A Winter Picture-Book Playground: Shall we go to the Busan International Children's Book Fair?
Introduction
The small sound of turning pages warms the heart amid the cold winter wind. We await the moment when picture books filled with color and light gather in the air of Haeundae. Imagining the moment when the eye level of children and adults meets side by side, we quietly open the page of the day.
Contents
- Guide
- Program Guide
- Impressions (Planned Visit)
- Accommodation Recommendations
- Restaurants & Cafes
- Nearby Attractions
- Getting There
- Wrap-up
- Photo Snapshots
- Videos
- Related News
Guide
- Dates: 2025-12-11 (Thu) to 2025-12-14 (Sun)
- Hours: 10:00–18:00 (12/14 10:00–17:00, last entry 30 minutes before closing)
- Venue: BEXCO Exhibition Center 1, Hall 3
- Address: APEC-ro 55, U-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan — BEXCO Exhibition Center 1, Hall 3
- Admission: Free with pre-registration. On-site purchase Adults/Teens 5,000 won. Free: people with disabilities, national merit honorees, children (elementary school and under), age 65+ (holder only)
- Organizer: Korean Publishers Association
- Supported by: Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism; Busan Metropolitan City
- Inquiries: 02-733-8402
- Parking: Exhibition hall parking available (expect congestion during the event)
- 10:00 Upon entry, check the overall sections and schedule with the venue map
- 10:30 Warm up with the themed exhibition ‘The Young Ones and the Sea’
- 11:30 Walk around domestic and international publisher booths and note books of interest
- 13:30 Attend a book talk or author signing
- 15:00 Join hands-on programs like Kids’ Atelier and picture-book making
- 16:30 Visit the IP marketplace and special exhibits, then stop by the goods store
Please register on the website by December 10
On-site purchase 5,000 won
Closes at 17:00 on the last day
The Busan International Children’s Book Fair is Korea’s first book fair dedicated to children’s books—a platform to showcase and exchange picture books and a global festival of books for children. Publishers, authors, illustrators, and other stakeholders in the children’s content industry gather to share experiences and present Korean children’s books to the world.
The 2025 theme is ‘The Young Ones and the Sea,’ likening books to a vast ocean and encouraging children to discover and dream within the waves of stories. Organized by the Korean Publishers Association and supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Busan Metropolitan City, the fair brings together about 160 publishers and organizations from 26 countries.
Program Guide
Explore around 400 picture books across diverse themes, and view original artworks from BolognaRagazzi Award winners to appreciate the texture of picture-book art up close.
Hear about the background and creative process from creators from Korea and beyond, including Jordan Scott, Tang Muniu, and Jinju & Gaehee, through talks and signings.
Hands-on programs where children create with their own hands and bring their imagination into the tangible world.
A participatory installation completed by visitors using colored tape and more, expanding the boundaries of exhibition viewing.
Publishers and content professionals connect to seek global opportunities for Korean children’s content.
Compare, experience, and purchase new and curated titles right at the booths of diverse publishers.
Curated displays interpreting this year’s theme, offering a panoramic view of the expanded world of picture books.
Programming designed for all generations to enjoy, weaving together layered experiences of the fair.
Pre-registration is available on the official website until December 10 and grants free admission. On-site registration may involve waiting time.
On Sunday, December 14, the fair closes at 17:00. If you plan a late afternoon visit, allow enough time to look around.
On-site purchase is 5,000 won for adults and teens. Admission is free for people with disabilities, national merit honorees, children (elementary and under), and those aged 65+. Please bring ID to verify eligibility.
Recommend checking book talks/workshops in advance
Closes at 17:00 on the last day
On-site ticket 5,000 won
Impressions (Planned Visit)
Today is November 20, 2025, and the Busan International Children’s Book Fair runs from Thursday, December 11 to Sunday, December 14. There’s still a little time before it begins, so I write with a heart in preparation to go soon. Even in the chill of the winter wind, my anticipation grows as I imagine the warmth that books bring.
This year’s theme is ‘The Young Ones and the Sea (gathering books that hold the sea, into the ocean that is books).’ Hearing this, I picture a scene where blue ripples faintly sway between the pages. Like sunlight coming through a windowpane, moments are waiting when stories in books will softly light a corner of the heart. With around 160 publishers from 26 countries expected, I look forward to an atmosphere where cultures mingle as much as books. The program is rich, too: meetings with authors, signings, book talks, workshops where children can make things themselves, and play zones for book-based activities promise a warm, lively venue. In particular, a talk by authors Lee Ga-hee and Jinju of ‘빨간 사과가 먹고 싶다면’ seems like it will be a time to share the beginnings of creation and imagination. I’ll pack a warm scarf and check in advance whether the sessions I want to attend require reservations.
Entry is straightforward. If you pre-register, admission is free, with a reservation process on the official website. Book talks and workshops may require reservations, so if there’s a session you want to see, be sure to prepare so you don’t miss it. I’m counting down the days until the scent of books blends into the air of Busan.
Accommodation Recommendations
Chosen for access to BEXCO and the Haeundae line. Most are easy by public transport and on foot. Weekends often sell out early, so we recommend booking once your dates are set.
Gunan-ro 12beon-gil 31, U-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Haeundae access · Easy public transit
High-demand weekends sell out early; book in advance
[Distance: 2.2 km]
Haeundaehaebyeon-ro 237beon-gil 11, U-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Walkable to the beach · Smart value
Avoid peak-time check-in crowds
[Distance: 2.2 km]
Haeundaehaebyeon-ro 237beon-gil 12, U-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Central Haeundae · Near conveniences
Check parking availability before entry
[Distance: 2.2 km]
Haeundaehaebyeon-ro 287, Jung-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Ocean views · Bustling area
Request an ocean-view room in advance
[Distance: 2.5 km]
Songjeong Gwang-eogol-ro 30, Songjeong-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Songjeong area · Near scenic drives
Confirm parking if driving
[Distance: 5.6 km]
Hwangnyeong-daero 7beon-gil 20-11, Beomcheon-dong, Busanjin-gu, Busan
Easy access to downtown
Avoid busy late-evening check-in hours
[Distance: 7.0 km]
Yongho-dong, Nam-gu, Busan
Nam-gu area · Easy urban access
Inquire about parking availability in advance
[Distance: 7.3 km]
Dongbusan Gwangwang 7-ro 17, Gijang-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan
Osiria Tourism Complex · Scenic drive
Convenient by car
[Distance: 7.4 km]
Restaurants & Cafes
All within 10–30 minutes of BEXCO by public transport. Choose with your route in mind—from quick bites before/after the fair to cafes with ocean views.
Gwanganhaebyeon-ro 344beon-gil 9-5, Millak-dong, Suyeong-gu, Busan
Beachside vibe · Dining
Expect waits at peak times
[Distance: 1.5 km]
Haeundaehaebyeon-ro 154, U-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Haeundae views · Casual dining
Busy at weekend lunch; reservations recommended
[Distance: 1.7 km]
Dalmaji-gil 52, Jung-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Eel specialist · Scenic drive
Expect waits at dinner peak
[Distance: 3.2 km]
Dalmaji-gil 52, Jung-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Seafood specialist · Great views
Check parking and wait times in advance
[Distance: 3.2 km]
Bunpo-ro 145, Yongho-dong (The W), Nam-gu, Busan
Bakery · Cafe · View lounge
Quieter hours recommended on weekend afternoons
[Distance: 4.3 km]
Jungang-daero 1056beon-gil 13, Yeonsan-dong, Yeonje-gu, Busan
City cafe · Light break
Good for a short rest while in transit
[Distance: 5.2 km]
Songjeongjungang-ro 6beon-gil 143, Songjeong-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Songjeong vibes · Cafe & lounge
Relaxed afternoon visits recommended
[Distance: 5.6 km]
Nearby Attractions
Easy stops before or after your visit. From the Centum/Haeundae area to downtown, take your time and plan with travel time in mind.
Suyeonggangbyeon-daero 120, U-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Quiet reading space · Cultural stroll
Good for a short break from the fair
[Distance: 0.8 km]
Jung-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Ocean views · Photo spot
Best visibility on clear days
[Distance: 4.4 km]
Seojeon-ro 40, Jeonpo-dong, Busanjin-gu, Busan
Cafe · Lifestyle space
Combine with a stroll through Jeonpo Cafe Street
[Distance: 6.5 km]
Beomjeon-dong, Busanjin-gu, Busan
Night stroll · Photo spot
Best after sunset
[Distance: 7.2 km]
Beomil-ro 125, Beomil-dong, Dong-gu, Busan
Contemporary art · Exhibition space
Check exhibition schedule in advance
[Distance: 7.5 km]
Sincheon-daero 162beon-gil 13, Bujeon-dong, Busanjin-gu, Busan
Hands-on science & math space
Great for family activities
[Distance: 7.6 km]
Buam-dong, Busanjin-gu, Busan
Urban woodland · Healing walk
Suitable for a light stroll
[Distance: 8.8 km]
Yisunsin-daero 164, Choryang-dong, Dong-gu, Busan
Harbor views · Walk and relax
Mind the wind chill on gusty days
[Distance: 9.9 km]
Getting There
Public Transport — Take Subway Line 2 to Centum City Station and walk from Exit 1. Buses include local routes 5-1, 31, 39, 40, 63, 100, 100-1, 107, 115, 115-1, 139, 141, 155, 181, 200, 307 and express routes 1001, 1002, 1006, 1011.
By Car — Address: APEC-ro 55, U-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan. Parking is available at the exhibition hall, but congestion is expected during the event and depending on surrounding traffic; public transport is recommended whenever possible.
Wrap-up
The ocean of picture books unfolding in the winter light will offer a warm pause for both children and adults. We’ve gathered at a glance the dates, hours, viewing route, and key points for the Busan International Children’s Book Fair at BEXCO to help fill the waiting time.
Like quietly turning a single page, may your day be one of slow looking and feeling. Take only the guidance you need, and cross the waves of books at your own pace.
