On Tuesday, literature lovers will be saying ‘WoW’
The National Library of Korea will offer various engaging programs, where authors and poets read and discuss their work. Provided by National Library of Korea
The eighth annual WoW Book Festival will begin Tuesday in the parking lot in front of Hongik University, western Seoul, an artsy area that attracts a variety of cultural events small and big.
One of the main events is a special session where prominent figures in various fields share the books that influenced them when they were young.
In addition to calligraphy exhibitions, there will also be question-and-answer sessions with writers like So Kwang-sook, Kang Byung-in and Choi Min-seok, illustrator Kim Jae-hoon and photographer Im Jong-jin.
Kim will share his experiences as a book illustrator and tips on drawing, while Im will display his photographs alongside his writing.
One of the main events is a discussion on the late children’s book writer Lee O-deok, a beloved figure in children’s literature whose books remain popular.
The festival will invite aspiring young artists and author Lee Young-lee to read the works of Lee and draw pictures illustrating the stories.
In the bookshop, visitors can buy a wide range of items.
The Seoul WoWBook Festival is held at a parking lot in front of Hongik University, a location known as the “Street of Youth” because it is the site of many art-related events. Provided by the Seoul WoWBook Festival
Meanwhile, the National Library of Korea’s book festival continues through Sept. 28, featuring a rare collection of old magazines. But in order to keep pace with the age of technology, it will also hold the “Digital Book Festival.”
This year’s highlights include a question-and-answer session Thursday with Kim Nan-do, author of the best-selling book “It Hurts Because It’s the Youth” and a professor at Seoul National University.
The book, which is extremely popular among 20-somethings, was the most sought-after book in the library last year.
In addition to poetry readings, visitors can take a up-close look at how a digital book is published in the “Digital Self-Publishing” event.
Author Lee Cheol-hwan will be invited to a session with disabled people to discuss his book and foster a fair book culture that doesn’t discriminate against the physically challenged.
By Park Eun-jee [ejpark@joongang.co.kr]
The eighth WoW Book Festival runs Tuesday through Sept. 23. Admission is free. For more information, visit http://wowbookfest.com or call 02-336-1584.
The National Library of Korea book festival ends Sept. 28. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.nl.go.kr or call 02-336-1584.
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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