Yeongdeungpo-gu Launches Resident Writer Program at Public Libraries

Yeongdeungpo-gu (district mayor Choi Ho-kwon) will run a "resident writer literary program" at the district-run Singgil Library and Mullae Library from May through November.

The initiative was selected for Arts Council Korea's 2026 Literary Resident Writer Support Project, which is funding its implementation.

Under the program, established writers take up residence at public libraries, literary halls and other literature-based facilities to run literary programs for local residents, while receiving workspace and compensation to support their creative work.

The program is designed to create a mutually beneficial literary ecosystem: writers gain a stable income and creative space, libraries secure talented program leaders without straining their budgets, and residents enjoy cultural offerings such as writing classes and book clubs.

Singgil Library, selected for the program for the first time this year, has partnered with novelist Jeong Yeong-su. Jeong won the 2024 Hyundai Literary Award and is the author of "Tomorrow's Lovers" and "Enthusiasts."

Key programs at Singgil Library include "The Writer's Room," an exhibition introducing the resident writer; "Singgil Reading Circle," a group read-along of short stories selected by the writer; and "Tomorrow's Writers," which offers short-story critique sessions and writing instruction. The library will also offer elementary school students a themed diary-writing workshop and an "Author's Chair" talk series to give children a vivid literary experience.

Mullae Library is running the program for the fourth consecutive year. This year's resident writer is Yang Da-sol, whose works — including "A Heart That Does Not Grow Poor" and "A Reasonable Intrusion" — have resonated widely with readers. Mullae Library opened its session in June and aims to wrap up in November, offering a literary introduction course called "Piece by Piece Literary Workshop," a reading event series called "Piece by Piece Reading Night" that invites writers from various genres to broaden literary perspectives, and a writing education course titled "How to Put Myself Into Words."

"I hope the library will grow into a space where residents and writers connect and communicate, and into a creative hub for the community," Yeongdeungpo-gu District Mayor Choi Ho-kwon said.