SEOUL, June 26 (AJU PRESS) – Korea’s largest international book fair kicked off its five-day edition at COEX in southern Seoul on Wednesday.
The annual Seoul International Book Fair (SIBF), now in its 66th year, brings together publishers, authors and book lovers from Korea and around the world.
This year’s fair is organized by the Korean Publishers Association (KPA) under the auspices of the Korean Publishing Foundation and features over 450 programs, including lectures and exhibitions, featuring about 400 selected books of various genres. About 122 publishers from 19 countries abroad and about 350 domestic publishers are participating.
Inspired by Jonathan Swift’s novel Gulliver’s Travels, the fair explores the meaning of peace under the theme of “Houyhnhnm”, a utopian horse-like creature depicted in the satirical four-part travelogue.
Highlights of the fair include writing and drawing sessions where visitors can share their ideas and thoughts on this year’s unique theme.
Saudi Arabia, which is the guest of honour this year for the first time in 12 years, invites visitors to get to know its exotic Arab culture through books, seminars, short film screenings and discussions.
Publishers from Norway, Oman and Taiwan also offer a variety of programs, including exhibitions, meetings with authors and other activities.
