Taiwanese Writers Take Center Stage at 2025 Seoul International Book Fair with New Novels and Cultural Exchange

Taiwan as Guest of Honor at 2025 Seoul International Book Fair

Taiwan is the distinguished guest of honor at the 2025 Seoul International Book Fair (SIBF), held from June 18 to 22 at COEX in Seoul. This marks a significant cultural milestone, with Taiwan showcasing its rich literary and artistic heritage through a pavilion themed 'Taiwan Sensibility.' The pavilion features 550 books from 84 publishers, covering literature, picture books, comics, and music, alongside 62 programs including lectures, workshops, and author talks with 23 Taiwanese writers visiting Seoul for the first time. This event aims to deepen cultural ties and promote Taiwanese literature to Korean audiences, highlighting Taiwan's unique cultural identity and creative vitality.

Emergence of Taiwanese Novels in Korean Translation

Coinciding with the book fair, numerous Taiwanese novels have been newly translated and published in Korea, reflecting contemporary social issues and personal experiences. Notably, queer and feminist themes have gained prominence, mirroring trends in Korean literature. For example, Chen Xue's acclaimed short story collection 'The Book of Villains' explores female sexuality and same-sex love with vivid realism, drawing from the author's own identity as a lesbian woman. Despite its popularity, the book was once banned in Taiwan for its explicit content, making its Korean release a significant cultural moment. Similarly, Liu Ziyu's 'Goddess Buffet' addresses feminism and workplace struggles faced by women, resonating with Korean readers familiar with gender dynamics in corporate settings.

Diverse Voices and Social Critique in Taiwanese Literature

Other notable works include Wu Xiaole's 'Your Four Children Are Not Your Four Children,' which critiques Taiwan's intense academic competition and private tutoring culture through nine short stories based on the author's seven years as a tutor. Deng Guwen's novel 'Supporting Actress' draws on her acting career, portraying the emotional journey of a woman perpetually cast in minor roles, reflecting themes of loss and growth. Debut novelist Zhang Zixiang's 'The Night God Descends' combines rural Taiwanese settings with magical realism to explore themes of escape and nostalgia. These works offer Korean readers insight into Taiwanese society, education, gender roles, and rural life, enriching cross-cultural understanding.

Established Taiwanese Authors and Historical Parallels

Veteran authors with previous Korean publications are also present at the fair, including Wu Mingyi, the first Taiwanese author shortlisted for the Man Booker International Prize with 'The Stolen Bicycle,' Guo Changsheng of 'The Piano Tuner,' and Chen Sihong, author of 'The Land of Ghosts.' Taiwan and Korea share historical and social parallels such as rapid industrialization, high educational pressure, and social disparities, which make Taiwanese literature particularly relatable to Korean readers. However, geographic and climatic differences also introduce unique cultural flavors that intrigue Korean audiences.

Cultural Insights and Community Reactions

The Korean publishing community and readers have shown growing interest in Taiwanese literature, as evidenced by active discussions on platforms like Naver and Tistory blogs. Readers appreciate the quality of translations and the fresh perspectives Taiwanese authors bring, especially in addressing gender, sexuality, and social issues. Some online comments highlight the courage of Taiwanese writers in tackling taboo topics, while others express curiosity about Taiwan’s cultural nuances. The Seoul International Book Fair serves as a vital platform for these exchanges, fostering mutual understanding and literary appreciation.

Looking Ahead: Strengthening Taiwan-Korea Literary Ties

The 2025 Seoul International Book Fair not only celebrates Taiwanese literature but also lays groundwork for future collaborations in publishing, television, film, and digital media between Taiwan and Korea. The Taiwan Creative Content Agency and Taipei Book Fair Foundation have actively supported this initiative, aiming to expand the global reach of Taiwanese cultural content. Korean readers are encouraged to explore Taiwan’s vibrant literary scene, which blends tradition and modernity, freedom and restraint, creating a rich cultural tapestry that resonates beyond borders.