Jangheung County in South Jeolla Province is hosting a comprehensive series of literary events through the end of this year to commemorate the first anniversary of novelist Han Kang's Nobel Prize in Literature. The celebrations are designed to honor the Korean author's historic achievement while strengthening Jangheung's reputation as a region with deep literary roots.
The Swedish Academy awarded Han Kang the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature on October 10 last year, praising her "lyrical prose that intertwines fragility and human endurance." According to county officials, the anniversary events aim to reflect on the significance of this groundbreaking recognition for Korean literature and reinforce Jangheung's identity as a literary destination.
The festivities kicked off on October 18 with the Nobel Literature City Borimsa Bijarim Music Festival, held at the historic Borim Temple. From October 24 to 25, approximately 60 middle school students and writers will participate in a Book Camp at Papillon Zip, a unique cultural complex created from a renovated former prison. The camp will feature literary workshops and creative writing sessions designed to inspire young writers.
The celebration will continue with additional events scheduled from October 31 to November 2 along the scenic Tamjin River. These activities include the Literature Forest program and the South Jeolla Content Fair, which will combine literature, tourism, and local cultural experiences for both residents and visitors. The programming is specifically designed to showcase the region's literary heritage while promoting cultural tourism.
One of the highlights will be the prestigious Jangheung Literature Award ceremony on November 12, followed by a two-month "Read Han Kang" campaign hosted by Jeongnamjin Library. This initiative encourages community-wide reading and discussion of Han Kang's works, fostering greater appreciation for her literary contributions. The entire celebration will conclude on December 10 with a formal ceremony marking the exact anniversary of Han's Nobel recognition.
"It was prepared as a meaningful event to reaffirm Jangheung County's vision of becoming a Nobel literature city," said Kim Seong, the county governor. The region has a long-standing tradition of nurturing literary talent, most notably Han Seung-won, Han Kang's father, who grew up in the area. This literary heritage led to Jangheung being designated by the South Korean government as a Literary Tourism Special Zone in 2008.
The impact of Han Kang's Nobel Prize on the region has been substantial and immediate. Following news of her victory last year, county officials report that the number of literature-focused tourists visiting the area increased nearly four times compared to the previous year, demonstrating the significant cultural and economic impact of her achievement on the local community.
