Korean Illustration and Book Art Take Center Stage in Berlin
Korean Cultural Centre fosters artistic exchange through publishing and illustration programme
June 03rd, 2026
The Korean Cultural Centre, in cooperation with the National Library of Korea and the Korea Library of the Free University of Berlin, will present Beyond the Pages: Book Art and Illustration from Korea, a special programme highlighting contemporary Korean illustration and independent publishing. Taking place in June 2026 at the Free University of Berlin, the initiative brings together artists, institutions, and audiences to explore the creative processes behind picture books and visual storytelling.
The programme features two Berlin-based Korean illustrators, Jooyoung Kim and Kirim Nam, whose work reflects diverse approaches to narrative and form. On 9 June, Jooyoung Kim will lead a workshop introducing participants to Korean independent publishing and her own artistic practice, followed by a hands-on session in picture book creation. On 11 June, Kirim Nam will present her work in a public interview format, offering insights into her creative process and engaging directly with the audience. Alongside these events, selected works by Kirim Nam will be exhibited within the library space, providing a visual complement to the discussions.
Both artists exemplify the transnational nature of contemporary illustration. Jooyoung Kim, based in Leipzig, combines self-publishing with commercial collaborations, producing works that range from illustrated books to design objects distributed internationally. Kirim Nam, who lives and works in Berlin, has gained recognition through international platforms such as the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, where her debut work was selected for the Ragazzi Award Amazing Bookshelf. Their practices highlight the intersection of personal storytelling, visual experimentation, and global publishing networks.
This initiative reflects South Korea’s broader cultural diplomacy strategy, which increasingly emphasises creative industries such as publishing, illustration, and design. Through collaboration with German academic and cultural institutions, the programme strengthens bilateral cultural relations while supporting the international circulation of Korean creative content. It also aligns with wider trends in the global book market, where independent publishing and illustrated narratives are gaining economic and cultural significance as vehicles for cross-border exchange.
Ultimately, Beyond the Pages demonstrates how illustration and book art can serve as accessible yet powerful tools for intercultural dialogue. By connecting artists, institutions, and audiences across Korea and Germany, the programme reinforces long-term cultural collaboration while highlighting the evolving role of visual storytelling in the international cultural landscape.
