Nowon-gu District Mayor Seo Jun-o attended the opening ceremony of the 2026 Nowon Outdoor Library festival, dubbed "Nangman Bojiang" (Romance Guaranteed), on Saturday afternoon along the Gyeongchun Line Forest Trail in Hagye-dong, marking the start of the event and honoring contributors to local reading culture.
This year's outdoor library is organized around the theme "Ultimately, people in the age of AI," inviting residents to reflect on humanistic values amid a rapidly changing technological environment and to enjoy books, culture and the arts close to their everyday lives.
The opening ceremony began with a fusion traditional music performance, followed by guest introductions, the presentation of appreciation plaques and commendations to meritorious contributors, congratulatory remarks, an opening declaration and a lighting ceremony. Seo presented plaques and commendations to organizations and library workers who have helped promote local reading culture, and joined guests in an opening performance.
The festival runs through Sunday. Saturday's highlights include a book concert on "The Odyssey" by Professor Kim Sang-geun, an opera gala show and an outdoor film screening. Sunday's program features a humanities concert by docent Lee Ji-an, a magic show and a "book-gazing" session, among other events.
"I hope residents find comfort and a sense of ease through books, culture and the arts along the Gyeongchun Line Forest Trail, filled with the atmosphere of autumn," Seo said. "We will continue to support efforts so that everyone can enjoy a variety of cultural experiences close to their daily lives."
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