Gwangju Dong-gu Hosts 'Korean Poetry Collection Exhibition' to Communicate with Residents

Exterior view of Gwangju Dong-gu Office.

Gwangju Dong-gu announced on the 19th that it will present a special exhibition titled "Our Poetry Here and Now: A Collection of Korean Poetry Books" at the Dong-gu Humanities School until June 1.

The "Korean Poetry Book Collection," which began on the 14th, was organized to commemorate "World Poetry Day" (March 21 every year), designated by the UNESCO General Conference in 1999. The exhibition aims to provide the public with an opportunity to experience and communicate the power of language that poetry offers.

This exhibition features over 3,000 poetry books published from the 1970s to the present. The books are displayed by publisher and author. Notably, visitors can find rare out-of-print editions and republished versions of poetry books that had ceased publication, all in one place.

The republished poetry book "Azaleas" was published by the one-person publisher "Sowa Dari" in 2006 and became a bestseller within a month, drawing attention. Following this, republished editions of Yun Dongju's "Sky, Wind, Star, and Poem," Baek Seok's "Deer," and Jeong Jiyong's "Jeong Jiyong Poetry Collection" also gained popularity and are included in the exhibition. Additionally, visitors can enjoy poetry books published by "Munhakgwa Jiseong," "Munhakdongne," "Minumsa," and poetry magazines such as "Today's Poetry," organized by theme.

On the 21st, a special lecture titled "My Favorite Poems Recitation" will also be held in conjunction with the exhibition. Poet Kim Yeondeok will lead the lecture, sharing stories about favorite poems with citizens and hosting a group poetry reading. Kim Yeondeok, a graduate of the Korea National University of Arts, has published poetry collections such as "The Future of Ashes and Love" and "Waterfall Heat." Citizens wishing to participate can register through the Dong-gu Office online archive or by phone.

Lim Taek, head of Dong-gu Office, said, "Poetry is a powerful tool that enhances humanistic sensitivity and can transcend the times," adding, "I hope this exhibition and lecture will help restore our hearts and foster a community that shares warm emotions."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.