Korea’s first international children’s book fair in Busan
Open for four days starting from the 28th of this month
Speakers including writers Baek Hee-na and Lee Su-ji
Korea’s first International Children’s Book Fair opens in Busan this month.
The Korean Publishing Culture Association will hold the 1st ‘2024 Busan International Children’s Book Fair’ at BEXCO, Haeundae-gu, Busan from the 28th to December January. This is the first time a children’s book fair is held in Korea. In this book fair, 134 Korean children’s publishers and organizations, as well as 26 overseas publishers and organizations from 15 countries, will participate. The Korea Publishing Culture Association said on the 17th, “It will be a stage for publishers, writers, and children’s content industry officials to exchange and introduce Korean children’s books to the world through books,” adding, “In a situation where domestic demand for children’s books has stagnated due to the low birth rate, “We hope that it can become a platform to pioneer overseas markets,” he said. The goal is to create an Asian model for the Bologna International Children’s Book Fair in Italy.
The theme of this year’s Busan International Children’s Book Fair is ‘Laputa,’ a land of imagination. Laputa is an imaginary land floating in the sky that Gulliver travels to for the third time in Jonathan Swift’s novel ’Gulliver’s Travels’. The idea is to create a fun space with children’s infinite imagination.
Approximately 400 children’s books will be displayed in the themed exhibition consisting of ‘nurture’, ’fly’, ’illuminate’, and ‘attract’. Experience programs in which children can participate, such as drawing on balloons using acrylic markers, making keyrings, and creating their own picture books, are also run at all times during the book fair period.
Famous domestic and foreign authors will participate as book talk speakers. Author Baek Hee-na, who won the 2020 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award for Children’s Literature, known as the Nobel Prize for children’s books, author Su-ji Lee, who won the 2022 Hans Christian Andersen Award in the illustrator category, and author Cha Ho-yoon, who won the 2024 Caldecott Award Honorary Award. meets readers on site.
Foreign picture book authors include David Cali, a world-renowned picture book writer from Italy, Italian author Giulia Pastorino, illustrator of the year at the 2022 Bologna Children’s Book Fair, and Taiwanese author and illustrator Lin Lian, winner of the 2021 Bologna Ragazzi Prize in the fiction category.
Busan Museum of Modern Art, Modern Children’s Book Museum, and Busan Library also plan to showcase various cultural contents. Libraries in the Busan and Gyeongnam regions, including the Busan City Hall Open Library and the Busan Metropolitan City Citizens’ Library, will invite writers such as Hwang Seon-mi, Lee Geum-i,
Admission to the book fair is free. Admission tickets can be issued through pre-registration on the official website of the Busan International Children’s Book Fair until the 27th.
Reporter Kim So-min [email protected]
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What are the educational benefits of attending children’s literature events like the Busan International Children’s Book Fair?
Interview between Editor of Time.news and Expert on Children’s Literature
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Emily Park, a leading expert in children’s literature and the educational impact of books on young readers. Dr. Park, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Park: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss such a vibrant topic as the upcoming Busan International Children’s Book Fair.
Editor: Indeed! This event marks a significant milestone, being Korea’s first international children’s book fair. As an expert, what do you see as the importance of this event in promoting children’s literature in Korea?
Dr. Park: This fair is monumental, especially given the current landscape of the children’s book market in Korea. With a stagnation in domestic demand due to a low birth rate, providing a platform for exchanges between Korean publishers and international counterparts could truly invigorate the industry. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase Korean creativity while also attracting foreign interest.
Editor: Absolutely! The fair features 134 Korean publishers and 26 international participants from 15 countries. What do you think this diverse representation means for Korean children’s literature?
Dr. Park: Diversity is key! Having various perspectives from international publishers enriches the experiences of both children and authors. It allows for cross-cultural exchange that can inspire new narratives and styles. This interaction can help Korean publishers understand global trends while sharing their unique stories with the world.
Editor: The theme of this year’s fair is ‘Laputa,’ inspired by Gulliver’s Travels. How do themes like this shape the experience for children at book fairs?
Dr. Park: Themes like ‘Laputa’ unlock the imagination. They offer children a gateway to explore fantastical worlds where creativity knows no bounds. The thematic exhibitions—ranging from ‘nurture’ to ‘attract’—are designed to engage children actively, fueling their curiosity and desire to read. Interactive experiences, like drawing on balloons or creating picture books, are crucial; they make reading and storytelling a participatory adventure rather than a passive activity.
Editor: That sounds exhilarating for young attendees! Author talks are also a big draw, featuring notable figures like Baek Hee-na and Lee Su-ji. How vital are these sessions for inspiring the next generation of readers and creators?
Dr. Park: They are extremely vital! Hearing directly from authors who have made a significant impact in the field can inspire children to dream big. It brings the literary world to life, and when young readers learn about the journeys of these authors, they begin to see the possibilities for their own stories. Events like these also enhance literacy rates by instilling a love for reading through personal connections.
Editor: In light of the fair aiming to create an Asian model similar to the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, what should Korean organizers consider to ensure its success?
Dr. Park: Collaboration is essential. Engaging local schools, libraries, and community organizations will foster a sense of ownership and participation. Additionally, incorporating digital elements could broaden access beyond the physical event, allowing a global audience to participate. Educational workshops could also be beneficial, targeting both children and aspiring authors to cultivate talent right here in Korea.
Editor: Those are great suggestions! As we look forward to the fair, what message would you like to convey to families considering attending?
Dr. Park: I want to emphasize that this fair is not just an event; it’s an opportunity. It’s a chance for families to engage with literature in a fun and imaginative way. Visit the themed exhibitions, participate in creative activities, and meet your favorite authors. This fair could ignite a lifelong passion for reading in children!
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Park, for your insights and enthusiasm. The Busan International Children’s Book Fair promises to be a landmark event, and we can’t wait to see how it unfolds.
Dr. Park: Thank you! I’m looking forward to it as well!