K-Illustration Fair Magok 2026

Meet the K-Illustration Fair at COEX Magok 1F from August 20–23

K-Illustration Fair Magok 2026 will be held for four days, from Thursday, August 20 to Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the exhibition hall on the first floor of COEX Magok, 143 Magokjungang-ro, Gangseo-gu, Seoul. It is hosted by Korea International Exhibition Co., Ltd. The visiting hours are 11:00–18:00 daily, with ticket sales and admission ending at 17:30. It would be a good idea to check the K-Illustration Fair Magok Exhibition Overview first and mark the date on your calendar.

The 2026 exhibition theme is introduced as “WITH (coexistence).” The exhibition covers individual artists’ illustrations, graphic design, character design, painting, live painting, picture books, and independent publishing, as well as art-product production and distribution by companies and institutions, character businesses, galleries, and bookstores. It seems like a good place to follow how a single illustration expands into books, merchandise, and brand characters.

The publicly available 2026 information includes the K-Illustration Book Fair, featuring picture books, art books, and poster books, along with the Korea Character Map, which brings together mascots from local governments, public institutions, and companies across the country. After previewing the orange book posters and strongly individual character posters, I felt that taking time to read the works carefully and compare the characters’ expressions would be central to the experience. The G Economy event introduction also explains the character of the two special exhibitions in detail.

• The K-Illustration Book Fair introduces illustration-based publications, including picture books, art books, and poster books.
• The Korea Character Map is a special exhibition featuring character illustrations from regions, public institutions, and companies.
• The announcement published on August 5 also introduced the “Geul-Ja-Che” typography exhibition and a pop-up zone for knitting merchandise featuring illustrations drawn with thread.

Three minutes from Magongnaru Station Exit 2, all the way to the K-Illustration Book Fair

Transportation was particularly convenient when traveling with a foreign friend. From Magongnaru Station on Line 9, enter through the underground passage at Magong Plaza in the direction of Exits 1 and 2; it is a three-minute walk from Exit 2. It is a six-minute walk from Exit 6 of Magongnaru Station on the Airport Railroad. You can also walk from Exit 1 of Magok Station on Line 5, but it takes 15 minutes, so Magongnaru Station would be much easier if you have luggage. The directions to COEX Magok list routes N64, 6645, 6648, and Gangseo 07 at Magongnaru Station bus stop 16396, as well as N64, 6642, 6645, and 6648 at Seoul Botanic Park bus stop 16386.

In terms of language access, the official website has an English menu, and a separate advance registration and payment page for foreign visitors was available, making the first step of purchasing a ticket clear. However, the publicly available information does not specify on-site interpretation, English signage, or the arrangement of a foreign-language information desk. An on-site ticket costs 10,000 won, with both cash and card payments accepted. Second-round advance tickets cost 7,000 won and are available until 23:59 on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. According to the visitor information and advance registration for foreign visitors, present a mobile QR code or booking details, receive an admission wristband, and enter.

One ticket is valid for one person for one day, and same-day re-entry is allowed as long as you retain your admission ticket. Since you can explore for up to seven hours from 11:00 to 18:00, I felt it would be wise to bring a phone with plenty of battery and wear comfortable walking shoes for standing and looking at books and small printed materials for a long time. If it rains, using the route through Exit 2 of Magongnaru Station on Line 9 and the underground passage at Magong Plaza can shorten the outdoor walking section.

After the exhibition, you can continue to the underground shopping mall at COEX Magok, the four-star hotel inside the center, and nearby Seoul Botanic Park, LG Arts Center, and Space K Seoul Museum of Art. A natural one-day Magok itinerary came to mind: view the art, then walk on to a botanical garden or exhibition space. The COEX Magok introduction summarizes nearby places to visit.

I calculated the 17:30 admission cutoff and 45,000-won parking fee first

One disappointing point is that ticket sales and admission close at 17:30, 30 minutes before the exhibition ends. If you arrive late in the afternoon, you may not be able to enter at all, so arriving just after opening at 11:00, or at least before 17:00, will help you view the works and booths at a relaxed pace.

Announcements and schedules for the seminar lineup are available, but the notices do not explain in detail whether seminar seats require advance reservations or how admission works. If you plan to focus on the seminars, it may be reassuring to ask first by calling 02-761-2512. Reviewing the 2026 seminar lineup announcement as well will make it easier to plan your route.

If you bring a car, the costs are quite clear. Passenger-car parking at COEX Magok costs 2,000 won for the first 30 minutes, then 1,000 won for every additional 15 minutes, with daily parking costing 45,000 won. Considering the three-minute walk between the first-floor exhibition venue and Magongnaru Station Exit 2, I felt that taking the subway would be much easier. The COEX Magok parking fees page states that the parking management office is located at the B2 Operations Support Center and operates on weekdays from 9:00 to 18:00.

Details immediately useful on-site, such as restroom locations, wheelchair rentals, and facilities for visitors with infants, were not separately listed in the event information. If you need assistance, it may be less stressful to make the event inquiry number and the admission wristband collection desk your first stops.

• On-site ticket sales and admission close after 17:30.
• Same-day re-entry is allowed, so you can divide your time between the exhibition and the underground shopping mall.
• With the daily parking fee set at 45,000 won, public transportation helps reduce the burden for a long visit.

Magok 2026 with the WITH theme, for travelers who love art and books

This event would suit travelers who want to see Korean illustration’s approach to books, characters, typography, and merchandise in one place, as well as anyone who wants to spend a long time exploring a favorite artist’s creative world on paper. Conversely, if you expect a museum-style exhibition with extensive English explanations, keep in mind that an English booking route is available, but detailed on-site language assistance has not been publicly announced.

Imagining a day that begins with a three-minute walk from Magongnaru Station to view picture books, examine the characters’ expressions, and continue toward Seoul Botanic Park in the evening left me feeling calm. From August 20 to 23, 2026, I would recommend it to a friend who wants to experience up close the texture of Korean creative culture that begins with a single illustration.