Successor to the Seoul Book Fair launched in 1954, the Seoul International Book Fair premiered in 1995. The event is held annually in the spring by the Korea Publishers Association in order to promote Korean publications abroad, to strengthen the competitiveness of the publishing industry, to promote reading among the public, as well as to allow the public to enjoy diverse cultures.
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Korea’s liberation in 1995, the book fair has become an international event. In 1996, it was officially recognized by the International Publishers Association (IPA) and became one of the 28 international book fairs in the world.