The Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles recently organized a special Korean Picture Book Storytime event as part of the Los Angeles Kids Book Festival, showcasing the rich tradition of Korean children's literature to American audiences. Under the direction of Haedon Lee, the center presented "Exhibition of Korean Picture Books & Author Talk with Jung-soon Go" on September 6 at KCCLA's Ari Hall and September 7 at West Hollywood Park.
The centerpiece of the program was the award-winning picture book "Okchundang Candy," written and illustrated by Jung-soon Go. This remarkable work received the Special Award at the 2023 Korea Picture Book Awards and garnered international recognition, including The White Ravens 2023 honor and the Charlotte Publishing Culture Award. The book beautifully captures Korean tradition and sentiment through the motif of okchundang, a beloved traditional Korean candy that has been cherished for generations.
The event provided a comprehensive cultural experience for attendees, featuring an exhibition of the book's original illustrations alongside a special book talk and tea time with the author. Visitors had the unique opportunity to engage directly with Jung-soon Go, learning about her creative process and the cultural significance embedded in her work. The program also included authentic cultural experiences, allowing participants to taste traditional Korean tea and sweets that are featured prominently in the picture book.
Jung-soon Go has established herself as a prominent figure in Korean children's literature, widely beloved for her warm storytelling that draws deeply from Korean tradition and sensibility. Her creative talents extend beyond picture books, as she actively writes essays, novels, and comics, continuously expanding her artistic range and reaching diverse audiences across different literary genres.
The exhibition extended beyond "Okchundang Candy" to showcase a carefully curated selection of internationally acclaimed Korean picture books. The display included works by renowned authors such as Heena Baek's "Cloud Bread" and "Moon Pops," as well as Suzy Lee's "Wave" and "Shadow." This comprehensive collection provided audiences with an exceptional opportunity to experience some of Korea's most celebrated picture books in a single venue.
The Korean Picture Book Storytime served multiple cultural and educational purposes, introducing outstanding Korean picture books known for their universal appeal across different languages and cultures to children and families from diverse backgrounds throughout the United States. The Los Angeles Kids Book Festival, which annually attracts over 3,000 visitors, provided an ideal platform for promoting meaningful cultural exchange in children's literature between Korea and the United States, fostering greater understanding and appreciation of Korean artistic traditions among American families.
