How to enjoy the 2026 Seoul International Book Fair: COEX exhibitions, lectures, tickets, transportation
If you are a traveler who loves books, the 2026 Seoul International Book Fair is a great cultural festival to add to your Seoul itinerary. According to the official website, the 2026 Seoul International Book Fair will be held at COEX A&B1 Hall in Samseong-dong, Seoul for 5 days from Wednesday, June 24th to Sunday, June 28th. It is Korea's representative book event where publisher booths, new book exhibitions, theme exhibitions, author lectures and seminars are gathered in one space.
What kind of event is the Seoul International Book Fair?
The Seoul International Book Fair is more than just a book selling fair, it is a festival that shows the direction in which Korean publishing and reading culture are currently moving. The 2026 theme exhibition is introduced as ‘Human Declaration Homo duduri: 2×2=5’ and contains the trend of rethinking human questions and imagination in the era of artificial intelligence. Even if you don't know Korean books well, you can fully enjoy the exhibition design, cover, illustrations, goods, and lecture atmosphere.
What should I see?
If you are visiting for the first time, take your time and look around the exhibitor booths first. You can find a variety of books from large publishers to independent publishers, art books, children's books, and humanities and literature. You can purchase books you like right away, and there may be on-site limited-edition goods or autograph sessions, so it's a good idea to look at the schedule.
The second recommended course is exhibitions and lectures. The official program introduces thematic exhibitions, BBK The lectures and seminars page contains information on various topics such as novels, translation, AI and creative writing, and meetings with authors, making it interesting for foreigners who are interested in Korean literature and publishing culture.
Viewing times and ticket tips
Operating hours are 10:00 - 19:00 from June 24th to 27th, and 10:00 - 17:00 on the last day, June 28th. Admission closes 30 minutes before closing. According to official information, online purchasers can check their mobile ticket details at the registration desk and receive an admission bracelet. On-site tickets may be sold out early if the number of tickets sold on the day is limited. If possible, it is safer to purchase tickets online in advance.
Congestion and preparation
COEX exhibitions are likely to be crowded on weekends and during popular lecture times. If you plan to buy a lot of books, bring a lightweight eco bag or foldable supplementary bag. Because the walking time will be long inside the exhibition hall, comfortable shoes, water, an auxiliary battery, and thin outerwear are helpful. Checking for advance reservations for lectures you are interested in, and capturing the timetable for author signings or special programs will make it much easier to navigate.
How should I go?
The venue is COEX A&B1 Hall in Samseong-dong. It is easy to access using the subway line 2 Samsung Station and line 9 Bongeunsa Station, and is connected to COEX Mall, making it easy to travel even on rainy days. However, the parking lot can be very crowded during the event, so public transportation is recommended. After the tour, you can make the most of your Seoul indoor culture course by visiting Byeolmadang Library, COEX Mall, Bongeunsa Temple, and the Jamsil area.
The Seoul International Book Fair is an event that includes quiet time to select books and a lively cultural program. If you want to see Korea's publishing culture, design, and stories of writers up close, this is a festival worth setting aside a day at COEX at the end of June 2026.
