Fun and games for Children’s Day: For an educational experience
Published: 04 May. 2012, 19:59
For avid readers and their parents, two large children’s book festivals are scheduled for Children’s Day weekend. [JoongAng Ilbo]
For parents hoping to turn Children’s Day weekend into a true learning experience for the kids, there is certainly no shortage of options.
Paju Book City
Book lovers should be sure to check out Paju Book City, a complex located 30 kilometers (18 miles) from Seoul that houses roughly 250 publishing companies near the Jayu Highway.
The Children’s Book Festival in this community is the largest event of its kind in Korea, drawing an average of 120,000 fans of children’s literature each year for the last nine years.
As it is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the event is sure to be bigger and more interesting than ever, with some 200 publishers and related organizations participating. It will run until tomorrow. At the event, about 50 publishers will introduce new books that will be available at discounted prices, while programs like the Tent Film Festival will show child-friendly movies in a tent.
Children can also make their own books, participate in an on-site writing competition or partake in tours of buildings belonging to the resident publishing companies.
Each program has different admission fees and operating schedules. For more information, visit http://www.pajubfc.org or call (031) 955-0055.
WOW Children’s Book Festival
This year, there will also be a new event called WOW Children’s Book Festival along the artsy streets near Hongik University in Mapo District, western Seoul. It is hosted by the WOW Book Culture and Art Center that previously ran the “WOW Book Festival.”
It’s not quite as big as Paju Book City, but some 40 publishing companies will join 20 artists and writers to present more than 50 programs during the festival. There are exhibitions, mimes and other performances on the schedule.
Visitors can also turn into book sellers themselves by bringing used books and mat to set up shop. Each participant must donate at least two books, which will be used to set up study rooms or donated to the disadvantaged. For more information, call (02) 336-1584.
Seoul Friendship Fair 2012
Seoul Friendship Fair 2012 is worth a visit for those hoping to add some international flair to their Children’s Day activities. The festival started in 1996, and this year’s edition will be held at Seoul Square and in Mugyo-dong, central Seoul, from 12 p.m. today to 6 p.m. tomorrow. A total of 59 countries will be represented in various events. Some offer traditional costumes to try on or displays of historical artifacts, while others offer entertainment like dance performances. An outdoor parade will begin today at 4 p.m. and will move from Gwanghwamun to Seoul Square. For more information, visit www.seoulfriendshipfair.org or call (02) 3707-9378.
Yeoncheon Jeongok-ri Site Paleolith Festival
The Yeoncheon Jeongok-ri Site Paleolith Festival in Gyeonggi is the place to go to learn about ancient history. Programs will demonstrate the making of paleolithic tools and ancient barbecuing techniques.
The festival runs until next Wednesday. For more information, visit http://www.goosukgi.org or call (031) 839-2561.
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
To write comments, please log in to one of the accounts.
Standards Board Policy (0/250자)