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Book fairs that truly meet books: Seoul International Book Fair and Seoul Proper Book Fair

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • The 'Seoul Proper Book Fair' is being held in parallel with the Seoul International Book Fair, organized by approximately 50 publishers who felt excluded from the main event.
  • The Seoul International Book Fair has faced criticism for being monopolized by a few individuals and for its limited space, leading to high demand and ticket shortages.
  • The new fair aims to redefine the meaning of a book fair and the importance of connecting with readers, with some rural booksellers planning to attend with local produce.

The Seoul International Book Fair, once a struggling event, transformed in 2017 by inviting independent bookstores, creating a vibrant "Bookstore Era." For rural booksellers like Baek Chang-hwa of Soksak Small Bookstore, this was a moment of joy, connection, and validation, selling over a thousand books in five days – equivalent to a month's sales.

The meeting with those who cherish and love books and bookstores, 'liking' means coming to meet despite any inconvenience, and supporting means willingly opening your wallet.

— Baek Chang-hwaReflecting on the 2017 Seoul International Book Fair, where independent bookstores were first invited.

This year's Seoul International Book Fair is highly anticipated, with online tickets selling out instantly. However, the "National Neighborhood Bookstore Network" faces a cramped booth, and many publishers are disappointed by the limited space. This exclusivity has led to criticism that the event is being privatized, leaving both participating and excluded parties feeling uneasy.

In response, a parallel "Seoul Proper Book Fair" has emerged. Approximately 50 publishers, feeling marginalized by the scale and capital-driven nature of the main fair, are creating a new event on Nodeul Island. They aim to showcase the true meaning of a book fair and reader engagement. Baek plans to attend with fellow readers, bringing freshly harvested corn from Goesan to share the "joy of planting, harvesting, eating, and reading."

Why must this event, where the desire remains so strong that people cannot enter because they cannot get tickets, be repeated every year?

— Baek Chang-hwaExpressing frustration over the recurring issues of ticket shortages and limited access at the Seoul International Book Fair.

In a time of declining readership, the sight of people lining up for books, authors, and cultural gatherings is a precious scene. The hope is that the Seoul International Book Fair will find its proper place, and that attention will also be given to the many neighborhood bookstores nationwide that feel even more isolated during these large-scale book festivals.

They say they will properly show what the true meaning of a book fair is and what it means to meet readers.

— Baek Chang-hwaDescribing the goals of the 'Seoul Proper Book Fair'.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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