Bucheon City, Gyeonggi Province – Bucheon City, in collaboration with the Mok Il-shin Cultural Foundation, announced on May 22nd the launch of the "2025 2nd Mok Il-shin Poetry & Illustration Contest." This annual competition aims to honor the literary legacy of the esteemed children's author and poet Mok Il-shin, widely known for his timeless children's song "Bicycle," while fostering creativity and emotional development among young participants.
Contest Details and Participation
Submissions for the contest will be accepted from July 1st to August 8th, 2025. Participants can submit their artwork and application forms via registered mail or by visiting the Bucheon Starry Night Library in person.
The contest is open to all kindergarten and elementary school students nationwide in South Korea. Participants will be divided into three categories:
Kindergarten Division: Ages 4-6
Lower Elementary Division: Ages 7-9
Upper Elementary Division: Ages 10-12
Artwork Requirements and Theme
Entrants are required to create original illustrations based on the children's poems of Mok Il-shin. The artwork should freely express the feelings and content of the chosen poem, demonstrating the child's pure creativity. A variety of artistic techniques are welcome, including crayons, colored pencils, and watercolors. A crucial rule emphasizes that the artwork must be completed solely by the child, without any intervention from parents or teachers, to ensure the authenticity of the child's artistic expression.
Application forms are available for download from both the Bucheon City Library website and the Mok Il-shin Cultural Foundation website.
Awards and Recognition
A total of 45 winners will be selected across all divisions, receiving prestigious awards and cultural gift certificates. The awards include:
Mok Il-shin Youth Award: 1 recipient
Little Star Award: 1 recipient
Full Moon Award: 1 recipient
Crescent Moon Award: 4 recipients
Mountain Bird Award: 4 recipients
Water Bird Award: 4 recipients
Winners will be honored with awards from both the Mayor of Bucheon City and the Chairman of the Mok Il-shin Cultural Foundation. In addition, they will receive cultural gift certificates ranging from 100,000 KRW to 500,000 KRW (approximately $75 to $375 USD, subject to exchange rates). The entirety of the prize money is generously sponsored by the Mok Il-shin Cultural Foundation.
Winning artworks will be showcased in a touring exhibition at various public libraries throughout Bucheon City, providing a wider audience the opportunity to appreciate the young artists' talents and Mok Il-shin's enduring literary influence.
Celebrating a Literary Icon: Mok Il-shin
Mok Il-shin (1913-1986), also known by his pen name Eun-seong, was a pivotal figure in Korean children's literature. Born in Goheung, Jeollanam-do, Mok Il-shin dedicated his life to writing poetry and songs for children, enriching their world with imagination and wonder. His most famous work, the children's song "Bicycle" (자전거), remains a beloved classic, sung by generations of Korean children. Through his works, Mok Il-shin emphasized the importance of nature, friendship, and the innocent joy of childhood. This contest serves as a vibrant tribute to his contributions and aims to introduce his valuable literary heritage to a new generation.
An official from Bucheon City expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming event, stating, "Last year's inaugural contest received a remarkable number of high-quality submissions from across the nation. We hope that this year, even more children will seize this opportunity to interpret Mok Il-shin's timeless children's poems through their own unique perspectives."
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