‘The Code of 1926 Opens a World of Romance’: Park In-hwan Festival Begins on the 11th

A three-day festival in Park In-hwan’s hometown will use “1926,” the year of his birth, as a symbolic code for entering the poet’s literary and romantic world.

The 2026 Park In-hwan Literary Festival will take place from the 11th to the 13th at the Park In-hwan Literature Museum in Inje, Gangwon Province. The event marks both the 100th anniversary of Park’s birth and the 70th anniversary of his death. Its theme is “The Code That Opens Romance, 1926 Park In-hwan,” with the slogan “Where a Poem Becomes a Festival.”

Organizers plan a broad program of poetry, books, music, art, performances and activities. This year’s festival will offer more opportunities for visitors to participate directly, along with expanded nighttime programming. It will also add spaces such as a grassland bookshelf and rest areas, aiming to become a festival where visitors stay and experience literature rather than simply look around and leave.

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We prepared a festival where today’s generations can see, hear, create and enjoy for themselves, rather than simply commemorating Park In-hwan’s literature.

The academic and lecture program includes “Beside the Poet, Behind the Poet,” a special conversation between Park’s eldest son, poet Park Se-hyung, and poet Na Hee-duk. They will discuss memories surrounding Park, his life and his literary legacy. Special lectures by poet Jeong Ho-seung and writer Lee Soo-yeon are also scheduled, as are meetings with authors for participants ranging from young children to adults.

On the evening of the 12th, the outdoor stage will host the “Ieum Concert,” combining fusion Korean traditional music, a cappella, fire performances and a laser show. Magic and balloon performances for children and families will run throughout the festival. At the Park In-hwan Prize ceremony, sand artist Ryu Hee will present the poet’s centenary story through sand and light. A book fair featuring 15 publishers and independent bookstores will also offer talks, signings, readings, curation and children’s activities. Visitors can write and recite an impromptu poem in five minutes, take part in a nighttime mission walk through Inje and enter a national poetry contest.

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I hope visitors follow the ‘1926’ code throughout the festival grounds and discover their own romance in Inje.