Korean Publishing Association

If ever you have wondered how the rest of the world gets on with publishing, here is an inside look at the Korean publishing association.

Photo: Lonely Planet

Located in central Seoul, strategically situated between the famous Gyeongbok Palace and Ankuk subway station,  you'll find the Korean Publishing Association - an old grey building with both Korean and Korean-Chinese characters labeling the top of the building.

Photo: Korean Publishers Association

The Palace is extremely old.  You can't miss it - it was originally built in 1395.  Of course, it has had major restoration over the years, during my stay in Korea and this is an on-going process as with many wonderful,  historic sites.

Anyhow, you'll be able to travel to either the Gyeongbokgung subway station and exit there or take the subway to Anguk and exit.  Either way, both stations are easily accessible on the orange line (line 3).  The hardest part is knowing which exit out the station to take.  There are about eight exits, so you will have to get you bearings. You'll need to land yourself on the right side of the road.  This takes some practice.  If you get stuck, you'll be able to ask the locals to assist you and they will happily oblige.  It will be a great opportunity for them to use their English and you'll make a friend.

Photo: Lonely Planet | Gyeongbok Palace

Photo: Google | Situated between Gyeongbok gung subway station (above) and Ankuk subway station (highlighted in red)

Photo: www.bigjohnsplace.net

Take a good look at the below mud map to help find your way.  Yes, it is in Korean, but even if you don't know where you are going, show the locals and you will be set.  Most people at the Association can speak English.  There won't be a problem once you arrive.

Photo: http://kpa21.or.kr/

Gyeongbokgung station is the one on the left, next to Line 3 and Anguk station is the one on the right, also on Line 3.  I'm sure you recognise that the blue marker is the KPA.  When you exit either station, make sure it is on the palace entrance side.  Given Seoul is an extremely modern city, you will find all signs in the subway in both English and Korean.  It is also really clean and quite pretty!  Good luck!

Photo: http://kpa21.or.kr/ | Chairman of the Board - Yun Chol Ho

The Association's Board is run by Yun, Chol Ho who is the 49th Director of the Korean Publishers Cultural Association.  

He commands a group of approximately fifteen board members who will be more than keen to assist you.   

There are approximately 630 publishers with membership who are keen to attend the annual Seoul International Book Fair that the Association organises.  This is much like the London Book Fair, only bigger.  IBF is the calling card for publishers, authors and artists - anybody and everybody in the publishing industry who wants to make contacts, contracts and find an outlet for showcasing  books.

More than 25 countries are involved in the Fair (usually held at the COEX Hall - around June, each year) with some 650 exhibitors and thousands of visitors who attend. 

To assist exporters and importers of books, the Association publishes the Korean Publishing Journal and also the Korean Publication Yearbook, which also might be of interest to you as the country produced between 600,000 to 1,000,000 books, every year.

Both the Journal and the Yearbook are sold on premise, so be sure to ask when you arrive.

Be sure to visit the Korean Publishers Association if you are in the vicinity.  It is definitely worth your while, if you are in the business of books.