The British Council Korea is beginning a monthly series of talks by British authors and public figures in Korea on Friday.

The first presenter is Andrew Salmon, a Seoul-based reporter who has written two books on the Korean War. His presentation will be based on his book “Scorched Earth, Black Snow,” which documents the actions of British and Australian troops during the early part of the Korean War.

Future presentations will be provided by Michael Breen, a journalist and the author of “The Koreans” and “Kim Jong-il: North Korea’s Dear Leader”; Daniel Tudor, author of “Korea: The Impossible Country”; and David Kilburn, an activist who campaigns for the preservation of hanok, Korea’s traditional houses.

Salmon’s talk begins 7 p.m. on Friday at the Gwanghwamun Center of the British Council Korea. To get there, leave Exit 3 of Gwanghwamun Station and turn right. Walk about 350 meters and the center is in the building with a large black statue outside.

The talks are free to attend. To make an online reservation to attend, click on the event on the homepage of the British Council website at www.britishcouncil.kr/en.

(paulkerry@heraldcorp.com)