'Autumn becomes poetry in every alley': Seoul library billboard gets seasonal makeover

The Seoul Metropolitan Government on Monday unveiled the autumn edition of the Seoul Dream Inscription Board — a large outdoor display on the exterior wall of Seoul Library — refreshing it with a seasonal design for residents to enjoy.

The updated board features the phrase "A line of wind, a leaf of autumn — in every alley, autumn becomes poetry," alongside a watercolor-style illustration of autumn foliage and hanok alleyways, according to the city government.

The design blends maple leaves caught in the breeze with the scenery of hanok-lined lanes, evoking the beauty of autumn that Seoulites encounter throughout the city, officials said.

The inscription was chosen through a public contest the city held from Aug. 28 to Sept. 6, inviting submissions of "clear and romantic phrases that capture the mood of autumn." A total of 1,624 entries were received. After removing duplicates, the city reviewed 1,602 submissions through written screening and a selection committee, ultimately choosing five winning works — including the piece by Sa Gong-gyeong, whose entry was selected for the board.

Sa said her phrase carried deliberate meaning. "'A line of wind' symbolizes a sentence that the autumn breeze writes across Seoul, while 'a leaf of autumn' represents a single beautiful scene that the season unfolds before us," she said. "I wanted to convey that even familiar alleyways and everyday scenery take on a special feeling and story when autumn arrives."

Kim Hyeong-rae, Seoul Metropolitan Government Public Relations Planning Officer, said autumn is "a season that lets us discover new beauty even in the familiar rhythms of daily life." He added: "I hope people will slow their steps as they feel the mood of autumn throughout Seoul, and take in the beautiful moments the season has to offer."