Team)
• 토이트리 (Toytree)
• A*Class
• Home & Class
• 잉글리쉬플러스 (English Plus)

Products and services

• A*List Flagship English Language Teaching (ELT) publishing and education service brand developing English learning textbooks for young learners, with level tests, question banks, and online teacher resources. Includes flagship series Ready, Action! (3M+ copies), Phonics Monster (1.5M+ copies), and integrated mobile app.
• Safari (사파리) Children's, youth, and young adult book publishing brand. Publishes picture books, knowledge books, fiction series, and educational comics including Gugsi Dogdonggeori (1M+ copies), Zeronimo's Fantastic Adventure (30 volumes), Yeopgi Scientist Franni (2M+ copies).
• Login (로그인) Parenting, language learning, and practical adult publishing brand. Covers topics including parenting methods (엄마표 series), English learning from beginner to advanced, literacy education, and lifestyle books.
• Milestone (마일스톤) Economics, management, and self-development publishing brand. Publishes books on business management, career development, and personal growth.
• Tiramisu the Book (티라미수 더북) Humanities and essay publishing brand creating content on self-reflection, healing, wisdom, and inspiration, including the 'Nan saeng cheoreom' (First Time) series.
• e-Learning Town Smart online English learning management service for A*List textbook users, providing online learning tools and abundant class materials for learners and teachers.
• Play N Learn Academy (플레이앤런 아카데미) Next-generation English education program combining play-based English (EduPlay), musical English (Edu Musical), and structured learning (Edu Plus) based on A*List validated textbooks. Operates through franchise education centers with Uni-Player digital education app.
• Little Safari (리틀 사파리) Kindergarten and daycare-customized reading program for children ages 2-5, aligned with standard childcare curriculum and Nuri curriculum. Delivers monthly picture books with workbooks, Safari Pen for interactive reading, and QR code e-book videos.
• Toytree (토이트리) Infant and children's fashion goods and toys specialty brand. Imports and curates overseas brands including Stephen Joseph (USA), Green Toys (USA eco-friendly), Petit Jours (France), Natruba (Nordic), Jelly Stone (silicone sensory toys), Belzy (plush), PlanToys (Thailand), and Little Tikes (USA).
• ELT Business Team (ELT사업팀) English Language Teaching business division distributing A*List textbooks, Oxford University Press original textbooks (exclusive since 1989), and Play N Learn programs to domestic and international markets.
• Language World (언어세상) Subsidiary founded in 2000 specializing in English education. First in Korea to distribute US textbooks domestically. Imports and develops English textbooks from Scholastic, Penguin Random House, HMH, and Oxford University Press. Operates English+ bookstore chain, e-Library (2,200+ e-books), and e-Learning World platform.
• Panmun Education (범문에듀케이션) Medical and health publishing subsidiary founded in 1955. Specializes in medical academic books, imports and translates international medical publications, produces digital medical content (e-Anatomy, e-Histology, e-NeuroAnatomy, Virtual-LAB, NursingEDU). Operates Medical+ online bookstore and distributes MedCalc statistical software.

Quantifiable outcome

• Ready, Action! series: 3 million+ copies sold (2024)
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration12 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

31 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Macmillan Publishers (UK)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Brand deal signed with Macmillan Publishers (UK) in 2024 for the Macmillan World Best series (40 titles launched in 2025), marking a significant international content partnership for Epublic's English education portfolio.
• Oxford University Press (OUP)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 1989ELT business team has held an exclusive distribution agreement with Oxford University Press since 1989, supplying Oxford English language textbooks (Let's Go series, Smart CHOICE series) to the Korean market for over 35 years.
• Cengage / National Geographic LearningcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerContent co-development partnership with Cengage's National Geographic Learning for the 'Wonderful WORLD' series, launched in 2021. Epublic developed the Korean edition of this globally recognized English education program.
• ScholasticcoreTechnology or IntegrationLong-standing partnership for importing and distributing Scholastic English textbooks and readers. Epublic holds exclusive distribution rights for Scholastic's Literacy Place (first imported in 2000), Hello Reader, Let's Find Out + Watch & Learn (exclusive since 2022), and other series.
• Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEpublic's subsidiary 언어세상 holds exclusive distribution rights for HMH's Journeys (since 2010) and Starship English course books. The e-Library platform also offers HMH e-books.
• Penguin Random HousecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEpublic's subsidiary 언어세상 distributes Penguin Random House English readers and books, including Step into Reading series (exclusive distribution since 2004), Magic Tree House, and other titles.
• Class CardminorGTM or Marketing PartnerContent partnership in 2024 for A*List content integration into Class Card platform, expanding digital distribution of A*List English education content.
• 단비교육 (Danbi Education)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerContent partnership in 2025 for A*List Catch platform integration, opening an A*List exclusive learning center through Danbi Education's platform.
• Class 101minorGTM or Marketing PartnerHome & Class content partnership with Class 101 (online lecture platform ranked #1 for adult learning) in 2022, enabling distribution of parenting and education content.
• Home & ClassminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLaunched in 2021 as a parent education and coaching online platform with content partnerships with Class 101 and ClassU (online lecture platforms ranked #1).
• Millie's Library (밀리의 서재)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerE-book content distribution partnership with Millie's Library (Korea's leading e-book subscription service) since 2023, making Epublic titles available on the platform.
• Naver ClovaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAudio book content distribution partnership with Naver Clova (Korean AI voice platform) since 2020, making Epublic's audio content available through voice services.
• EBS KidsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerE-book distribution partnership with EBS Kids (Korean Educational Broadcasting System's children's channel) since 2023.
• MegaStudy (메가스터디)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerE-book distribution partnership with MegaStudy for the Eli High Kids platform since 2023.
• Willa / StorytelminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAudio book content distribution partnerships with Willa and Storytel (global audiobook platforms) since 2020, enabling international audio content distribution.
• Iceream Home Run (아이스크림 홈런)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerE-book distribution partnership with Iceream Home Run since 2024, expanding digital content reach to another major Korean platform.
• 노틸러스 (Nautilus)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerE-book distribution partnership with Nautilus in 2025, expanding e-book availability on this platform.
• Sogang UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint development of online English courses with Sogang University's children's English experts in 2013, demonstrating academic partnership for curriculum development.
• Cambridge Assessment English (TKT Center)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCambridge TKT (Knowledge of English Tests) Center opened by Epublic (2010 in Seoul; 2011 in Gwangju) for teacher certification and training.
• 다산북스 (Dasan Books)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerAudio content distribution partnership with Dasan Books since 2023, making Epublic audio content available on the platform.
• Woongjin Think Big (웅진씽크빅 딸기콩)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerAudio content distribution partnership with Woongjin Think Big's Strawberry Bean (딸기콩) service since 2023.
• 천재교과서 밀크T 북클럽 (Cheonjae MilkT Book Club)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerE-book distribution partnership with Cheonjae MilkT Book Club since 2023, making Epublic content available to MilkT subscribers.
• Stephen Joseph (UK)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorExclusive Korean import partnership for Stephen Joseph children's fashion accessories brand, with dedicated Korean website (stephenjosephkorea.com) and exclusive brand contract.
• Green Toys (USA)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorExclusive Korean import contract for Green Toys (FDA-approved eco-friendly infant toys made from recycled milk bottles) since 2020.
• Petit Jours (France)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorExclusive Korean import partnership for Petit Jours French baby feeding accessories brand.
• Natruba (Europe)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOfficial Korean import contract for Natruba European baby products (natural rubber teether brand from Europe) since the early period.
• Jelly Stone (Australia)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPlay toy brand Jelly Stone (BPA-free silicone sensory toy) distributed under exclusive contract through Toytree.
• Belzy (Belgium)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBelzy animal plush toys from Belgium (stuffed animal brand) imported and distributed through Toytree.
• Little Tikes (USA)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorExclusive Korean distribution contract for Little Tikes infant toys since 2003, one of the early toy brand partnerships for Toytree.
• PlanToys (Thailand)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorExclusive distribution contract for PlanToys (eco-friendly wooden toys from Thailand) since 2003, establishing Toytree's green toy positioning.
• SHADEZ / STONZ / Penny Scallan (Australia/New Zealand)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorExclusive Korean import contracts for SHADEZ children's sunglasses, STONZ footwear, and Penny Scallan bags since 2020.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Megastudy (메가스터디): Korean edtech leader with online lecture platforms, textbooks, and K-12 digital learning. Comparable to Epublic's digital learning offerings (e*Learning Town, A*List app) as a Korean K-12 education platform competitor with broader scale.
• Cengage: Global K-12 and higher education publisher with National Geographic Learning English programs. Comparable to Epublic as an English education publisher with global content reach and Korean market position through Epublic's co-development partnership on Wonderful WORLD.
• Kyobo Book Centre (교보문고): Korea's largest bookstore chain and online retailer, distributing Epublic's titles through its platforms. Comparable as a Korean book retail and e-book distribution incumbent, though broader in scope than Epublic's owned English+ bookstore chain.
• Daekyo (대교): Korean education conglomerate operating 눈높이 early childhood programs, Hagisono publishing, and i-Scream English. Comparable to Epublic's portfolio of children's books, early childhood English programs (Little Safari), and educational services.

Others

• Penguin Random House (Korean operations): Global English publisher with significant Korean distribution through Epublic (Step into Reading, Magic Tree House). Comparable as an English children's content publisher that relies on Epublic's Korean distribution network, indicating the partner relationship and category overlap.

Direct peers

• Visang Education (비상교육): Major Korean K-12 educational publisher with strong positions in textbooks, digital learning platforms, and English education (Vi-Style). Directly comparable to Epublic across ELT textbook publishing, institution programs, and blended digital learning platforms.
• Chunjae Education (천재교육): Korean K-12 educational publisher producing textbooks, workbooks, and digital learning content across all core subjects. Comparable to Epublic's A*List as a foundational K-12 textbook publisher serving Korean schools and academies, with similar institutional sales channels.
• Neungyule Education (능률교육): Korean K-12 textbook publisher with a strong English education franchise (Neungyule), including the flagship Hello! English series and related academies. Closely comparable to Epublic's A*List as a competitor for Korean English language teaching institutional adoption.
• Woongjin Think Big (웅진씽크빅): Korean educational publisher and digital content platform (Strawberry Bean, 씽크빅) offering children's books, e-books, and educational content. Comparable to Epublic's multi-brand children's publishing (Safari) and e-book/audio distribution across Korean platforms.
• YBM (와이비엠): Korean English education specialist publisher and academy operator, including YBM 시사·교재 and YBM English academies. Highly comparable to Epublic's combination of ELT textbook publishing (A*List) and franchise education centers (Play N Learn Academy).

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/bliss8228
• Facebookfacebook.com/epublic.milestone
• Instagraminstagram.com/alist__official
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/epublic-korea

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about EPUBLIC Korea