September Is Reading Month: Book Events to Enjoy With Children

September’s reading month will bring books out of libraries and into plazas, parks and activity rooms across South Korea. More than 10,000 events will take place nationwide with 1,572 bookstores, libraries, publishers and other institutions, organizations and companies taking part.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has chosen the slogan “Just Because I Like It,” a play on the Korean word for books. The message is that people do not need an elaborate reason to read or share a good sentence. This year’s program goes beyond author talks and lectures, offering outdoor reading, performances, picture-book exhibitions and digital experiences.

In Seoul, outdoor libraries that closed during the hottest months will reopen through Nov. 1. The Seoul Plaza, Gwanghwamun Plaza and Cheonggyecheon locations will operate from Friday through Sunday, with evening hours from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. in September. Visitors can read on the grass at Seoul Plaza or stop at a reading area beside Cheonggyecheon, although schedules may change depending on plaza events and weather.

Families looking for more active programs can attend the Dongdaemun-gu Book Festival on Sept. 12, whose theme is “Open the Book, Move the Body!” Activities include reading fitness, a performance encouraging children to read, experience booths and library missions. Literature Week 2026 in Daehangno will feature children’s books from several countries, a talk and musical gala celebrating the completion of the Blue Lion Wanini series, and discussions with young-adult authors.

Libraries and lifelong learning centers will also host local programs. Families can cook traditional food from Japan and Equatorial Guinea, receive reading-discussion coaching, meet children’s author Ryu Mi-jeong and create their own good-luck cards. Other sessions cover Homer’s Odyssey, education in the age of artificial intelligence and stress relief by MBTI type. Programs are available through the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education’s Ever Learning portal, while regional events include a library book festival in Gongju. Popular sessions may fill early.