# Reading culture festivals in South Korea

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/reading-culture-festivals-in-south-korea
> Updated: 2026-10-18T04:46:45.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 3.

South Korean cities are implementing various initiatives to promote reading culture. Namyangju has been designated as the host for the 2027 Korea Reading Festival, an event intended to establish the city as a “humanities city” by incorporating the philosophy of historical figure Jeong Yak-yong into its programming.

In October 2026, several municipalities held large-scale outdoor festivals. In Yangju, the ‘2026 Reading Theme Park’ at Hoecheon Neutinamu Park featured book picnic kits, mini book talks on topics such as writing and AI, and picture book therapy. Siheung hosted the ‘2026 Siheung Chaekmorak’ at Gaetgol Ecological Park, which included jazz performances, poet book talks, and vintage typewriter experiences.

In Daedeok-gu, the ‘2026 Daedeok-gu Reading Culture Festival’ utilized local parks to host a ‘Book Picnic’ and a book donation program involving 500 volumes. Meanwhile, Namyangju held its ‘2026 Book Festa’ at Dasan Cultural Park, featuring a book market with local and independent creators, outdoor movie screenings, and lectures. The city intends to expand these programs as part of its preparations for the 2027 Korea Reading Grand Festival.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-18: South Korean municipalities host regional reading culture festivals

Municipalities in South Korea, including Daedeok-gu and Namyangju, successfully hosted reading culture festivals featuring book picnics, author talks, and community markets to promote literacy.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-korean-municipalities-host-regional-reading-culture-festivals

### 2026-10-11: South Korean cities host outdoor reading festivals

Cities in South Korea, including Yangju and Siheung, are hosting outdoor reading festivals featuring book talks, music, and cultural activities in local parks.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-korean-cities-host-outdoor-reading-festivals

### 2026-09-14: Namyangju selected as host for 2027 Korea Reading Festival

Namyangju has been named the host of the 2027 Korea Reading Festival, featuring programs inspired by the philosophy of Jeong Yak-yong.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/namyangju-selected-as-host-for-2027-korea-reading-festival

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Cite as: Reading culture festivals in South Korea. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/reading-culture-festivals-in-south-korea