Issue 52: 2022. 9. 8. – “Abroad After A Long Hiatus”

Dear all,

Greetings from PACOM! It has been a while since the last edition of the PACOM Update--my apologies.
However, don't mistake the silence for inactivity at PACOM--on the contrary, things have been up and about for us here, especially now that we can travel outside of Korea without a smorgasbord of logistical hassle!
Quite a lot of things have happened at PACOM since the last update, so let's dive in!

Capacity Upgrade

Over the course of 2022, if you've been reading these updates, you will remember that PACOM has consistently added new equipment and capabilities to our facility. Our new Heidelberg sheetfed press is now installed and operational, as well as our new board book line that we brought in around April.

We've made additional upgrades to our equipment portfolio since then. First, we have a new hardcover binding line that produces higher-quality end products, especially for hardcover books which are on the thinner side. The finishing quality of the new line is outstanding!

Around October, PACOM will also be arming itself with a new capacity--edge printing (see here and here for examples of edge printed products, in case the terminology seems vague). We will be bringing in a new machine to equip PACOM with the capacity to manufacture edge-printed books, opening up a new dimension for what you can expect PACOM to produce. We'll be sure to update you when the machine arrives!
(Note: Unfortunately, we can't edge-print metallic with the incoming equipment, just so you are aware.)

Abroad after 2 years

With COVID-based restrictions slowly being lifted around the globe, we've finally had an opportunity to sojourn outside of Korea and participate in international events!

First, in July, PACOM participated in Japan Lifestyle Week held in Tokyo at Tokyo Big Sight; we met our Japanese clients as well as many a participant at the event. Speaking personally, it was my first time ever in Japan, so some things were very new to me but overall, it was a highly productive and eye-opening trip!
(Also, the fact that PCR tests consist of spitting into a vial and giving it to the medical center employee was something else entirely)


Then, in August, PACOM participated in ASD Market Week, a convention of retailers, suppliers and everything in between hosted at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Despite the focus on retail and wholesale, we managed to strike up conversations with several publishers and print vendors, and look forward to continuing our conversations held in the desert!

(And I now believe that Treasure Island is named as such because the treasure there is taken from wide-eyed out-of-towners, like me.)



PACOM's next venture abroad will be to the Frankfurter Buchmesse in October--if you plan on attending, stop by our booth!

Status Check

After a brief spike in the summer months, the new wave of COVID seems to be now background noise. As such, Korea has considerably loosened its restrictions on entry, with negative PCR tests no longer considered a necessity to board Korea-bound flights. Let me tell you, it was difficult to negotiate a PCR test in Japan when you don't speak a lick of Japanese, so I am extremely glad that hurdle is gone.

I think that here in Korea, a lot of things are becoming less hysterical and we are slowly working our way back to the way things were pre-COVID; maybe not all the way (a pandemic will probably leave some lasting changes), but closer to the before than to the after, so to speak.

Korean Thanksgiving

PACOM will be off on holiday for Korean Thanksgiving (Chuseok) on Friday, Sept. 9, and Monday, Sept. 12. I do wish that Korea used the American system of holidays (Xth _____day of given month) but that seems a pipe dream. Oh well.

That is all for this (very belated) edition of PACOM Update. Until next time!

Best regards,
Yu Bum Kim