It is my great pleasure to extend warm greetings to everyone across British Columbia.

In Korea, autumn has long been associated with cheongomabi, a traditional expression evoking clear skies, crisp air, and a sense of abundance. It is also a season for reading and reflection, a time to turn to books, new ideas, and new perspectives. Through books, we travel across time and place and discover worlds beyond our own.

As digital technology continues to reshape how we read and experience stories, e-books and new forms of digital storytelling have become part of everyday life. Yet even in an age of rapidly changing media, there remains something enduring about the experience of a printed book: the pleasure of turning its pages, the way it invites us to slow down, and the lasting connection it creates with a story.

In October 2025, the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia officially designated October as Korean Heritage Month. This milestone honours the enduring contributions of the local Korean community and celebrates the vibrant, globally flourishing Korean culture that enriches the province’s cultural tapestry. 

Literature reflects a society’s philosophy and history while providing the fertile ground where culture grows. Highlighting Korea’s vision as a cultural powerhouse and global indispensible partner, the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea is proud to launch the first-ever Vancouver Korean Book Festival on Granville Island in honour of Korean Heritage Month.

This inaugural program features an exhibition of Korean graphic novels depicting Korea's history and the life stories of its people, alongside guest author talks and community book discussions. We hope this will offer participants a meaningful opportunity to connect through the arts and build intercultural understanding.

So please join us for this special festival celebrating literature, culture, and of course, Korea!  

Thank you.

Kwangsuk Lee

Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Vancouver