Mapo Publishing Culture Promotion Center Marks 5th Anniversary with Commemorative Events on September 12-13

5th Anniversary This Year
Ceremony and Author Meet-and-Greet on September 12
Workshops on September 13

Marking its 5th anniversary this year, the Mapo Publishing Culture Promotion Center will hold a commemorative program at the center on September 12 and 13.

Poster for the 5th Anniversary Event of Mapo Publishing Culture Promotion Center. Provided by the Korea Publishing Culture Association

Established in 2020, the center has become a hub for work and creative activities for new publishing companies and independent publishers, leveraging its prime location near Hongik University Station. The center provides resident companies with office space necessary for running a publishing business, as well as a variety of educational and support programs. It also facilitates collaboration and the exchange of ideas among resident companies within the center.

In 2023, the center experienced conflict between the Mapo District Office and existing resident companies when the district limited residency eligibility to Mapo District residents. During this period, the operator’s management contract expired, resulting in a temporary suspension of the center’s operations. However, with the Korea Publishing Culture Association stepping in as the new operator, operations resumed in March 2024. According to the revised regulations of the Mapo Publishing Culture Promotion Center’s Operations Committee, Mapo District residents are now given priority for residency, but remaining spots are open to applicants regardless of their location.

This year, in celebration of its 5th anniversary, the center is hosting a variety of commemorative events, including a ceremony and workshops. Park Kangsoo, head of the Mapo District Office, will attend the ceremony on September 12 to encourage the resident companies. After the ceremony, there will be opportunities for resident companies to share their experiences, as well as a meeting with author Baek Eunbyeol. On September 13, various workshop programs will be held.

Currently, the center houses companies that moved in last year and in August of this year. With the significant expansion of open office seats for independent creators last year, there are now 95 publishing companies residing at the center.

The response from resident companies has been positive. Translator Noh Jiyang said, "Translation is solitary work, but I did not want to feel isolated. By interacting with colleagues at the center, I was able to work without loneliness, and my colleagues provided significant mental support." Min Jihyung, CEO of Louder Books, shared, "Thanks to being based at the center, we were able to participate in the Seoul International Book Fair with a joint booth."

A center representative stated, "Going forward, we plan to continue supporting the growth and independence of resident publishing creators through customized education, mentoring, networking, and a variety of support programs."