The second annual Busan International Children's Book Fair is set to take place at BEXCO in Busan from December 11-14, 2025. According to the Korean Publishers Association, which organizes the event alongside the Seoul International Book Fair, this fair represents the country's first and largest book fair specifically dedicated to children's literature.
Building upon the success of its inaugural edition last year, the 2025 fair has adopted the theme "The Young Ones and the Sea." Organizers explain that just as the ocean serves as the cradle that nurtures life and connects the world, children can explore endlessly and dream freely in the vast sea of books. This maritime theme reflects both Busan's coastal identity and the boundless possibilities that reading offers to young minds.
This year's event will bring together approximately 160 publishers and organizations from 26 countries around the world. The fair will feature a dedicated copyright center that will facilitate meetings and networking opportunities between industry professionals. Over the course of four days, visitors can expect a comprehensive program of activities taking place at exhibitor booths and throughout the fairgrounds.
The event schedule includes author talks, book signings, workshops, panel discussions, and interactive events specifically designed for young readers and their families. A distinguished lineup of acclaimed domestic and international authors will appear in person to meet with attendees. Among the notable international guests is Jordan Scott, whose picture book "I Talk Like a River" earned recognition as a New York Times Best Illustrated Book in 2020.
The fair will also welcome Taiwanese author Tom Liu, who received a major Taiwanese children's literature award in 2016 for his work "Grandma Lin's Peach Tree." Representing Korean literature, teenage novelist Baek Eun-byeol, author of the bestselling novel "Time-Limited," will also be present to meet with readers and discuss her work.
Winners and honorees of the prestigious Bologna Ragazzi Award will feature prominently at the fair, highlighting the growing global recognition of Korean picture books. Among these distinguished guests are author Jin Joo and illustrator Lee Ga-hee, whose collaborative work "If You Want to Eat a Red Apple" made history by winning Korea's first Opera Prima Award in 2025, a prestigious Bologna Ragazzi Award category specifically for debut works.
Admission to the fair is completely free, though advance registration is required. Interested visitors can register through December 10 via the fair's official website. The complete schedule of programs and detailed event information is also available online for those planning to attend this celebration of children's literature.
