The literary festival commemorating the 100th anniversary of modern Korean poet Park In-hwan (1926–1956) will take place in his hometown of Inje, Gangwon Province.
According to Inje County, the Inje Cultural Foundation will host the '2026 Park In-hwan Literary Festival' from September 11 to 13 at the Park In-hwan Literary Museum.
This year's festival is themed 'The Code of Romance: 1926 Park In-hwan,' interpreting the year of the poet's birth as a symbolic key to his literary and romantic world.
With the slogan 'Where a Poem Becomes a Festival,' the event will combine poetry, books, music, art, performances, and interactive experiences. Notably, there will be an increase in audience participation content and evening programs, along with enhanced grassy reading areas and relaxation spaces to create a festival that encourages attendees to immerse themselves in literature.
This year's festival holds special significance as it marks the centenary of Park In-hwan's birth.
Born in 1926 in Inje, Park In-hwan was a leading modernist poet who shaped a new wave in Korean modern poetry after the liberation of Korea. He began his literary career in 1946 and published the literary magazine 'New Poetry Theory' with Kim Kyung-rin in 1948.
In 1949, he co-authored the poetry collection 'Chorus of the New City and Citizens' with Kim Soo-young and Kim Kyung-rin. During the Korean War, he was active in the modernist literary group 'Later Period' in Busan, capturing the anxieties, loneliness, and existential struggles brought on by war and urban civilization in his poetry.
His notable works include 'The Carousel and the Lady,' 'As Time Goes By,' and 'If There Is Life.' He published his first poetry collection, 'Selected Poems of Park In-hwan,' in 1955, but passed away at the young age of 30 in 1956. Despite his brief life, he left a significant mark on Korean modern poetry, reflecting the anxieties and urban sensibilities of the post-war era.
The festival will feature programs that explore his life and literature from contemporary perspectives.
Park In-hwan's eldest son, poet Park Se-hyung, and poet Na Hee-duk will hold a special discussion titled 'Beside the Poet, Behind the Poet,' where they will share memories and insights about Park In-hwan's life and literary legacy.
Additionally, poet Jeong Ho-seung will give a special lecture, and author Lee Soo-yeon will also speak. Various 'Meet the Author' sessions will be available for participants of all ages.
Evening performances will take place during the festival. On September 12, an outdoor stage will host the 'Eum Concert,' featuring a blend of fusion traditional music, a cappella, fire shows, and laser displays. Before the Park In-hwan Award ceremony, sand artist Ryu Hee will depict the story of Park In-hwan's 100th birthday using sand and light.
The Sancheong Folk Museum will host the '2026 Seoul Proper Book Fair,' featuring 15 publishers and independent bookstores from across the country. The event will include book exhibitions, sales, author meet-and-greets, signings, readings, and book curation.
There will also be audience participation programs. Participants can create and recite impromptu poems within five minutes in the 'Impromptu Poetry Contest,' with a total prize of 2 million won. The 'Inje Adventure' will allow participants to walk the night paths of Inje, completing missions inspired by Park In-hwan's sensibilities, along with a national poetry contest.
Throughout September, the Park In-hwan Literary Museum will host a caricature exhibition titled 'A Bowl of Stories.' The Miracle Library will showcase an intermedia art piece combining poetry, painting, AI, music, and projection titled 'Park In-hwan: A Time When Poetry Shines.'
Various experiential programs will be available throughout the festival, including an event to collect seven code cards spelling '1926 Park In-hwan,' book stamping, caricature drawing, and a slow mail service for participants of all ages.
Kim O-jung, head of the cultural policy team at the Inje Cultural Foundation, stated, 'In celebrating the 100th anniversary of Park In-hwan's birth, we have prepared a festival that goes beyond merely commemorating his literature, allowing today's generation to see, hear, create, and enjoy. We hope attendees will discover their own romance in Inje by following the '1926' code throughout the festival.'
* This article has been translated by AI.
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