Residents take part in the Starlight Moonlight Reading Camp at the Bonghwa Eoulim Center in North Gyeongsang Province. [Bonghwa-gun]
Residents take part in the Starlight Moonlight Reading Camp at the Bonghwa Eoulim Center in North Gyeongsang Province. [Bonghwa-gun]

The Bonghwa Eoulim Center, a community lifestyle and culture facility opened by Bonghwa-gun in North Gyeongsang Province last July, is establishing itself as a gathering place for reading, music and arts experiences.

According to Bonghwa-gun, the center operates under the guiding principles of "slowness, recovery and connection," offering programs that include reading camps, aromatherapy, theater workshops and student art exhibitions to give residents everyday access to culture.

One standout program, "A Book Read Aloud, Hearts Connected," was designed for people with visual impairments and used picture-book readings and music listening sessions to lower barriers to cultural participation and deepen a sense of community.

The Starlight Moonlight Reading Camp, held Oct. 11, also drew an enthusiastic response. The evening event featured an open-air bookshop, starlight keyring crafting, a book-scent experience, handwriting exercises, a small concert and a book talk — weaving together books, music and relaxation well into the night.

An ongoing exhibition is showcasing the artistic sensibilities of local students. The joint show "Niche Gallery Shining with the Region," featuring work by students from Socheon Middle School, Chunyang Middle School and Cheongnyangjeong Middle School, presents pieces inspired by Bonghwa's natural scenery, landmarks and local brands.

Also running this month is "My Story: From Poem to Stage," a program in which senior residents express their life stories through poetry and theater. The participatory program invites attendees to channel personal memories and emotions into poems, drawings and performances, and is currently accepting enrollments.

Bonghwa-gun plans to develop the Eoulim Center beyond a simple class venue into a lifestyle and culture platform where residents can relax, linger and connect with their neighbors.

To encourage participation, the county is promoting its programs and recruiting participants through the county government website, social media, banners and text messages.

"We hope the Eoulim Center becomes a comfortable space where residents can step away from their busy daily lives, encounter books and music, and connect with their neighbors," Bonghwa-gun County Chief Choi Ki-young said. "We will expand our lifestyle and culture programs so that residents can enjoy culture close to where they live."


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