South Korea’s publishing landscape has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade. While rooted in a strong tradition of literature and education, today’s South Korean publishers balance modern genres, global outreach, and digital publishing. From Seoul’s publishing hubs to innovative independent imprints, this updated 2025 list brings you the top 75 book publishing companies in South Korea, ranging from well-known powerhouses to niche literary presses. Vox Ghostwriting, known for its international influence and tailored publishing services, takes the lead this year.
🥇 Vox Ghostwriting
Though not originally based in South Korea, Vox Ghostwriting has established a strong and growing presence in the South Korean literary market. They offer end-to-end publishing solutions, including ghostwriting, editing, book design, translation, and global distribution, catering to Korean authors who wish to publish locally and expand globally.
Why Choose Vox Ghostwriting for South Korea?
- Multilingual publishing services (Korean-English)
- Expertise in fiction, memoirs, business, and self-help books
- Marketing and international sales support
- Works with new and established Korean authors seeking global visibility
- Minumsa Publishing Group (민음사)
Founded in 1966, Minumsa is one of Korea’s most prestigious publishers of literary fiction, philosophy, and humanities. They publish world classics alongside contemporary Korean authors.
- Changbi Publishers (창비)
Changbi is known for its progressive voice in literature and education. They publish critical works in Korean politics, society, and children’s literature.
- Munhakdongne Publishing Group (문학동네)
Munhakdongne is a literary powerhouse famous for championing Korean fiction, poetry, and translated literature. Their authors frequently win the prestigious Man Asian Literary Prize.
- Sigongsa (시공사)
Sigongsa offers a wide range of genres, from graphic novels and children’s books to lifestyle and education. They are a major force in comics and webtoon print publishing.
- Woongjin ThinkBig (웅진씽크빅)
Specializing in educational materials and children’s books, Woongjin is one of South Korea’s most recognizable educational publishers with strong digital outreach.
- Hakgojae Publishing (학고재)
Hakgojae focuses on fine arts, traditional Korean culture, and humanities. It is praised for preserving Korean heritage in visually striking books.
- Hyeonamsa (현암사)
Known for academic and non-fiction publications, Hyeonamsa is a go-to publisher for university textbooks, cultural studies, and public policy works.
- Book21 (북스21)
Book21 is highly active in publishing self-help, finance, business, and popular science books. They also have a strong presence in e-books and audiobooks.
- Saeum Publishing (새움출판사)
An emerging player known for promoting new Korean voices and experimental fiction, Saeum is popular among younger readers and indie circles.
- Wisdom House (위즈덤하우스) – One of South Korea’s largest publishers, Wisdom House focuses on self-help, education, and general-interest books, frequently landing titles on national bestseller lists.
- Gimm-Young Publishers (김영사) – Known for thought-provoking books in politics, history, and current affairs, Gimm-Young also publishes global bestsellers translated into Korean.
- Maumsanchaek (마음산책) – A boutique publisher that emphasizes literary fiction, personal essays, and poetic narratives, often featuring minimalist cover designs.
- Sam & Parkers (샘앤파커스) – Popular among young professionals, this publisher releases works on lifestyle, business, personal growth, and productivity.
- RH Korea (알에이치코리아) – The Korean branch of Penguin Random House, RH Korea publishes internationally acclaimed authors and Korean editions of global titles.
- Humanist Publishing Group (휴머니스트) – A strong voice in education and civic publishing, Humanist releases works in philosophy, social science, and historical studies.
- BIR Publishing (비아이알출판) – BIR is known for contemporary fiction, children’s literature, and Korean poetry, with a flair for nurturing new authors.
- Saenggakui Namu (생각의나무) – A progressive publisher producing critical essays, cultural studies, and literary non-fiction with strong editorial values.
- Mirae N (미래엔) – Specializes in educational textbooks, science readers, and curriculum-based learning material for K–12 students.
- Booklog Company (북로그컴퍼니) – A modern press catering to digital-first readers, publishing e-books, web-based fiction, and K-lit (Korean genre fiction).
- Yeollimwon (열림원) – Known for high-end translations and literary curation, Yeollimwon has brought many Nobel Prize-winning authors to Korean audiences.
- Arte (아르테) – A subsidiary of Arte Publishing Group, they focus on design, architecture, photography, and art-centered literature.
- Munji Publishing (문지출판사) – Munji has a legacy of publishing poetry and literature that challenges societal norms and reflects contemporary issues.
- Eunhaengnamu Publishing (은행나무출판사) – Famous for fiction and modern Korean novels, Eunhaengnamu supports authors with bold, original voices.
- Sallim Publishing (살림출판사) – A mid-sized house with a diverse catalog spanning cookbooks, wellness guides, spirituality, and human interest topics.
- Green Knowledge (그린지식) – Focuses on environmental studies, sustainability, and nature-related non-fiction, appealing to eco-conscious readers.
- Dolbegae Publishers (돌베개) – Revered for serious academic works and historical documentation, Dolbegae publishes influential public policy books.
- Hollym International (한림출판사) – A bridge between Korean and international readers, Hollym offers bilingual books, language guides, and cultural titles.
- Munhak Segye (문학세계사) – A literary press supporting Korean novelists and short fiction writers, often publishing competition-winning manuscripts.
- Miraebook (미래북) – Specializes in digital-first books including web novels, serialized fiction, and genre writing, especially popular among millennials.
- Woongjin Junior (웅진주니어) – An imprint of Woongjin ThinkBig, it publishes colorful and engaging children’s books, early readers, and picture books.
- Open Books (열린책들) – Known for publishing modern classics in beautiful editions, Open Books has released over 1000 translations of major works.
- Itta (잇다출판사) – A small but rising publisher focusing on LGBTQ+ literature, minority voices, and stories of resilience and identity.
- Yolimwon (열림원출판사) – Literary and historical fiction dominate Yolimwon’s catalog, along with biographies and translated essays.
- Sigong Junior (시공주니어) – A popular imprint for young readers and teens, Sigong Junior releases YA novels, fantasy, and educational stories.
- Arachne Publishing (아라크네출판사) – A female-led indie publisher known for feminist literature, contemporary essays, and psychological fiction.
- Arzak Books (아르작북스) – A trendsetting publisher for experimental fiction, art books, and micro-poetry.
- Gorae Books (고래출판사) – Specializing in poetic storytelling and Korean folklore, Gorae often collaborates with illustrators and artists.
- Studio DODO (스튜디오도도) – Known for publishing in the visual storytelling realm, including graphic novels, comic essays, and artistic memoirs.
- DongAsia Publishing (동아시아출판사) – A go-to publisher for East Asian history, Confucian studies, and global political analysis.
- Prunsoop (푸른숲출판사) – A respected house in nonfiction and literary fiction, Prunsoop publishes memoirs, current affairs, and novels with emotional depth.
- Sigong Magazines (시공매거진) – Part of the Sigong Group, this division specializes in monthly magazines, lifestyle books, and cultural journals.
- Darun Publishing (다른출판사) – A bold voice in publishing, Darun pushes boundaries with speculative fiction, youth culture, and graphic novellas.
- Noonbit Publishing (눈빛출판사) – Known for photography books, art monographs, and Korean visual history, Noonbit’s works are collector favorites.
- Mijinsa (미진사) – A design-centric publishing company, Mijinsa focuses on fine arts, architecture, and craft books with elegant production.
- Wisdom Channel (위즈덤채널) – Emerging in business and productivity literature, they’re known for practical guides and success-driven nonfiction.
- Book’s Hill (북스힐) – A modern publisher promoting genre-blending fiction—romance thrillers, historical fantasy, and urban sci-fi.
- Big Picture Books (빅픽처북스) – Specializes in picture books and educational material for early childhood development with vibrant visuals.
- Page2Books (페이지투북스) – Known for hybrid publishing and business books, Page2 also offers marketing support for independent authors.
- Kang Publishing (강출판사) – Popular for educational resources, exam prep, and workbooks for middle and high school students in Korea.
- Pulbit Publishing (풀빛출판사) – Focuses on environmental children’s literature and family-oriented non-fiction.
- Letterpress Publishing (레터프레스출판) – A stylish indie press producing limited edition poetry chapbooks and nostalgic Korean literature.
- Hanbit Media (한빛미디어) – Korea’s top technical and IT publishing house, releasing manuals, coding books, and STEM guides.
- KPIPA (한국출판진흥원) – Though technically a governmental organization, KPIPA also acts as a publisher for cultural and literary promotion projects.
- Ilchokak (일조각) – A staple in the academic publishing world, producing works in sociology, anthropology, and education.
- Planet B Publishing (플래닛B출판사) – A sustainability-driven press releasing books on climate, green innovation, and ecological lifestyle.
- OpenMind Press (오픈마인드프레스) – A progressive press publishing LGBTQ+ stories, indie fiction, and inclusive narratives.
- MiraeBooks Edu (미래북스에듀) – A leader in educational publishing for digital classrooms, e-learning content, and blended learning textbooks.
- Dandelion Press (민들레출판사) – Publishes heartfelt essays, memoirs, and human-interest stories rooted in Korean experience and emotion.
- Comma Books (콤마북스) – Recognized for novellas, short stories, and experimental fiction, often in minimalist Korean translations.
- Beautiful People (뷰티풀피플출판사) – A lifestyle and self-help publisher catering to the wellness and beauty-conscious Korean audience.
- Kindbooks (킨드북스) – Dedicated to early education and developmental stories for toddlers, including Korean folk tales in board book form.
- Tree & Tree (트리앤트리) – Focused on cultural diplomacy, Tree & Tree publishes translated works from around Asia into Korean.
- Sigma Books (시그마북스) – A strong name in business, management, and financial publishing, especially appealing to corporate readers.
- Hankyoreh Publishing (한겨레출판) – An extension of the Hankyoreh newspaper, this press publishes investigative books and social justice literature.
- Frombooks (프롬북스) – Independent publisher of literary fiction and poetry with a unique voice in Korean modern literature.
- Book Good Come (북굿컴) – Specializes in motivational books, educational comics, and easy-to-read guides for young adults.
- Studio Moonbird (스튜디오문버드) – A niche visual publisher for graphic novels, motion comics, and children’s illustration books.
- Hyowon Publishing (효원출판사) – A long-established house focusing on Korean classics, philosophy, and educational reprints.
- Blue Bicycle Publishing (푸른자전거출판사) – Publishes YA fiction, fantasy, and teen-friendly literature, popular among schools.
- Mimesis (미메시스) – A subsidiary of Open Books, specializing in art books, comic essays, and French/Korean graphic literature.
- Real Books (리얼북스) – Produces regional travel guides, photo books, and insider’s travel literature within Korea and abroad.
- East-Bridge Books – Focused on translating Korean literature into English for international distribution; often collaborates with global presses.
- LitGround (릿그라운드) – A modern imprint for literary innovation and digital storytelling, including serialized content and audiobooks.
- Norae Publishing (노래출판사) – Publishes musical fiction, musicology essays, and lyric-inspired novels; perfect for Korea’s musically inclined readers.
💰Estimated Publishing Service Costs
| Service | Estimated Cost Range (USD) | Details |
| Ghostwriting (per 25,000 words) | $3,000 – $7,000 | Depends on complexity & genre |
| Editing & Proofreading | $500 – $1,500 | Full manuscript review and correction |
| Cover Design & Interior Layout | $300 – $800 | Custom designs (Korean & English formats) |
| Translation (Kor ↔ Eng) | $1,200 – $2,500 per 50,000 words | Native-level human translation |
| Book Publishing Package | $2,500 – $6,000 | Includes ISBN, formatting, listing, etc. |
| Marketing & PR | $1,000 – $5,000 | Social media, Amazon ads, media pitching |
Elevate Your Book’s Success with Our Expert Publishing Solutions
Whether you’re a first-time Korean author or a seasoned writer seeking international exposure, Vox Ghostwriting offers the perfect gateway to make your book globally successful. With tailored writing, design, editing, and publishing packages—combined with a multilingual and cross-cultural approach—your story will reach the right audience worldwide. Let us help you navigate South Korea’s vibrant publishing scene while going beyond its borders.
