In brief
The city of Burgas welcomed its new "Window on Korea" reading room, a Korean library offering over 2,400 books. The opening was attended by Bulgarian and Korean officials, stressing a growing interest in Korean culture and language among locals. The facility aims to deepen cultural ties and provide residents with access to Korean literature, history, and arts.
Burgas, a Black Sea resort city in southeastern Bulgaria, celebrated the opening of a new “Window on Korea” reading room on Thursday, November 5, 2026. The ceremony took place inside the Peyo K. Yavorov Regional Library and was attended by Bulgarian municipal leaders, a delegation of Korean diplomatic officials, and library staff.
The reading room, the first of its kind outside South Korea, was established by the National Library of Korea. It contains more than 2,400 titles covering Korean literature, history, and culture, and is designed to give local readers a direct portal into Korean studies and media.
Mayor Dimitar Nikolov said:
"This is the National Library of Korea's first step beyond the country's borders. Bulgaria is the first country in the world to be given this opportunity, and it is a great privilege for us."
He emphasized that the opening represents an investment in friendly relations between Bulgaria and the Republic of Korea and a way to promote Korean language and culture in the region.
Ambassador to Bulgaria Dong‑bae Kim described the event as historically significant for both nations:
"This is truly a historic moment for all of us. Korea chose Burgas because you have shown genuine love for Korean culture – K‑pop, Korean TV series, the language, food and taekwondo."
Kim noted that the new reading room will broaden opportunities for Bulgarians to discover Korean arts and serve as a bridge between two peoples.
Mayor Nikolov explained that the idea started with a letter from the Burgas municipality outlining growing local interest in Korean language and culture. He said that the city already teaches Korean at seven schools and that students at the local branch of Sofia University are increasingly studying Korean literature.
Deputy Mayor for Education Mihail Nenov and library director Yana Karshiyska described the facility as an eye‑opening platform for local residents, especially youth, to learn about the Korean peninsula and its diaspora.
National Library of Korea Director Nam Young‑joon highlighted the logistical effort that went into bringing the collection to Burgas, underscoring the library’s commitment to supporting Korean studies worldwide. Korea’s Honorary Consul in Bulgaria, Yosif Spiridonov, pledged continued cooperation in cultural and educational exchanges.
The ribbon‑cutting, conducted by the mayor, the ambassador, the library director, and other officials, symbolized a strong partnership and a shared desire to deepen understanding across continents. As the reading room opens, it is expected to become a hub where Bulgarians can explore Korean history, literature, and popular culture for the first time in a permanent, locally hosted space.
