'Literature Week 2026' Opens in Remembrance of Heo Sugyeong... Five-Day Literature Festival in Daehangno

"Literature Week 2026 Side Glance" Opens on the 16th
Hosted by Actress Go Ahsung, Featuring Readings by Young Poets and Tribute Music
With Participation from Kim Hyesoon, Kim Aeran, Kim Choyeop, Hwang Inchan, and More
Closing Event on the 2

The largest literary festival in Korea, 'Literature Week 2026 Glanced Sideways,' opened with readings and music in remembrance of the late poet Heo Sugyeong.

At the opening ceremony of 'Literature Week 2026 glanced sideways,' held on the 16th at the Arko Arts Theater Small Theater in Daehangno, Seoul, the planning committee members are conducting an opening talk introducing the meaning of 'glanced sideways' and the festival planning intention. This year's Literature Week continues in the Daehangno area until the 20th. Korea Arts Council

The Korea Arts Council announced on September 17 that, with the support of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, it held the opening ceremony of 'Literature Week 2026 Glanced Sideways' on the 16th at the Arko Arts Theater Small Theater in Daehangno, Seoul. The festival will continue until the 20th.

The opening ceremony was themed "Isn't Heo Sugyeong a Beautiful Word," in tribute to the poet Heo Sugyeong. The event was hosted by actress Ko Ahsung, the official ambassador for Literature Week, and six planning committee members, including poet Kim Hyun, introduced this year's theme of 'Glanced Sideways,' the intention behind the festival's planning, and their recommended programs.

The event continued with poet Lee Minha reading a letter and poems addressed to Heo Sugyeong, followed by a duet poetry reading by poets Hong Jiho and Kim Jiseon. Singer-songwriter Kwak Joona performed a self-composed song dedicated to the memory of Heo Sugyeong.

During the festival, poetry readings, author talks, workshops, and exhibitions will take place at various locations in Marronnier Park and Arko venues in Daehangno. Highlights include 'Ventriloquism in the Air,' a stage interpretation of works by poet Kim Hyesoon—recipient of the National Book Critics Circle Award; 'Tribute Poetry Reading,' featuring younger poets reciting works from Choi Seungja's first poetry collection "And Then One Day, Love," and 'Gaze of Kim Aeran,' which explores the literary world of the author. Discussions will also cover diverse topics such as youth, queer issues, and Antarctica.

In the Arko Art Museum’s Space Open, there will be a picture book exhibition titled 'The Eyes of the World (L'œil du monde)' in collaboration with the Museum of Modern Children's Books. Marronnier Park will feature hands-on outdoor booths and a book lounge, and on the weekend of the 19th and 20th, programs for families, including educational activities for children and a musical gala show "Blue Lion Wanini," will also be available.

The festival will conclude with novelist Choi Jinyoung, celebrating her 20th anniversary since debut. At the closing ceremony "In the Case of the Novel," held on the 20th at the Arko Arts Theater Small Theater, Choi Jinyoung and the band "9 and the Numbers" will perform together. The performance was inspired by Choi’s fondness for the band’s music while writing her novel "Proof of the Provinces."

All major programs in Daehangno are free of charge, and on-site participation is possible if seats remain available.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.