Namyangju, City of Jeong Yak-yong, Successfully Holds Its First Book Fair with Citizens

Namyangju City, Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Joo Gwangdeok), successfully concluded the reading culture festival "2025 Namyangju Yeoyudang Book Fair" with citizens at Dasan Station Square on September 20.

Joo Gwangdeok, mayor of Namyangju City, is giving a greeting at the reading culture festival "2025 Namyangju Yeoyudang Book Fair" held with citizens at Dasan Station Square on the 20th. Provided by Namyangju City

This event, held as part of the Dasan Jeong Yak-yong Brand Project under the slogan "Joseon Text Hip, Jeong Yak-yong," was the city's first-ever book fair. It was designed to modernize and carry forward the spirit and reading culture of Dasan Jeong Yak-yong, who authored over 500 works.

The event featured participation from seven local bookstores in Namyangju, publishers from across the country, independent publishing creators and writers, and 70 teams including the Namyangju independent publishing class "My Book Story." They offered books in various genres such as essays and novels for sale, along with a variety of hands-on programs.

Citizens who visited Dasan Station Square purchased a wide range of books displayed at the booths, enjoyed leisurely reading time in the parasol reading area, and participated in quizzes and photo zones themed around Jeong Yak-yong, making meaningful memories. Many citizens also attended the book talk events hosted by authors Yoo Eun-sil and Lee Mikyung, directly communicating with the writers and sharing their interest and empathy for books.

On the day of the event, Mayor Joo Gwangdeok toured the Dasan Station themed historical space and visited the book fair site to offer encouragement.

While visiting the local bookstore booths, Mayor Joo stated, "I deeply resonate with the fact that local bookstores are evolving beyond book distribution to become community spaces for the region," adding, "We will seek ways to cooperate so that local bookstores can continue to grow in the future."

Joo Kwangdeok, mayor of Namyangju City, is having a conversation with citizens at the '2025 Namyangju Yeoyudang Book Fair,' a reading culture festival with citizens held at Dasan Station Plaza on the 20th. Provided by Namyangju City

He further remarked, "This book fair is even more meaningful as it continues the legacy of Jeong Yak-yong, who valued the importance of records."

The city evaluated that, in celebration of Reading Month, the first-ever book fair not only introduced citizens to Dasan Jeong Yak-yong and provided enjoyable experiences with books, but also served as a platform to widely promote the Dasan Jeong Yak-yong Brand Project nationwide.