Join the Exciting Busan Story Market 2026 for Publishing Companies

The Busan Story Market 2026, an integral part of the Busan International Film Festival, is set to take place from October 10 to 13, 2026, in Busan, South Korea. Organized by the Visual Industry Promotion Organization (VIPO), this event aims to connect Japanese publishing companies with global film industry players. This year marks the fifth participation for Japanese firms, presenting a unique chance to showcase works that could serve as source material for future films, dramas, or games.

In today's rapidly evolving audiovisual landscape, compelling source materials are in high demand. The Busan Story Market is focused on facilitating the promotion and potential adaptation of various forms of published works, including physical books, e-books, and digital content. Companies possessing original works are encouraged to apply, and opportunities for fruitful discussions with buyers from around the world await participants.

Key Details of the Event

Event Highlights:

- Duration: October 10 (Saturday) - October 13 (Tuesday), 2026
- Location: Busan, South Korea
- Number of Participants: Seeking four representative companies from Japan

Application Criteria:

To qualify for participation, companies must meet the following requirements:
1. Hold rights for overseas sales of books or e-books aimed at film adaptations, and intend to actively promote these at Busan Story Market.
2. Have staff available for the entirety of the event to engage in promoting their works.
3. Focus primarily on international promotion and sales.
4. Be equipped with English-speaking representatives (Korean language skills are beneficial but not necessary).
5. Consent to participate in an assessment survey regarding business outcomes during and after the market.
6. Allow for photography during the event for promotional use by VIPO.

Additional Evaluation Points:

- Works that have not previously been adapted into visual media will gain priority.
- Publications in Korean or English, or those issued within the past year, will receive additional points.
- The ability to showcase multiple works will also be beneficial during the selection process.

Please note that adult content or politically sensitive material is not eligible for submission. The selection process is competitive and based on criteria established by VIPO, and companies that are determined to be ineligible may be declined participation at any stage.

Benefits of Participating:

- Last year's participating companies conducted over 165 business meetings. This indicates the vibrant networking potential and significant opportunities to connect with potential buyers looking for creative content.
- The market not only provides chances for exposure but also positions participants to develop strong connections within the film and publishing industries, facilitating future collaborations.

Application Process and Fees:

Participation fees will be covered for one representative per company by VIPO. However, companies will be responsible for their travel expenses, including flights and accommodations.
To register, complete the designated application form via Google Forms and submit by the deadline.

Important Dates:

- Application Deadline: July 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM

Successful applicants will receive notification via email regarding their status.

Contact for Applications and Inquiries:

For further questions or to apply, contact VIPO at [email protected], ensuring to include 'BSM2026' in the email subject line.

Join us at Busan Story Market 2026 to unlock new avenues for your works and to be part of the global storytelling community!