A poster for "Jakga Hip Talk” program / Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government
Seoul is betting that quiet libraries can transform into lively cultural spots, launching weekly Friday night events where readers meet writers face to face.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government said it will expand its “Author Hip Talk” program across public libraries citywide, including the Seoul Metropolitan Library, from May through December. The initiative is designed to turn libraries into cultural hubs to attract office workers and young adults seeking evening events.
Held every Friday, the program brings together authors from across literature, the humanities and the arts for lectures, conversations and question-and-answer sessions. The city said the format emphasizes direct interaction, allowing participants to engage beyond traditional readings.
In May, events will take place at Seoul Library, Mapo Central Library, Gwangjin Information Library and Seonyudo Library, with each hosting programs tailored to local tastes.
At the Seoul Metropolitan Library, a May 8 session will center on the theme of nature and feature Lee Won-young, a senior researcher at the Korea Polar Research Institute of Marine Research Placement, who will discuss life in extreme environments. On May 15, Ida, who wrote "Ida's Urban Observation Diary," will lead a two-part workshop on observing and documenting nature through writing and illustration.
The city said the program unifies previously separate author events under a single brand, strengthening promotion and coordination while supporting local libraries in recruiting writers.
Oh Ji-eun, director of the Seoul Metropolitan Library, said the program aims to create a space where citizens and authors connect and share inspiration at the end of the week. Oh said the city will continue to support writers and foster a sustainable reading culture.
This article was published with the assistance of generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.
Source: Korea Times News
