Gyeonggi Province is actively promoting reading culture among its residents by launching an innovative mobile reading program called "Book Busking on the Go" in partnership with the Morning Letter Cultural Foundation. Announced on May 9th as part of the 2025 Gyeonggi Reading Culture Promotion Project, this unique initiative will bring literary experiences directly to the daily lives of citizens across the province from May to October.
"Book Busking on the Go" breaks away from traditional, static reading events by taking to the streets – visiting markets, parks, and other community spaces to offer live book readings and interactive engagement. The program aims to naturally integrate reading into the lives of Gyeonggi residents, foster a sense of community, and strengthen connections among local members through the power of books.
The grand launch of "Book Busking on the Go" took place on May 9th at 2 PM in the vibrant Yeoju Hangeul Market. The inaugural event centered around the book Body Sound, which gained significant attention after being recommended by popular singer Lim Young-woong. Focusing on the intriguing theme of "sensory recovery," the event featured captivating readings by professional narrators and various interactive programs that drew enthusiastic participation from market visitors.
Following this successful start, the program continued on May 10th at the scenic Sampae Park in Namyangju, offering a relaxing literary experience amidst nature. On May 11th, Dongtan Lake Park in Hwaseong hosted a heartwarming picture book reading busking event for families. The featured book was the beloved children's classic Candy, providing parents and children with a precious opportunity to read together and share their emotions, fostering intergenerational understanding.
"Book Busking on the Go" offers more than just reading aloud. Participants can enjoy a rich array of activities designed to make reading enjoyable in diverse ways. These include high-quality narration by professional announcers, coaching to improve pronunciation and expression, engaging participatory programs incorporating play, "post-it" interviews for sharing thoughts and feelings, and brief meditation sessions for moments of tranquility. Notably, the program's mobile approach directly targets and encourages participation from individuals who may typically find reading difficult or have limited access to literary events.
To commemorate the successful first event, Yeoju University generously donated 100 books to support local reading culture. These valuable books will be housed in the "Thousand Books" book truck, the mobile library of "Book Busking on the Go," making them freely accessible to residents visiting the event locations, allowing them to read, learn, and enjoy cultural experiences.
Throughout the program's run until October, "Book Busking on the Go" will visit various locations across Gyeonggi Province with engaging themes tailored to different seasons, regions, and age groups. In June, to commemorate the Month of Patriots and Veterans, special book talks will be held near military bases and U.S. military facilities to offer gratitude, solace, and healing. July will see a "Book Picnic" event in cool Gimpo for families on summer vacation, promising enjoyable memories with books. In August, a career exploration book busking event will be held at Anyang Jeongshim Girls' Middle and High School to provide valuable guidance to teenagers. September will feature meetings with renowned authors in Paju Book City, the center of Korean publishing culture, and at the Dongducheon Citizen Peace Park, focusing on the theme of "peace" to promote meaningful dialogue and shared understanding. Finally, in October, coinciding with Hangeul Day, heartwarming reading programs on the theme of "healing and empathy" will be held at the Yeoju Sejong the Great Historic Cultural Center and hospitals, offering comfort and connection through literature.
All "Book Busking on the Go" programs are free to attend, with some programs requiring prior registration. To ensure wider reach and engagement, event highlights will be progressively released on Gyeonggi Province's official YouTube channel, Godowon TV, and various social media platforms. Additionally, the local news program Local Era on Yonhap News TV will feature on-site coverage of the "Book Busking on the Go" events.
The "Book Busking on the Go" initiative, a collaborative effort between Gyeonggi Province and the Morning Letter Cultural Foundation, is expected to be more than just a series of reading events. It aims to inject vitality into the daily lives of residents and strengthen the cultural fabric of local communities through the power of books. This innovative approach of bringing literature directly to the people's doorsteps is anticipated to significantly advance the reading culture within Gyeonggi Province.
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