164 Companies from 24 Countries Participate
145 Authors and Speakers Join
Over 180 Programs to Be Held
Copyright Center in Operation
The Busan International Children's Book Fair, now in its second year, will present a variety of programs in Busan under the theme "Children and the Sea."
The Korean Publishers Association announced on the 9th that the 2nd "2025 Busan International Children's Book Fair" will be held from December 11 to 14 at BEXCO in Busan. A total of 164 participating companies from 24 countries (126 domestic companies and 38 companies from 23 overseas countries) will gather to showcase over 180 programs, including book exhibitions, lectures and workshops, performances, and fan meetings. Approximately 145 authors and speakers (140 domestic and 5 international) will participate.
Meet the Authors
Jordan Scott, author of "I Talk Like a River," which was selected as a New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book of 2020, will take the stage, and Tang Mu-Niu, recipient of Taiwan's prestigious Hsueh Hsiao-tai Children's Book Award, will discuss the "Aesthetics of Simplicity." Kim Dongseong and Bamko, recipients of the "Most Enjoyable Book in Korea" award for 2025, along with author Ahn Hyorim, will join publishing critic Han Mihwa to delve deeper into their award-winning works in the session "The Joy of Reading and Creating Picture Books." Baek Eunbyeol, author of the young adult novel "Terminal," and Jeon Isu, a painter and children's book author who published her first picture book at the age of eight, will deliver messages to youth on the theme "The Life I Want to Live," discussing books, dreams, possibilities, and discoveries.
Thematic Exhibitions
About 400 children's books will be on display, along with 10 titles selected as the "Most Enjoyable Book in Korea" at this year's Seoul International Book Fair. There will also be an original illustration exhibition jointly curated by the Busan International Children's Book Fair and Illustration Gallery Bium. Sixty original works by 22 picture book artists, including Lee Suzy and Lee Myungae, will be showcased together. Live drawing shows will be held by Kim Jungseok, author of "Because I Like to Draw," and Lee Suyeon, author of "When the Waves Rise in My Heart." Kim Hyungkwan, known for installation art using the materiality and colors of box tape, will present the exhibition-linked program "Today's Sky, Tomorrow's Sea," where children and their guardians can cut and attach colored tape to create their own spaces.
Interactive Programs
Children can participate in "Flying Drawing," where they draw on large sheets of paper and interact with peers, and in the "Little Author Picture Book Making" corner, where they can create their own picture books by developing stories and illustrations. For the first time this year, children will serve as docents, guiding visitors through various programs. Tan Chien Yong, the Taiwanese author of "The Amazing Herbal Medicine Shop," will introduce the charm of Taiwanese herbal culture through a "shaxue" herbal pouch-making activity. Singaporean novelist Maria Mahat will offer a bookmark-making session inspired by Singapore's traditional food "kueh," providing an opportunity to experience the flavors and stories of different cultures.
Performances
Popular children's content creators Superman, sibling creators Baek&A, and game creator Holit will hold fan meetings and autograph sessions. Comedians Lee Sugyeong and Hong Hyeonho will present the "Geumjjok Kindergarten Comedy Talk Show," promising unforgettable memories for young audiences.
Copyright Center Operations
A fellowship program and copyright center will be operated, inviting leading international publishers. Twenty-nine companies from 23 countries (including the United Kingdom, United States, Spain, Italy, Brazil, Singapore, and others) will participate, with domestic and international copyright experts supporting export-import consultations and network building.
Those who pre-register by December 10, one day before the opening of the book fair, will receive a free admission ticket.
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