This study analyzes the symbolic meaning of chairs and their influence on social-emotional development in picture books for young children, while exploring the cultural differences based on the context. The research focuses on picture books for children with “chair” in the title, published in Korea and other countries. Using hermeneutic analysis, the study identifies the symbolic meaning of chairs, and the CASEL framework was applied to examine its relationship with child development. Additionally, the study investigates cultural differences by categorizing the authors' cultural backgrounds to explore how these affect the meaning of chairs and their role in social-emotional development. The findings indicate that, first, chairs go beyond being mere physical objects and serve as significant symbols reflecting the passage of time, imaginative worlds, and the concepts of ownership and sharing. Second, chairs in these stories play an essential role in helping children learn self-awareness, self-management, and empathy for others. Third, in Eastern cultures, chairs emphasize family and community bonds, while in Western cultures, they serve as symbols of individual selfhood and authority. These results highlight the important role of chairs in children's learning and development through picture books.