A launchpad for expanded partnerships between Taiwan and South Korea across publishing, television, film, and video gaming industries.
Taiwan takes the spotlight as Guest of Honour at this year’s Seoul International Book Fair (18-22 June). Culture Minister Li Yuan describes the island’s “unique culture” forged through centuries of embracing foreign influences.
Per the press release, The Guest of Honour Pavilion will feature 23 authors, 85 publishers, and 550 titles across six thematic zones. The zones showcase ‘Taiwan Sensibility’, encompassing literature, picture books, comics, documentaries, and music.
Moreover, Deputy Culture Minister Sue Wang has positioned the collaboration as a strategic launchpad for expanded partnerships between Taiwan and South Korea. Specifically, these partnerships will span multiple creative industries, including publishing, television, film, and video gaming. Consequently, this initiative represents not just a book fair appearance, but rather a comprehensive cultural exchange programme.
Sold Out!
Organised by the Korean Publishers Association, the Seoul International Book Fair 2025 has already achieved remarkable success. Indeed, all available tickets completely sold out during the early-bird ticketing period, demonstrating unprecedented demand. As a result, this year’s event promises to be one of the most attended book fairs in the event’s history.
Impressive Scale and Heritage
Launched in 1954, the Seoul International Book Fair has been Korea’s biggest book festival for nearly 70 years. It brings together publishers, writers, scholars, artists, editors, and readers. According to organisers, 19 countries, 450 publishers, and approximately 150,000 visitors attended in 2024.
More TNPS coverage of the event:
Beyond Taiwan: What’s in Store
The 2025 fair promises the usual rich programming that has made SIBF a cornerstone of the international publishing calendar. As always, the event will feature rights trading, literary discussions, author presentations, and cultural exhibitions. This collectively reflects both Korean literary traditions and global publishing trends. Furthermore, these diverse offerings ensure that attendees experience a comprehensive blend of local heritage and international perspectives
This post first appeared in the TNPS LinkedIn newsfeed.
