Korean Pavilion at Bologna Children's Book Fair... 15 Authors and 85 Publishers Showcase Books

Ministry of Culture and Publication Promotion Agency Participate in International Book Fair
Korea Pavilion Set Up at Bologna Children’s Book Fair
Introducing 15 Authors and 85 Publishers Until April 3

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced on the 31st that, together with the Korea Publication Culture Industry Promotion Agency, it will participate in the ‘62nd Bologna Children’s Book Fair’ held in Italy until April 3, introducing books by 15 Korean authors and 85 publishing companies.

Exterior view of the Artist Promotion Center (72㎡). Provided by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism

The ‘Bologna Children’s Book Fair’ is the world’s largest marketplace specializing in children’s book copyright transactions. Every year, more than 1,500 publishers and over 30,000 industry professionals from more than 100 countries around the world visit to trade publishing and translation rights. This year, Korea has the largest presence ever since it first participated in the fair. In a 352㎡ space (224㎡ last year), a ‘Author Promotion Hall’ and an ‘Export Consultation Hall’ have been set up to showcase books by 15 authors and 85 publishers.

The Author Promotion Hall is located in Hall 29 of the Bologna exhibition center. It introduces representative works and original illustrations by 15 Korean picture book authors: Kim Dongsu, Kim Minwoo, Kim Jimin, Kim Jiyoung, Ruri, Moon Jonghun, Bamko, Seo Hyun, So Yoonkyung, An Kyungmi, O Sori, Yoon Jungmi, Lim Hyoyoung, Jang Seonhwan, and Jo Sujin. Authors Kim Dongsu, Ruri, Bamko, Seo Hyun, and An Kyungmi will hold book talks and autograph sessions.

A space introducing globally awarded authors has also been prepared. A special session will be held for Lee Geumi, Korea’s candidate for the 2026 Hans Christian Andersen Award (HCAA), and a lecture by the author of ‘If You Want to Eat a Red Apple’ (written by Jinju, illustrated by Gahee, published by Finger Publishing), which won the Opera Prima category at this year’s Bologna Ragazzi Awards. A special exhibition is also scheduled for ‘Star Uncle’ (written and illustrated by Han Damhee, published by Chaekgorae), winner of the Bologna Ragazzi Crossmedia Award.

In the Export Consultation Hall, 40 domestic children’s publishers including Changbi, Munhakdongne, Bir Yongso, Sagyejeol Publishing, Wisdom House, Chaek Ilneun Gom, and iPortfolio have set up individual booths. Consultations for 100 titles from 45 publishers unable to attend in person will be conducted through an agency.

Exterior view of the Export Consultation Office (280㎡). Provided by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism

To facilitate smooth on-site consultations, an English abstract booklet was distributed in advance to overseas buyers before the book fair. The Publication Promotion Agency will provide professional interpreters in English and Italian during consultations to assist export discussions.

The books used in the exhibition will later be donated to Korean language schools and universities in Italy. Additionally, the ‘Itda Project’ will be carried out, which distributes Korean picture books to schools and libraries in key countries such as France, Sweden, and Italy, linking them to various reading and post-reading festival activities.

Im Seonghwan, Director of the Media Policy Bureau at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said, “This year, with the largest-ever participation of many publishers and excellent authors at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, we hope that Korean children’s books, which combine artistic quality and popular appeal, will lead the children’s book market on a broader global stage and drive growth in the publishing industry. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will continue to provide generous support for the overseas expansion and broadening of the base of Korean children’s books with export competitiveness.”

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