The Publication Culture Industry Promotion Agency Establishes 'Picture Book of the Year' Award... Boosting K-Children's Book Exports

Focusing on K-Book Exports with a Budget of 1.1 Billion KRW
‘Picture Book of the Year Award’ with a Prize of 100 Million KRW

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo Mideum] The Korea Publication Culture Industry Promotion Agency is focusing on the overseas expansion of K-Book. In particular, it is investing 1.1 billion KRW to promote a project tailored to Korean picture books.

According to the Promotion Agency, a new award called the "Picture Book of the Year Award" (tentative name) will be established. With a total budget of about 100 million KRW, including the Minister’s Award and the Promotion Agency President’s Award, it plans to nurture this as a representative Korean picture book award and support exports. This decision comes from the recognition that domestic content has gained global attention and competitiveness on the world stage, as exemplified by author Suzy Lee receiving the Andersen Award, known as the Nobel Prize of children's literature, for her picture book "Summer is Coming."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Promising works will receive support for digital marketing. Together with overseas Korean Cultural Centers, customized K-Book events for local readers will be held to support follow-up activities. Domestic and international B2B book fairs will be organized, and active participation in existing book fairs will create opportunities for exchanges with overseas publishing professionals.

Support will also be provided for the production of promotional content for exports. Translation of abstracts and samples, as well as portfolio production, will be supported for over 40 companies, and promotional video content production will be assisted for about 30 companies.

Exports will be supported through translation and recitation contests, and inter-country picture book exchange activities linked with children’s literature events by country.

In addition, new programs will be operated, including "Electronic Publishing (Web Novel) Workforce Training," "Operation of Cultural Spaces for Middle-aged and Older Adults," and "Support for After-school Humanities Classes." The "Support for Excellent Publishing Content Production" will be expanded from 100 titles to 140 titles. The total budget allocated for revitalizing the publishing culture industry this year is 53 billion KRW.