JEONJU, Jeonbuk Province – The third annual "Jeonju Chaekkoe," a prominent independent publishing book fair, is set to open its doors next month in Jeonju. The event, where independent creators share the freedom and possibilities of books, will take place from June 7 to 8, 2025.
Hosted by Jeonju City, the fair will be held at two key cultural venues: Munhwa Gongpanjang Jakdang (located on the 2nd floor of 118 Jeonjuchondong-ro, Wansan-gu, Jeonju City, Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province) and the complex cultural space Moi-jang.
"Jeonju Chaekkoe" draws its name from "Chaekkoe (冊儈)," the book peddlers who traveled across Joseon-era Korea, mediating and selling books. This festival is a nationwide publishing culture celebration that aims to share the diversity and experimental spirit of independent publishing.
This year's theme, "Holding one's own flag and becoming a standard-bearer of books," resonated widely, attracting approximately 290 applications from across the country. Of these, 92 teams were selected, representing various regions including Seoul, Gyeonggi, Busan, Jeju, and a significant number from Jeonbuk.
The fair will feature book exhibitions and sales by participating teams, alongside a rich program of lectures and hands-on experiences. Highlights include:
Lectures: "Wanpanbon Salon" by Wanpanbon researcher Lee Tae-young and Wanpanbon Culture Center curator Ahn Eun-joo (June 7, 1 PM), "Jeonju, a Model City for Bookstores" featuring local bookstore operators (June 7, 4 PM), "Behind the Planning of Jeonju Chaekkoe" by general director Im Ju-ah (June 8, 11 AM), "Until a Favorite Job Becomes a Career" by illustrator Kim Jeo-ni and Yohoi CEO (June 8, 1:30 PM), and "In the Content Era, What Story Will You Tell?" by author Kim Kyung-hyun and Dasiseojeom CEO (June 8, 4 PM).
Exhibitions: "Independent Publishing, the Freedom to Shine Brightest," showcasing representative titles from participating teams; "Chaekkoe, the Standard-bearer of Books, is Coming," embodying the event's identity; and "Already 10 Books, Jeonju Books Continue," highlighting books supported by the Jeonju Library's publishing production program.
Experience Programs: Participants can engage in "Chaekkoe in My Hands," a woodblock printing experience, and "My Beautiful Flag," where they write sentences on hand flags for a photo zone.
This year, the fair has expanded its footprint to include Moi-jang, offering additional spaces for rest and video viewing.
Choi Hyun-chang, Director of Jeonju City Library Headquarters, stated, "This year, we have significantly strengthened the exhibition and program content with a focus on fostering local publishing creators. Jeonju Chaekkoe will serve as a platform providing new inspiration and opportunities for creators dreaming of independent publishing."
For more information on Jeonju's cultural events, visit the Jeonju City Official Blog. Discover more about Jeonju's rich publishing history at the Wanpanbon Culture Center.
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