"Carrying Books and Dreams": Gwangju Students Embark on Reading Train Journey

About 70 First-Year High School Students from Gwangju Join Three-Day Book Concert
Experience Publishing, Careers, and Unification in Paju and Seoul
Gwangju Office of Education: "Books Expected to Foster Creativity and Career Skills"

High school students from the Gwangju area have embarked on a special journey where they travel by train, read books, and share stories together.

The "Dream-Carrying Reading Train" program, organized by the Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education, departed from Gwangju Songjeong Station on the 23rd. This year, about 70 first-year students from 36 local high schools are participating, experiencing a three-day, two-night program that includes visits to the Paju Book City and the Odusan Unification Observatory.

At the departure ceremony of the "Dream-Carrying Reading Train" held on the 23rd at Gwangju Songjeong Station, participating students and officials are taking a commemorative photo. Provided by Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education.

On the first day, students traveled to Haengsin Station by KTX, read the designated book "Gangwongukui Jinjja Gongbu" by author Kang Wonkook, and held a reading discussion on the train. Afterwards, they visited the Yeolhwadang Book Museum to learn about book production and the significance of records.

On the second day, students will tour the Publishing Industry Experience Center and the Letterpress Printing Museum. They will reflect on "My Dream, My Career" through a lecture by a Minhwa artist, and continue with conversations with publishing industry professionals. The day's program also includes a book concert with author Kang Wonkook, and a "Job Concert" hosted by Lee Kwangho, literary critic, president of the Korean Publishers Association, and CEO of Moonhakgwa Jiseongsa.

On the final day of the journey, students will visit the Odusan Unification Observatory to reflect on the current reality and future of the Korean Peninsula.

Lee Jungseon, Superintendent of Education, stated, "It is important to reflect on oneself and understand the thoughts of others through books," and expressed hope that this reading train will serve as an opportunity for students to develop creative thinking and self-reflection.