Gangnam-gu to host 2nd World Youth Literature Contest for local and international teens

Gangnam-gu will host the 2nd Gangnam-gu World Youth Literature Contest on Nov. 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Maru Park in Irwon-dong.

Organized by Gangnam-gu and run by Gangnam Irwon Reading Room, the event is a literary festival where Korean and international youth write in the Korean language, showcase their literary talents and share their cultures with one another. The inaugural contest last year produced 64 prize winners, and this year's edition adds a range of hands-on activities and performances to further establish the event as a youth cultural festival.

Up to 300 participants born between 2008 and 2017 are eligible to enter, with competition divided into domestic and international categories as well as elementary and middle-and-high-school divisions. Contestants may submit poetry or essays, and the writing prompts will be announced at the opening ceremony on the day of the event. The Gangnam Writers' Association will serve as judges and select a total of 64 winners; a separate award quota is reserved for international youth, including students enrolled in foreign and international schools.

Alongside the contest, the venue will feature more than 30 activity booths covering world cultural experiences, youth recreational activities and environmental experiences, as well as a food truck zone sponsored by the T&C Foundation. The main stage will host performances by youth teams, a busking band, a celebratory performance and a calligraphy performance.

Registration is open online through the Gangnam Irwon Reading Room website until Friday. Walk-in registration will also be available on the day of the event. For more information, contact Gangnam Irwon Reading Room directly.

Gangnam-gu District Mayor Kim Hyun-ki said he hopes the contest will serve as "a meaningful platform for Korean and international youth to exchange ideas and cultures through the Korean language," adding that the district will "continue to actively support diverse cultural and artistic activities so that young people — the protagonists of our future — can freely pursue their dreams and talents."