“Fly with Books”…Gwangju to Host ‘Bitgoeul Book Madang’ in September and October

Celebrating the First Anniversary of Han Kang's Nobel Prize in Literature:
Highlighting Literature and Peace
A Citizen Festival Featuring Book Talks, Experiences, and Performances
Outdoor Library, Book Market, and Silent Cinema in the Heart of the City

Gwangju City will host the multi-cultural festival "2025 Bitgoeul Book Madang," which will fill the autumn city center with books, performances, and hands-on experiences, twice in September and October.

Gwangju City Hall exterior view.

This year's festival, themed "Fly with Books: Book & Rock," was planned to reflect the vision of "Gwangju, a city that reads and buys many books," proposed by Han Kang, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature last year.

The September event will focus on the theme of "Nobel," highlighting the Nobel Prize achievements of author Han Kang and former President Kim Dae-jung, and will feature a talk performance with book influencer Kim Gyeoul. In October, to celebrate the first anniversary of Han Kang's Nobel win, the festival will center on "K-Literature," with webtoon and web novel experience booths, as well as a book concert by author Lee Nakjun.

Both sessions will feature an outdoor library, author lectures, music performances, a book market, reading experience booths, and quiz events. Notably, on the evenings of September 6 and October 11, "Silent Yoga" and "Silent Cinema," utilizing wireless headsets, will be offered. Registration is available through the Gwangju Arts and Culture Integrated Platform "Dear My Gwangju."

Jeon Eunok, Director of Culture and Sports, stated, "We have prepared this so that all citizens can enjoy the comfort and relaxation that books provide," and added, "With a variety of attractions and experiences available, we hope for many to participate."