VOL.69/2024.04

South Korea to Participate in 2017 International Istanbul Book Fair as Guest of Honor

Korean Books and Culture in Turkey!

2017.9.11

There is no better place to introduce South Korea's excellent books and pursue new book export contracts than international book fairs. As such, South Korea's publishers have been actively participating in international book fairs. This sojourn to market South Korea's books and culture will extend to Turkey in coming months.

ⓒ International Istanbul Book Fair's website

Cultural Exchanges to Mark 60 Years of Diplomatic Ties Between South Korea and Turkey

The 2017 International Istanbul Book Fair set to be held from November 4 to 7 at the TUYAP Fair and Convention Center will be a very special event. Not only will there be a special exhibit for South Korean picture books, South Korea will participate as the guest of honor at the fair. It is even more meaningful due to the fact that this year marks 60 years of diplomatic ties between Turkey and South Korea. Turkey was also the guest of honor at the Seoul International Book Fair this past June.

At the Seoul International Book Fair, Turkey's booth as guest of honor displayed a variety of books published by local publishers. South Korean readers were presented with Turkey books as gifts in efforts to promote Turkey culture. It was a good opportunity for South Korean readers to learn about Turkey books and what Turkey culture is like.

ⓒ International Istanbul Book Fair's website

In turn, South Korean publishers plan to introduce a wide range of literature, picture books and e-books to readers in Turkey at the International Istanbul Book Fair. Currently translated books in Turkey's book market are mostly from Western countries, but the efforts will be meaningful in alerting readers to the high quality of Korean books.

The International Istanbul Book Fair will not only help publication and cultural exchanges between the two countries, it will undoubtedly be an event where publishers will be able to meet with diverse readers in Turkey. In 2016, roughly 850 firms participated in the book fair and there were some 621,000 visitors to the event, reflecting the popularity and giant size of the fair. Business executives as well as readers participate in the fair every year and this year, South Korean books will gear up to expand their reach in the Turkey publishing market, armed with a special guest of honor booth, picture book exhibit and diverse exhibits on e-books.

ⓒ International Istanbul Book Fair's website