Korean authors arrive for London Book Fair

The “Korea Market Focus” of the London Book Fair, a major publishing trade event, opened Tuesday with the attendance of several major Korean literary figures.

The Korea-centric event, which aims to highlight the Korean publishing industry, is being held under the theme, “Books opening the mind, doors opening the future.” It is seen as a steppingstone for the country’s authors to become better known internationally.

Some of the best-known Korean scribes, including Kim Young-ha, Hwang Sun-mi, Shin Kyung-sook and Yi Mun-yol, were in town to participate in the event, which runs through Thursday.

The market focus seeks to highlight a country through seminars on its publishing industry, author roundtables and by creating opportunities for conducting business with the rest of the world.

“Korea was chosen as Market Focus for 2014 to reflect the country’s status as one of the top 10 publishing markets in the world, and its expanding reputation within the international literary community,”according to the fair’s website.

While Korean pop groups, films and television dramas continue to gain popularity abroad, along with the national cuisine, its authors have yet to be widely embraced. Interest has increased in recent years, however, following the success of such books as Shin’s “Please Look After Mom.”

Launched in 1971, the London event has grown in influence over the years and is considered one of the most important trade events in the industry. It attracts some 25,000 publishers, booksellers, agents and suppliers from across the globe.

The Korea-related events include a market focus “pavilion” that will feature workshops on such topics as Korea’s digital publishers and Korean picture books.

A cultural program organized by the British Council in partnership with the Literature Translation Institute of Korea, will feature several roundtable discussions with Korean authors. On Wednesday, Hwang, author of the well-known fable “The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly,” will be featured as the “Author of the Day.” By Kim Young-jin The korea times