While artificial intelligence (AI) learns to write, humans find joy in reading books.
The Seoul International Book Fair, held on June 25, was bustling with "people enjoying books." The stereotype that "reading is quiet" was shattered as attendees eagerly moved between the innovative and unique booths presented by publishers, touching and flipping through colorful books. They laughed, talked, and experienced the diverse pleasures that books offer—something AI, which can only learn to write, cannot comprehend.
Han Hae-eun, 23, who attended the fair for the second consecutive year, said, "I had such a great time last year that I came back again this year. I really love books and read a lot, but there aren’t many events where I can encounter a variety of books in one place." She added, "I also love being able to discover new books outside of my usual preferences. It’s delightful."
Poet Lee Je-ni spoke about "humanity" during a book talk at the fair. He stated, "Life is often more about labor and pain than it is about calmness and elegance, similar to a blacksmith's work. Rather than perfection, wholeness, or great talent, it is the flawed and fragile existence of having weak bones and flesh that defines humanity. Everyone wavers and hesitates yet takes another step forward. That is life."
The Taste of Books AI Cannot Know: 'Enjoying' Humans
The Seoul International Book Fair was once again crowded this year. Outside the venue, people lined up to buy tickets, while inside, there was no room to move as visitors browsed books. Attendees hurried between booths, choosing books over watching the World Cup match between South Korea and South Africa that was taking place that morning.
This year's fair at COEX in Samsung-dong featured 538 companies from 18 countries, including 361 domestic and 177 international exhibitors. A total of 416 programs, including exhibitions, book talks, and interactive events, were offered.
Exhibitors welcomed readers with uniquely themed booths. Minumsa set up a capsule toy zone to showcase merchandise, while Munhaksoochup displayed pop-up books and hosted a fate-drawing event. Kimyoungsa offered a handwriting weight zone for transcription experiences, and Borim Publishing operated a "Book Markase" where staff dressed as chefs recommended books. An eye-catching booth from Anseonggaok featured the slogan, "What’s wrong with books being fashion?" attracting young visitors. Major bookstores like Kyobo Bookstore, Yes24, and Millie's Library also set up booths, with Yes24's "Reading Run Base Camp" attracting over 1,700 participants on the opening day alone.
Im Chae-rin, 23, shared her reason for attending the fair: "I came to get an autograph from author Cheon Seon-ran. The biggest charm of the book fair is that I can explore not only well-known large publishers but also small publishers and local bookstores all in one place."
Books were undoubtedly the main attraction for visitors. The Minumsa booth saw such a long line for purchases that staff had to hold signs to direct the payment queue amidst the crowd.
Jeon Yoon-joo, 26, who came from Chuncheon, attended the fair for the first time. He said, "I wanted to see and buy books that haven’t been released in my area yet. It’s great to be able to see and purchase books in person."
Families with children were also noticeable among the visitors. Park Ha-na, 45, who came with her third-grade child, remarked, "These days, there are so many diverse books that I feel limited in what I can read to my child and help them choose. At the book fair, my child can choose from a variety of books and naturally encounter books from different countries."
She added, "Even just waiting in line at the book fair is a start to education. It’s a valuable cultural experience to see people who love books come together, children participating, enduring boredom and challenges, and maintaining some order in a crowded space."
International Books: "Expectations for Taiwan Following Han Kang's Nobel Win"
This year's guest country, France, along with Germany and Taiwan, participated in the fair. The Taiwan booth showcased a variety of works, including novels, picture books, and essays, under the slogan "Here! Taiwan Books for Sale!"
Biona Yang, International Business PM at the Taiwan Creative Content Agency (TAICCA), stated, "Korea is geographically close and has a strong cultural affinity, making it an important market for the export of Taiwanese publications."
Taiwanese literature is accelerating its efforts to enter overseas markets. Authors Chen Si-hong and Chan Wai have gained attention from domestic readers, while Yang Shuang-tzu, who recently won the Booker Prize for "1938 Taiwan Travelogue," also visited Korea to meet readers.
The Taiwanese government is also actively supporting the international expansion of its literature through a translation support program. Biona Yang explained, "The government is currently running a translation grant program, where publishers receive funding when Taiwanese literature is translated into other languages."
Yang expressed optimism, stating, "Yang Shuang-tzu's Booker Prize win is a significant achievement for the Taiwanese publishing industry. Just as Japanese literature and, more recently, Korean literature have gained attention in the West, Taiwan must follow that trend."
Korean literature is also gaining recognition in Taiwan, with works like Baek Se-hee's "I Want to Die But I Want to Eat Tteokbokki" and Park Sang-young's "Love in the Big City" being consistently read.
Han Kang's Nobel Prize win has provided a significant impetus for the Taiwanese literary community. Biona Yang noted, "After Han Kang's Nobel win, there is a growing sentiment in the Taiwanese literary world that 'we can do it too.' I believe Taiwan also has opportunities ahead."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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