Busan’s International Children’s Book Fair opens Dec. 11

Many people enjoy the Busan International Children’s Book Fair.

(Photo by City of Busan/Photo courtesy of Haps Magazine Korea)

The 2025 Busan International Children’s Book Fair opens December 11 at BEXCO, bringing together publishers, authors, and young readers for the country’s only international book event dedicated to children’s literature.

Running for four days through December 14, this year’s theme, Children and the Sea, will guide exhibitions, talks, and hands-on programs.

Now in its second year, the fair expands significantly, with 160 publishers and organizations from 24 countries and more than 140 participating authors expected.

Exhibitions include around 400 children’s books linked to the theme, picture book original art, and a showcase of “Korea’s Most Enjoyable Books.”

The fair also hosts a copyright market focusing on international rights sales, an area that continues to grow for Korean publishers.

International guests include Canada’s Jordan Scott and Taiwan’s Tang Mu-niu, while well-known Korean creators such as Jinju & Gahui, Chayada, and Lee Ji-eun will meet readers through talks and workshops.

A large-scale original art show will feature around 60 artists exploring the sea as metaphor and landscape.

Alongside the main programming, the event offers family activities such as make-your-own book sessions and a kids’ atelier, while a children’s reporter booth and young docents from local schools aim to involve local students directly in the event.

Details and program schedules are available on the official website.

Fleet Chinhae