BUSAN, South Korea – Taiwanese publishers and children’s book authors were prominent participants at the first-ever Busan International Children’s Book Fair (BICBF), which ran from November 28 to December 1, 2023. The event, which attracted attendees from 13 countries, provided a platform to showcase Taiwan’s rich literary contributions and helped boost the visibility of Taiwanese children’s books on the global stage.
Organized by the Taiwan Book Fair Foundation, the event featured 25 Taiwanese publishers exhibiting about 100 books, with a diverse range of literature catering to children of all ages. Alongside Taiwan, other participants hailed from Europe, North America, South America, Japan, and China, reflecting the global nature of the fair.
Taiwanese Illustrators and Workshops at BICBF
As part of Taiwan’s participation, Taiwanese illustrator Chiang Meng-yun (蔣孟芸) hosted an engaging workshop for fifth and sixth graders from Busan Overseas Chinese Elementary School on the opening day of the fair. Chiang shared her expertise on creating picture books and led the students in interactive activities, allowing them to craft their own illustrations and explore the art of storytelling through visuals.
On Friday, another Taiwanese illustrator, Lin Lian-en (林廉恩), conducted a seminar discussing the creative processes behind her acclaimed books, including “Home” and “A Tree Falls in a Forest.” Lin’s session offered valuable insights into her design and storytelling techniques. Following the seminar, Chiang and Lin participated in a joint book-signing event on Saturday, where they interacted with fans and signed copies of their books.
Promoting Cultural Exchange and International Collaboration
The fair also featured the “Coloring Taiwan: The Art of Children’s Books and Graphic Narratives” seminar, which explored the increasing popularity of South Korean children’s books in Taiwan. The seminar was led by Arni Liu (劉維中), editor-in-chief of Hsin Yi Publications, who shared insights on how nearly 300 South Korean children’s books have been translated into Chinese and are now available in Taiwan. This popularity places South Korean literature second only to Japanese and British children’s books in Taiwan.
Tsai Yu-Ting (蔡玉庭), director of the International Picture Book Center of the Kaohsiung Main Public Library, added that South Korean works make up approximately 7 percent of the library’s collection, which includes books from over 51 countries. The center regularly hosts events with prominent South Korean authors, fostering ongoing cultural exchanges between Taiwan and South Korea.
In addition, Rex How (郝明義), publisher of Locus Publishing Company, discussed the Books From Taiwan initiative, which is supported by Taiwan’s Taiwan Creative Content Agency. The initiative has played a key role in promoting Taiwanese children’s books in South Korea and other international markets.
Networking and Future Opportunities for Taiwanese Publishers
The fair also provided a networking opportunity for Taiwanese publishers. A “Happy Hour” event was organized, allowing publishers to interact with international counterparts, share ideas, and discuss potential collaborations while enjoying drinks. This informal gathering proved to be an ideal setting for promoting Taiwanese works and fostering connections that could benefit Taiwan’s children’s literature in the global market.
Key Highlights from BICBF
| Event | Date | Participants/Details |
|---|---|---|
| Opening Workshop | Nov. 28, 2023 | Chiang Meng-yun (蔣孟芸) led a workshop for local students. |
| Creative Process Seminar | Nov. 29, 2023 | Lin Lian-en (林廉恩) discussed her books and creative journey. |
| Books From Taiwan Seminar | Nov. 30, 2023 | Arni Liu (劉維中) addressed the popularity of South Korean children’s books. |
| Book-signing Event | Dec. 2, 2023 | Chiang Meng-yun and Lin Lian-en signed books for fans. |
| Networking “Happy Hour” Event | Dec. 1, 2023 | Taiwanese publishers interacted with international guests. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What was the Busan International Children’s Book Fair?
The Busan International Children’s Book Fair (BICBF) was the inaugural event held from November 28 to December 1, 2023, to promote global exchange and recognition of children’s literature.
2. Which Taiwanese authors and illustrators participated in the fair?
Taiwanese illustrators Chiang Meng-yun and Lin Lian-en participated in the event. Chiang hosted a workshop for local students, while Lin conducted a seminar and book-signing session.
3. What role did Taiwanese publishers play in the fair?
25 Taiwanese publishers exhibited around 100 children’s books, highlighting Taiwan’s growing impact in global children’s literature.
4. What did the “Coloring Taiwan” seminar focus on?
The seminar, led by Arni Liu, explored the rising popularity of South Korean children’s books in Taiwan, with a particular focus on how these books are influencing Taiwan’s literary market.
5. How did the fair foster international collaboration?
The fair featured networking events like the “Happy Hour”, where Taiwanese publishers met with international counterparts to discuss future collaborations and promote Taiwanese works abroad.
