Seoul International Book Fair to Be Held June 14-18 with 530 Publishers from 36 Countries Participating

Exploring "Nonhuman: Beyond Human, Toward Humanity"
A Book Fair Challenging Anthropocentrism and Embracing New Perspectives

The Seoul International Book Fair, the largest book festival in Korea, will be held from June 14 to 18 at COEX in Samseong-dong under the theme "Nonhuman: Beyond Human, Toward Humanity." This year, 530 exhibitors from 36 countries (360 domestic and 170 international) will gather to present more than 170 programs, including exhibitions, side events, lectures and seminars, and on-site events. Over 190 domestic and 25 international authors and speakers will attend the fair in person.

A diverse range of lectures has been prepared on the theme of moving beyond anthropocentrism to explore the direction and values we should pursue. On the opening day, June 14, ecologist Choi Jae-chun will deliver a lecture titled "They are watching us: They Are Watching Us," discussing the future of animals after humanity disappears and the memories of humans reflected in them. On June 15, novelist Kim Yeon-su will hold a book talk titled "In the Dream Where I Disappeared." On June 16, lyricist Kim Eana, writer Lee Seula, translator Hwang Seokhee, and Lee Wonseok from the band Daybreak will speak on the theme "From the Past of the Future." On June 17, novelist Cheon Myeong-kwan, author of "Whale," which was shortlisted for the 2023 International Booker Prize, will meet readers through a book talk.

In addition, the lecture "Life in the Face of the Climate Crisis" will feature Korean American novelist Juhy Kim, author of "Beasts of a Little Land," and writer Kim Gyeoul. Viet Thanh Nguyen, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of "The Sympathizer," will meet readers under the theme "Asian Diaspora and American Literature." Novelists Kim Aeran and Choi Eunyoung will hold a discussion on minorities, while Kim Choyeop and Cheon Seonran will talk about how humans are perceived by nonhumans through the world of science fiction.

The special program "Climate Gastronomy" will feature ten food culture brands that are seeking and practicing ways to coexist with other life forms on Earth. Products reflecting the values of these participating brands will be on display, and some items will be available for purchase and tasting on site.

The "Best Books in Korea" awards ceremony will also take place. A total of 30 titles will be honored, including ten "Most Entertaining Books in Korea" (comics and web novels), ten "Most Enjoyable Books in Korea" (children's books), and ten "Most Beautiful Books in Korea," which were announced in March. One previously unreleased "Most Beautiful Book in Korea" will also be unveiled at the fair.

Ten new titles from the "Summer, First Book" series will make their debut at the book fair. The featured books are: "The River and I" (Na Taejoo), "Strange, Academy" (Bae Myeongeun and four others), "You Will Either Know Forever or Never Be Able to Believe Anything" (Kang Hwageul and seven others), "There's Always Another Tteokbokki Waiting" (Kim Gyeoul), "Laundry Fees Paid in Stories, Sanbok Laundry" (Kim Junyong and one other), "We Thought of Pure Things" (Eun Yu), "Marine Girls: The Story of Two Female Behavioral Ecologists and Dolphins" (Jang Sujin and one other), "Kind Nonhuman: Heartfelt Conversations with Metahumans" (Woo Dayoung and one other), "Sky Lake" (Shin Hyejin and one other), and "Ten Thoughts on Life" (Lee Haein).

The "Limited Edition," a special edition book available exclusively at the fair, will be given away daily on a first-come, first-served basis through on-site events, featuring works by 15 authors including novelist Kim Geumhee and novelist Kim Mella.

This year's guest of honor, Sharjah, will introduce contemporary Arabic literature, local culture, the current state of the publishing market, and Sharjah's journalism. Canada, celebrating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations, will participate as the Spotlight Country. Yann Martel, author of the Man Booker Prize-winning novel "Life of Pi," will visit Korea to give a lecture titled "What Does It Mean to Be Human?" on June 14, hold a conversation with novelist Kim Joonghyuk on June 15, and host a signing event on June 17.

In "Book Village," a section dedicated to art books and independent publications, 72 domestic independent publishers and bookstores and independent publishers from five Asian countries (Thailand, Singapore, Japan, China, and Taiwan) will participate.

Tickets can be purchased online at a 30% discount until June 13, the day before the fair opens.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.