Saudi Arabia has concluded its active cultural participation in the Seoul International Book Fair 2025, held at COEX Convention and Exhibition Center in the South Korean capital from June 18 to 22, with an official delegation led by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission and the participation of several national cultural bodies.

The Saudi pavilion drew strong interest from publishing-industry figures and readers, featuring a comprehensive cultural program that included panel discussions, professional meetings and book-signing sessions, alongside a display of translated Saudi literary works representing the Kingdom's cultural and literary diversity, amid notable engagement from visitors and participants from across Asia's publishing sector.

Dr. Abdullatif Al-Wasel, CEO of the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, said this year's participation in Seoul reflects the strategic transformation underway in the Saudi cultural scene and cements the Kingdom's global presence as a literary and knowledge destination, noting that the participation supports the Commission's efforts to empower the local publishing industry and encourage translation and global professional engagement.

The Saudi pavilion included prominent institutions such as:

  • King Abdulaziz Public Library
  • King Fahd National Library
  • Saudi Publishers Association
  • King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language
  • Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University
  • Nasher Publishing and Distribution Company
  • A number of local publishing houses

Seoul International Book Fair is one of East Asia's leading literary platforms, and Saudi Arabia's participation builds on last year's major success as the fair's guest of honor, a step that opened wider horizons for the Saudi literary scene.

These international engagements align with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aim to achieve cultural leadership for the Kingdom globally and build a sustainable publishing sector that boosts local production and international cultural exchange.