Demand for Korean Literature Translation Up 145% in Four Years... Ministry to Expand Overseas Support

Planned Translation of Classics and Modern Masterpieces

Graduate School of Translation to Open in 2027

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will restructure its support system for Korean literature creation into a step-by-step, customized program for emerging, promising, and mid-career writers.

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hwee Young Choe is discussing with committee members at the 2nd meeting of the Game Subcommittee of the Cultural Arts Policy Advisory Committee held on the 30th at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul, Jongno-gu. Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism

On June 5, the Ministry announced that Minister Choi Huieyoung would preside over the 3rd meeting of the Literature Subcommittee of the Cultural Arts Policy Advisory Committee at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Seoul in the morning, where they would discuss ways to strengthen support for literary creation, promote translation and overseas expansion, and broaden public enjoyment of literature.

The Cultural Arts Policy Advisory Committee was launched in November last year under the direct supervision of the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism. It consists of 11 subcommittees, including literature, theater, musicals, and fine arts. The literature subcommittee is composed of nine members, including writers such as Eun Heekyung, Bang Hyunseok, Kwak Hyohwan, Moon Taejun, Lee Suji, and Lee Nakjun, translators such as Jan Dirks and Jung Eungwi, and a publishing sector representative, Kim Hyunwoo.

To ensure that writers can create in a stable environment, the Ministry will segment its existing support funds for mid-career writers into more detailed categories according to career stage. The number of beneficiaries for the "Resident Literary Writer" project, which provides both jobs and creative spaces, will be increased, and the current seven-month work period will be extended. Support for literary magazines, which serve as debut platforms for emerging writers and sources of income for authors, will also be expanded.

Support for the translation and overseas promotion of Korean literature will also be strengthened. Demand from overseas publishers for translation and publication support of Korean literature increased by 145.5%, from 156 cases in 2021 to 383 cases last year. In response, the Ministry will increase the relevant budget and newly pursue a planned translation project for Korean classics and modern masterpieces that have literary and historical value but have seen little translation and publication due to limited mainstream appeal.

The Ministry will also foster translators with professional expertise in all areas of Korean arts and culture. Plans are in place to open a graduate school of translation in September 2027, which will be responsible for disseminating Korean literature and culture abroad.

The foundation for enjoying literature will also be broadened. The National Museum of Korean Literature, which will serve as a focal point for Korean literature, is scheduled to open in the first half of 2027, and support for local literature museums will be expanded to promote regional diversity in literature.

At the meeting, advisory committee members will also discuss issues that have not been adequately addressed by existing policies, based on their field experiences.

Minister Choi stated, "Literature is not only about creating stories that help people understand the world, but it is also the root of thought that underpins all other arts, including film, music, fine arts, and theater. We will prepare effective policies that reflect on-site opinions so that Korean literature can meet the growing global interest."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.