When a top Chinese leader visits South Korea, the bookstores in Seoul prepare to feed local people’s soaring curiosity. Sales can be brisk.

This time was no exception. There were as many as 25 books about President Xi Jinping on one shelf at the Kyobo Book Centre, South Korea’s largest bookstore chain, in downtown Seoul, Xinhua reported.

Xi is well known in South Korea, and books about him are in demand, said a saleswoman named Kim.

Special: President Xi Jinping visits South Korea

The bookstore offers more than 16,000 books about China. Among them, those about Chinese history, culture and economy are the most popular, she said.

According to observers, Xi’s hardships in early years and his efforts to work his way up contributed to his popularity in South Korea. Many people were also impressed by his leadership in carrying out reform and fighting corruption in China.