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Text Hip
“Text hip” (텍스트힙) is a South Korean trend promoting the idea that ‘reading is cool’, that books exist beyond academia and self-help aisles. With the dominance of Booktok and Booktube, youths globally have driven a resurgence in reading for pleasure, and Korea is no different. After Han Kang won the Nobel Prize in 2016, interest in Korean literature skyrocketed both domestically and globally, making Korea a rising star on the global literary scene. Despite Korean literature’s global success, in recent years, there has been a marked decline in adult readers.
According to the Korean Herald, 6/10 Korean adults have not read a book in the last 12 months, while 75% of Koreans in their 20s reported having read at least one book (excluding academic texts and comics).
Seoul International Book Fair
With the ‘text-hip’ trend still in full swing among younger readers, this June, Seoul is hosting its largest annual literary event, the Seoul International Book Club (SIBF).
The Seoul International Book Fair was launched in 1954 as a national book fair to celebrate Korean publishing. In the mid 1990s, it transitioned into an international festival and expanded to promote Korean literature worldwide. Last year, SIBF attracted approximately 150,000 visitors. Publishers and book vendors from around the world gather at the COEX event hall in Gangnam to promote hot releases and fun merchandise.
Since 2008, Korea has hosted a special guest country to spotlight and promote foreign literature. To celebrate 140 years of diplomatic relations, France is the 2026 special guest at the Seoul International Book Fair. Beyond a literature exhibition, French and Korean authors, translators, critics, and journalists will gather to give lectures and participate in expert panels, with topics ranging from Korean-French Children’s and YA Literature, poetry, and philosophy to a special lecture about French and Korean gastronomic traditions.
Homo Duduri
This year’s theme is homo duduri. Drawn from Korean folklore, duduri is a subset of the dokkaebi (traditional Korean goblin) and the ancient name for a blacksmith. The duduri often appears in old Korean texts and mythologies.
The phrase was coined to represent the humans who continue to question in the face of adversity. According to the organizers, homo duduri questions what it means to be human in the age of artificial intelligence (AI). Ironically, this theme was created by AI after being fed 10 literary classics available publicly through Project Gutenberg, leading many to question AI’s role in the publishing industry.
Like many industries, the publishing industry has been disrupted by the introduction of AI. Many argue that AI has no place in art, while event organizers, through homo duduri, seek to explore possibilities beyond AI’s expertise in probability. SIBF will host several panels featuring industry experts to discuss AI agents as a creative tool for authors and translators, as well as the cultural impact of AI on the art scene.
Beyond the main publisher halls and lectures, the book fair also promotes local brands, such as Coffee Libre, and offers interactive special programs for visitors. This year’s key special program is Post Office Between Pages, which offers visitors three interactive options. Visitors are encouraged to write an anonymous letter to a stranger and receive one in return. Alternatively, visitors can write a letter to a book editor or a book designer, thanking them for their silent contributions to publishing. Visitors can also opt to receive a special letter from a guest author at the expo. Many exhibition booths also offer author meet & greets, along with the opportunity to get your book signed.
If you’re interested in learning more about Korean literature but are unsure where to start, check out Daebak’s reading recommendations.
At Daebak, we’re passionate about sharing Korean culture with the world. Beyond the glamour and bright lights of Seoul, we’re looking to connect you with the facets of culture that make Korea truly unique. If you’re looking to learn more about Korean literature, cultural insights, or want to stay up to date with the latest trends in Korea, be sure to explore our other blogs.
