Arko Literature Week 2026 'Glancing Sideways' to Open September 19

The Korean Culture and Arts Committee (Arko) is set to host Literature Week 2026, under the theme 'Gyeotnuljil' (Glancing Sideways). The event is scheduled to commence on September 19, with activities unfolding in Seoul's Daehangno area, particularly Marronnier Park, and extending to various locations nationwide.

This year's festival boasts the participation of around 270 literary figures, who will engage in more than 50 diverse programs. The opening ceremony on the evening of September 16 will feature actor Ko A-sung and poets Lee Min-ha, Kim Jin-seon, and Hong Ji-ho, alongside singer-songwriter Kwak Ju-na. Throughout the week, attendees can look forward to a rich tapestry of events, including readings, performances, and dialogues.

Notable programs include 'Kim Ae-ran's Gaze' on September 17, featuring novelist Kim Ae-ran, poet Oh Eun, and musician Kwon Namu. The same day will see 'The Ventriloquism of the Air,' presenting the poetics of Kim Hye-soon through readings by actors Hong Yun-hee and Kim Se-young. Poetry enthusiasts can also attend 'Choi Seung-ja: And So One Day, Love,' on September 19, with poets Kim Hyun-woo, Lee Won, Kim Haeng-sook, and others. The festival will conclude on September 20 with 'In the Case of Novels,' a performance involving novelist Choi Jin-young, poet Kim Hyun, and musician 9 and Numbers.

For fans of science fiction, 'Wherever We Go with SF' on September 17 offers a chance to meet writers Kim Cho-yeop, Yeon Yeo-reum, Gong Hee-kyung, and critic Shim Wan-seon. Young readers and aspiring writers can explore the world of children's and young adult literature at 'Next Page' on September 18, a dialogue session with authors Kim Da-no, Kang In-song, Kim Ji-wan, and Yoon Seul-bit. Those interested in literary criticism can attend 'Literature and Criticism in the Hyper-connected Era' on September 16, featuring critics Kim Bo-kyung, Lee So, Oh Eun-gyo, Jeon Ki-hwa, Song Hyun-ji, and Jeon Seung-min.

Further enriching the program are events like the 'Author Book Talk x Musical Gala Show' celebrating the completion of the 'Blue Lion Wani' series, a discussion titled 'Queer Next Door' featuring poets Kim Hyun, Kwon Nuri, Song Hee-ji, and writers Oh Jong-gil and Lee A-ro. A tribute to author Park Ji-ri on her 10th anniversary, 'Park Ji-ri, A Name Remembered,' will be presented by authors Kim Jung-mi and Baek On-yu, critic Oh Se-ran, and editor Kim Tae-hee. Additionally, the live editorial meeting of the quarterly magazine 'Jaum and Moam,' which has published 62 issues since its inception in 2008, promises a unique glimpse into the publishing process.

Nationwide programs will offer opportunities to meet poets Jeong Ho-seung and Jang Seok-ju, and novelists Eun Hee-kyung, Seong Hae-na, Cheon Myeong-kwan, Jeong Bo-ra, and Gu Byeong-mo. While most stage programs require advance application via Eventus (event-us.kr), some slots will be available on-site. All events are free of charge. More details can be found at munhakweek.or.kr or on Instagram @munhak_week.