Artificial intelligence (AI) learns to write, but humans enjoy reading.
The Seoul International Book Fair, held on June 25, was bustling with "people who enjoy books." The stereotype that "reading is quiet" was shattered as attendees eagerly moved between the innovative and unique booths set up by publishers, touching and flipping through colorful books. They laughed, talked, and experienced the diverse pleasures that books offer—joys that 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 this year. I really love books and read a lot, but there aren't many events where I can encounter various books in one place." She added, "I also love being able to discover new books outside my usual preferences. It's delightful."
Poet Lee Je-ni spoke about "humanity" during a book talk at the fair. He remarked, "Life is often more about labor and suffering than it is about calmness and elegance, much like a blacksmith's work. I believe that humanity lies in our many flaws and vulnerabilities, rather than in perfection or great talent." He added, "We all waver and hesitate, yet we take another step forward. That is life."
The Flavor of Books Unknown to AI: Enjoying Humanity
The Seoul International Book Fair was once again bustling with activity. Outside the venue, people lined up to purchase tickets, while inside, attendees were engrossed in books. Visitors moved quickly 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 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 held a fortune-drawing event. Kimyoungsa offered a handwriting weight zone for transcription experiences, and Borim Publishing operated a "Bookmakase" where staff dressed as chefs recommended books. An eye-catching booth from Anseonggaok featured the slogan "What's wrong with books being fashion?" to attract young visitors. Major bookstores like Kyobo Bookstore, Yes24, and Millie's Library also set up booths, with over 1,700 participants at Yes24's "Reading Run Base Camp" on the opening day alone.
Im Chae-rin, 23, shared, "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. At the Minumsa booth, the lines for payment became so tangled that staff had to hold up signs to direct 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 a common sight. Park Ha-na, 45, who visited with her third-grade child, noted, "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 waiting in line at the fair is a form of education. It's a valuable cultural experience to see people who love books come together, to have children participate, to endure the boredom and challenges, and to maintain some order in a busy environment."
International Books: "Expectations for Taiwan Following Han Kang's Nobel Win"
This year's fair featured guest country France, along with Germany, Taiwan, and others. The Taiwan pavilion 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 exporting Taiwanese publications."
Recently, Taiwanese literature has been accelerating its efforts to enter overseas markets. Authors Chen Si-hong and Chan Wai have garnered interest from Korean readers, while Yang Shuangzi, who won the Booker Prize this year for "1938 Taiwan Travelogue," recently visited Korea to meet with readers.
The Taiwanese government is also actively supporting the international expansion of its literature through translation assistance programs. Yang explained, "The government operates a translation subsidy program, where publishers receive funding for translating Taiwanese literature into other languages."
Yang expressed optimism, stating, "Yang Shuangzi's Booker Prize win is a significant achievement for the Taiwanese publishing industry. Just as Japanese literature was once in the spotlight and more recently Korean literature has gained attention in the West, there is a growing sentiment that Taiwan should 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 boost to the Taiwanese literary scene. Yang noted, "After Han Kang's Nobel win, there is a growing sentiment in the Taiwanese literary community that 'we can do it too.' I believe Taiwan also has opportunities ahead."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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