Incheon to be World Book Capital in 2015

INCHEON (Yonhap News) ― South Korea’s western port city of Incheon has been chosen to be the World Book Capital for 2015 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), city officials said Saturday.

Incheon, just west of Seoul, assumed the title after the Selection Committee composed of experts representing the book industry and the U.N. agency met earlier this week in Paris, France.

The city was chosen for the quality of its programs and the expected impact “on improving good integration of all stakeholders in the promotion of books and reading, access to books and writing in all formats to the citizens of Incheon and the Korean Peninsula,” the committee said in a statement.

As the world’s book capital, the city plans to commit itself to promoting books and literacy by launching diverse projects such as sending books to developing countries in Asia including North Korea and hosting concerts and seminars on literature, according to city officials.

“The winning of the title is expected to improve the city’s image on the international arena and boost the pride of its citizens,” said Seo Sang-ho, the city’s vice spokesperson.

“We will soon set up a task force in charge of drawing up detailed plans and scheduling,” he added.

Incheon became the 15th city to be designated as the World Book Capital following the Nigerian city of Port Harcourt for 2014, Bangkok for 2013 and Yerevan for 2012.

Since 2001, the U.N. agency has selected a city every year to be honored with the World Book Capital distinction. The designation does not come with any financial prize, but is a symbolic acknowledgement.