Why Is Korean Culture So Popular? Insights from the 2025 Seoul International Book Fair and Taiwan’s Creative Exchange

Jun 26, 2025
Culture
Why Is Korean Culture So Popular? Insights from the 2025 Seoul International Book Fair and Taiwan’s Creative Exchange

The Seoul International Book Fair 2025: A Global Stage for Culture

Did you know that the Seoul International Book Fair (SIBF) is one of Asia’s largest and most influential literary events? This year, the fair, held from June 18 to June 22 at COEX, Seoul, took on a truly international flavor with Taiwan as the guest of honor. Over 500 exhibitors from 17 countries and more than 150,000 visitors gathered to celebrate books, ideas, and cultural exchange. Tickets sold out quickly, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for literature and culture among young Koreans and international guests. The event wasn’t just about books—it was a launchpad for expanded partnerships across publishing, TV, film, and even video games, showing how Korea’s creative industries are inspiring and being inspired by the world.

Taiwan Takes Center Stage: Bridging Cultures Through Literature

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This year’s highlight was the Taiwan Pavilion, which featured 23 authors, 85 publishers, and over 550 curated titles across six thematic zones called ‘Taiwan Sensibility’. Visitors could explore a wide range of genres, from novels and comics to documentaries and music. The collaboration was more than symbolic: it was a strategic move to deepen partnerships between Korea and Taiwan, not only in publishing but also in television, film, and gaming. The Taiwanese delegation brought a unique cultural perspective, emphasizing how their own literary traditions have evolved by embracing foreign influences, much like Korea’s global pop culture phenomenon.

Shared Histories, Shared Stories: Why Korean and Taiwanese Literature Resonate

Have you ever wondered why Korean and Taiwanese cultures feel so relatable to each other? Both regions share strikingly similar historical experiences—colonial rule, rapid industrialization, and the challenges of modernization. These parallels are reflected in their literature and dramas, which often explore themes of family, social pressure, and the tension between tradition and modernity. For example, Taiwanese author Wu Xiaole’s short stories about children’s education evoke the competitive atmosphere of Korea’s famous Daechi-dong academies. Korean dramas like ‘Extraordinary Attorney Woo’ are widely referenced in Taiwan, showing how cultural products cross borders and inspire new creative works.

Korean Culture’s Global Appeal: Inspiration for Taiwanese Creators

Why is Korean culture so influential worldwide? According to Taiwanese writers at the fair, the answer lies in Korea’s ability to blend local traditions with global trends. Korean movies, dramas, K-pop, and webtoons are not just entertainment—they’re sources of inspiration for creators everywhere. Taiwanese novelist Chen Sihong, whose works ‘Land of Ghosts’ and ‘The 67th Pangolin’ have sold over 30,000 copies in Korea, shared how Korean culture sparked his curiosity and influenced his own storytelling. Other Taiwanese authors, like Chen Xue and Yang Shuangzi, also noted the openness and diversity of Korean creative industries, which encourage bold new narratives and experimental forms.

Inside the Book Fair: Community Reactions and Cultural Insights

If you strolled through the fair or browsed Korean online communities like Theqoo, Naver, or DC Inside, you’d see a mix of excitement and curiosity. Many Korean readers expressed surprise at the depth and diversity of Taiwanese literature, with some noting how familiar the themes felt. Comments ranged from admiration for the healing and emotional power of Taiwanese stories to discussions about the cultural similarities and differences between the two societies. On Naver and Tistory blogs, visitors shared personal stories about meeting their favorite Taiwanese authors, discovering new books, and reflecting on the importance of cultural empathy in a rapidly changing world.

Why This Matters: Cultural Exchange in a Globalized Era

For international fans, understanding the mutual inspirations between Korea and Taiwan offers a deeper appreciation of both cultures. The Seoul International Book Fair isn’t just a showcase of books—it’s a living example of how creative industries can foster dialogue, empathy, and innovation across borders. As both Korean and Taiwanese creators continue to draw from each other’s histories and imaginations, they remind us that culture is never static. It’s a dynamic, evolving force that connects people, challenges stereotypes, and sparks new ideas. If you’re a fan of K-dramas, K-pop, or Asian literature, keep an eye on these cross-cultural collaborations—they’re shaping the future of global storytelling.

Seoul International Book Fair
Korean culture
Taiwan
cultural exchange
literature
K-drama
K-pop
publishing
creative industries
mutual inspiration

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