Publishing industry aims to overcome slump with ‘K-books’

A supportive measure has been devised to enable the Korean publishing industry to overcome the slump through a "Korean wave in publishing."

The Culture, Sports and Tourism Ministry will operate the Korean pavilion at nine international book fairs worldwide, exhibit electronic publications at five, and hold Korean literature events at seven places in order to promote the nation’s publishing contents.

The ministry plans to widely promote Korean books that are competitive according to characteristics by continent and country.

In the Chinese market, regulations have been toughened for Korean dramas and movies, but market entry into the country is easier for publications due to the Chinese government’s proactive support. As such, Korea plans to heavily introduce children’s books and books on practical knowledge, which have been drawing attention in the Chinese market. It also plans to participate in large scale international book fairs including the Beijing Book Fair, and hold "small book exhibitions" in Chinese provinces, including Jilin, Shandong and Shanxi.

Korea also plans to proactively promote Korean literature works at international book fairs in Europe, India and North America. Korean literature events will be convened at the New Delhi book fair in February, Prague in April, Book Expo America in May, Frankfurt book fair in October, and Guadalajara book exhibition in November, which will be attended by Korean writers, including Shin Kyung-sook and Choi Seung-ho.