Arts Council Korea, the state-run agency dedicated to funding and promoting the nation’s cultural landscape, will host Literature Week 2026 throughout September. Under the theme “A Sidelong Glance,” the festival will anchor its main festivities at Marronnier Park and its own venues in Daehangno — Seoul’s vibrant, historic theater district — while simultaneously rolling out events at cultural sites nationwide. Literature Week is designed to bridge the gap between writers and readers, celebrating the written word’s power to foster empathy. By encouraging attendees to cast a "sidelong glance," organizers aim to inspire audiences to look beyond their immediate realities and understand overlooked narratives, quiet histories and perspectives distinctly different from their own. This year’s expansive footprint features a staggering 131 events. In Daehangno alone, attendees can explore 38 distinct stage programs alongside 10 interactive exhibitions and hands-on activities. Beyond the capital, the festival relies heavily on grassroots cultural networks, partnering with regional i