VOL.78/2025.01

The 2017 Guadalajara International Book Fair

South Korea's Books Head to Mexico

2017.10.10

The biggest book fair in Central, South America

A massive range of South Korean books will be introduced at the 2017 Guadalajara International Book Fair taking place for nine days from Nov. 25 in Mexico. This book fair is the largest of its kind in Central and South America and has been considered as a comprehensive cultural festival by many. Every year, roughly 800,000 participants come to the fair, while last year it celebrated its 30th year with even more vibrant festivities. The publishing industry size of Mexico as well as Central and South America is still small compared to advanced countries, but its strong growth and possibilities have made the area attractive for those in the industry.

En Route to Guadalajara, the Center of Mexico's Culture

ⓒ https://twitter.com/FILGuadalajara 

As it did last year, KPIPA plans to join hands with the Korean Board on Books for Young People (KBBY) to operate a picture book exhibit and actively promote the excellence of South Korean picture books. With the theme, 'The Joy of Discovery", the picture book exhibit will be open for five days from Nov. 25 to 29 and in addition to the exhibit, export counseling will also be provided for industry officials to engage in actual business exchanges.

During this time, the "traveling book fair" event will also be held to introduce around 100 South Korean books to those visiting the booth at the book fair. In June, KPIPA produced an export guidebook for book exports aimed at Central and South America and also held an explanatory session. This was clearly in consideration of the potential the market has in that region and the export guideline was presented to publishing industry officials taking interest.

Preparations are also underway to showcase the excellence of South Korean printing. Sponsored by the Korean Printers Association, a booth on South Korea's printing culture will be available at the fair. While telling the world of South Korea's printing abilities, the history of the country's printing culture will also be shown and participating companies will be encouraged to find export opportunities.