Seoul’s Urban Parks Blossom with Books

The Seoul Metropolitan Government recently concluded its Reading in Seoul Garden event, a free initiative held every Friday and Saturday from September to October in two popular parks—Namsan Park and Dream Forest. Designed to encourage reading and relaxation, the event transformed park areas into inviting spaces filled with books, camping chairs, and bean bags, creating a peaceful atmosphere where visitors of all ages could immerse themselves in literature. By combining nature with literary activities, the program provided Seoul residents a unique way to appreciate the city’s autumnal beauty while enjoying a good read.

To enhance accessibility and broaden the reading experience, the event collaborated with Welaaa, a digital platform for audiobooks and e-books. Through a designated Welaaa Zone, visitors could access digital books on their devices, expanding the traditional reading experience to include more tech-savvy options. Special activities enriched the event, such as a book talk show in Namsan Park featuring Kim Shin-ji, author of Seasonal Happiness, who discussed Korea’s seasonal divisions, followed by a Q&A session with the audience and a musical performance by singer Yangpa, known for her love of literature.

Dream Forest, a favorite spot for families, offered a lineup of puppet shows based on classic fairy tales, held across four Saturdays. These engaging performances captivated young audiences, blending education with entertainment, making the park visit a memorable experience for families with children. Highlighting Seoul’s Garden-City Bureau’s commitment to fostering community, Lee Su-yeon, head of the bureau, expressed hope that the event allowed families and friends to bond over books, making the most of the fall season’s serene, scenic charm in Seoul’s urban parks.