Gimpo City Launches the "2025 Korea Reading Festival" with AI and Digital Technology
Festival Runs Until the 21st at Gimpo Hangang Central Park, Laveniche, and Janggi Library
Publishing Industry, Libraries, and Cultural Figures Gather to Celebrate the Opening
The main event of the "2025 Korea Reading Festival," the nation's largest reading culture festival, kicked off in Gimpo on September 19 with great fanfare. The gathering of key figures from the publishing industry, libraries, and the cultural and arts sectors signaled a new wave of nationwide enthusiasm for reading, with books serving as the central theme.
The opening ceremony of the main event for the "2025 Korea Reading Festival" was held on the 19th, attended by key figures including Kim Youngsoo, the 1st Vice Minister of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and Kim Byoungsoo, the Mayor of Gimpo. Photo by Gimpo City
This event was organized through the combined efforts of Gimpo City, the Reading Festival Task Force Council, and the Working Committee.
The opening ceremony began with the "Refresh Button Performance," which featured a 3D video and air shot of Gimpo's mascots, Posu and Pomi, followed by a celebratory performance from singer Yang Heeeun, Gimpo City's honorary ambassador. In addition, commendations from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Gimpo City were presented to individuals and organizations that contributed to the development of reading culture, adding further significance to the occasion.
On the first day, the event featured a book talk with author Cheon Seonran, a book pub where visitors could enjoy books and beer, an escape room game, a balloon show, a cotton candy magic show, a one-person picture book play by author Lee Yesook, and a storytelling program for dogs, all of which received enthusiastic responses from attendees.
More than 120 booths were set up at the venue, and visitors were able to use QR codes to access information about the booths and programs, providing an opportunity for the continuous spread of reading culture beyond just a one-time event.
The opening ceremony was attended by key figures such as Kim Youngsoo, the First Vice Minister of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism; Kim Byoungsoo, Mayor of Gimpo; Kim Ilhee, Secretary General of the Publication Industry Promotion Agency of Korea; and Kim Jonghyuk, Chairman of the Gimpo City Council.
Kim Youngsoo, Vice Minister, stated, "I hope that the Reading Festival, held in Gimpo, which was selected as this year's City of Books, will be a time to share the joy of reading with everyone." Kim Byoungsoo, Mayor of Gimpo, remarked, "Books are a bridge that connects us to ourselves, the world, and history. I hope that through this festival, the joy of reading will become a part of everyday life for people across the country."
Kim Byungsoo, Mayor of Gimpo City, is delivering a greeting at the opening ceremony of the main event of the "2025 Korea Reading Festival" on the 19th. Provided by Gimpo City
Kim Byoungsoo, Mayor of Gimpo, added, "Books are a bridge for communicating with oneself, as well as an enduring means of connecting with others, the world, and history. We have worked hard to make reading more enjoyable so that people can rediscover the importance and value of books. I hope that this year's Reading Festival in Gimpo will bring people across Korea closer to books once again."
Meanwhile, under the slogan "Refresh with Books," the festival will be held for three days until September 21 at Gimpo Hangang Central Park, Gimpo Hangang Park & Laveniche, and Janggi Library.
On Saturday, the festival will feature the "Biblio Battle," a book review contest open to everyone, on the main stage at Hangang Central Park. There will also be book talks by authors Kim Hoyoun and Nam Jeongmi, a lecture by author Kim Aeran, a book talk by author Jeong Yujeong and poet Oh Eun, the "Secret Library Performance," and celebratory performances by singer Lee Mujin, the group 21Hakbeon, and Jieun to wish for the success of the festival.
On Sunday, the "Reading Golden Bell," a nationwide reading quiz, will be held on the main stage at Hangang Central Park. There will also be a book talk with author Son Wonpyeong and MC Kwon Ingeol, lectures by authors Hong Minjeong and Hwang Jinhui, a youth music essay session at the library, and a performance by Exit Acappella.
Kim Youngsoo, the First Vice Minister of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, is awarding commendations to individuals and organizations that have contributed to the development of reading culture on the 19th. Provided by Gimpo City
Visitors can collect stamps to receive gifts and use book fair vouchers, which are valid only at the event, to exchange or purchase books. Additional features include a "Book Storage Area" where citizens can store purchased books, and opportunities to participate in a survey for a chance to take a four-cut photo, adding to the enjoyment of the festival.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
