The 68th Seoul International Book Fair, hosted at the COEX exhibition center in southern Seoul, proudly welcomes 538 publishers and industry organizations from 18 nations. This prestigious event runs through Sunday, offering a diverse exploration of global literature.
A stellar lineup of 326 authors and speakers, representing both South Korea and international literary communities, will participate in the five-day fair. Enthusiastic public response is evident, with all advance tickets already sold out for this highly anticipated event.
This year’s Seoul International Book Fair delves into the profound theme of “Homo Duduri,” exploring the essence of what it means to be human in the rapidly evolving age of artificial intelligence (AI), as stated by the organizers.
The term ‘Duduri,’ an ancient Korean word for a blacksmith, embodies the archetype of a “dokkaebi” (goblin) found in classic Korean folklore and texts.
Renowned Korean novelist Kim Yeon-su, in a thought-provoking theme statement co-authored with AI models Claude and Gemini, eloquently frames the central inquiry: “Today, the fire of AI blazes before us. No matter the question, AI answers without hesitation. It writes novels, composes songs and directs films in an instant. There is no way to avoid this fire. What kind of wisdom, then, do we need in the face of these fierce flames?”
He elaborates on the fundamental distinction between human creativity and artificial intelligence, asserting, “Here lies the fundamental difference between humans and AI. AI closes the door of possibility with the most probable answer. Humans reopen that door with a greater question. … And books are the records of those great questions.” This powerful perspective underscores the fair’s exploration.
To address these profound questions, the Seoul International Book Fair gathers an impressive array of acclaimed writers. Notable novelists such as Baik Sou Linne, Chung Bora, Eun Hee-kyung, and Kim Ae-ran will participate, alongside distinguished poets Ahn Mi-ok and Oh Eun.
The diverse lineup of lecturers also extends beyond literature, featuring singer-songwriter Sunwoo Jung-a, actress Kim Shin-rok, and Ven. Sunjae, who will share insights from their varied fields, from contemporary music to traditional temple cuisine.
Commemorating the 140th anniversary of diplomatic ties between South Korea and France, France proudly stands as this year’s guest country of honor at the Seoul International Book Fair.
A distinguished delegation of French writers, including celebrated novelist Bernard Werber, esteemed children’s literature authors Marie-Aude Murail and Anne Laval, and renowned philosopher Pascal Bruckner, will engage in a series of events showcasing French literature and culture. Visitors can anticipate an extensive display of approximately 12,000 French books.
Beyond the French delegation, the Seoul International Book Fair will feature prominent international authors participating in various lectures and discussions. This includes acclaimed sci-fi novelist Silvia Park, Hong Kong writer Chan Wai, and Taiwanese novelist Kevin Chen, further enriching the fair’s global literary offerings.
Additionally, the fair agenda includes insightful seminars addressing the evolving challenges within the publishing industry, particularly in the wake of the AI boom. Discussions will also cover diverse publishing landscapes across countries like Bangladesh, Singapore, Taiwan, and Turkey, as confirmed by the organizers.
On the opening day, First Lady Kim Hea Kyung honored the Seoul International Book Fair with her presence, touring various publishers’ booths and personally selecting books, as reported by the presidential office.
During her celebratory speech, the First Lady was quoted stating, “I firmly believe that a good book can change a person’s thinking and even transform society,” emphasizing the profound impact of literature.
She highlighted the encouraging trend of younger generations engaging with book fairs and developing an interest in reading, which she warmly described as “hopeful.”
Concluding her remarks, First Lady Kim Hea Kyung eloquently affirmed, “Books are records of what humanity has asked itself, reflected on and hoped for over the long passage of time. This is why the power of books remains special despite the passage of time and advances in technology,” reiterating the enduring significance of literature.
