VancouverGREATER VANCOUVER EVENT
Vancouver Korean Book Festival: Artist Talk with Kun-woong Park
October 16, 12:30–2 p.m., Central Library’s Lower Level Alice MacKay Room: Park Kun-woong discusses his Battle of Gapyeong graphic novel with Dr. Christine Paget. Korean with English captions and interpreting; registration required.
- Date and time
- Location
- Central Library – Alice MacKay Room, Lower Level · 350 W Georgia St · Vancouver · V6B 6B1
- Organizer
- Vancouver Public Library
About this event
As part of the Vancouver Korean Book Festival, South Korean graphic novelist Park Kun-woong joins educator Dr. Christine Paget for a conversation and book launch marking the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Gapyeong. The event takes place on October 16, 2026, from 12:30 to 2 p.m., in the Alice MacKay Room on the Lower Level of Central Library, 350 W Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 6B1. Registration is required.
The Story of the Battle of Gapyeong adapts Canadian veteran Lt. Col. Hub Gray’s wartime memoir Beyond the Danger Close. Its black-and-white visual storytelling honours the courage and sacrifice of Canadian soldiers and reflects on shared history and the future of Canada–Korea relations. The event concludes with a lucky draw for personalized live caricatures and signed books; these are prizes rather than something guaranteed to every attendee.
The conversation is in Korean, with automatically generated English captions projected on screen. An interpreter will assist with key discussions and the Q&A. The event is presented in partnership with the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Vancouver.
Park is known for woodcut-inspired visual storytelling exploring modern Korean history, historical memory, conflict and often-overlooked individual experiences. He received the Golden Apple Award at the Biennial of Illustrations Bratislava. Dr. Paget is an educator, administrator and history specialist with the West Vancouver School District; her work connects historical narratives with contemporary perspectives and encourages dialogue about how the past is remembered and shared with new generations.
Elevator access to the Alice MacKay Room is in the concourse near the bank machine. Designated spaces are available for wheelchairs and mobility devices. For access needs, email programs@vpl.ca; for general enquiries, call 604-331-3603 or email info@vpl.ca.