On June 20, the annual Seoul International Book Fair (SIBF) launched at Coex. Located in this bustling convention and exhibition center, numerous people of all ages visited the event on its launch date. Organized by the Korean Publishers Organization, the event will last for five days until June 24. A plethora of books, including picture books, comics, and novels, from various cultures are showcased at this exhibition.
Among the many booths, Italy’s booth attracted many customers. It displayed best-selling novels by prominent Italian author Silvana De Mari, such as Arduin the Renegade. This new fantasy novel involving ogres is centered on the theme of free will and its importance. Essentially, the main message of the novel is that the choices we make in life define us.
“Instead of focusing on the false American Dream, this book emphasizes the significance of an individual’s own beliefs,” said Silvia Vassena, international publishing consultant in charge of the Italian booth. “I believe what is most important is whether the person himself or herself believes—external factors should not matter.”
Another section that was swarming with customers was Turkey’s booth. It boasted multiple novels from respected author Bediuzzaman Said Nursi, most known for “Nature: Cause or Effect?” from the Risale-i Nur Collection. This philosophical book that has been translated in over 50 languages strives to discover the origins of nature and concludes that nature is fixed whilst elevating God.
The booth with New York Times’s magazines had a large crowd as well. As the magazines displayed South Korean figures, such as President Jae-in Moon and soccer player Heung-min Son, customers native to South Korea were drawn to visiting the booth. Other than the magazines, the best-selling novel about South Korea’s past and current presidents was on display.
The books in the fair not only exhibited tastes of the world’s various nations but also lent insight into religions, specifically Christianity. There was a separate section devoted to books based on Christianity. The most popular booths in this aisle were Duranno Ministry and Dreaming Fish. While Duranno Ministry targeted adults as its main readers, Dreaming Fish published children’s books. Dreaming Fish’s books included coloring and interactive activities for children to enjoy.
As the fair has been successful in the past, there are high hopes that this year’s will be the same.
