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| Kwak Hyo-hwan, president of the Literature Translation Institute of Korea, delivers a speech at the press conference of the 2023 Seoul International Writers' Festival at the Sejong Center, Seoul, Aug. 28. Courtesy of Wow Culture Lab |
By Pyo Kyung-min
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| The poster for the 2023 Seoul International Writers' Festival / Courtesy of the Literature Translation Institute of Korea |
In its twelfth event since its launch in 2006, this year's festival centers on the theme "Crossing the Bridge of Language."
"We are confronted with unfamiliar boundaries and barriers that were unheard of before the COVID-19 pandemic," said Kwak Hyo-hwan, president of the Literature Translation Institute of Korea, during the festival's official press briefing on Monday. "We have selected the theme of this year's festival by contemplating the role literature can play in dismantling barriers and fostering a sense of unity," he explained.
The festival will host a diverse array of international writers to connect with readers despite language differences. Ten prominent writers from nine different countries will participate in the event, along with 14 popular Korean writers.
Among them are British writer Bernardine Evaristo, the first black woman to secure the Booker Prize, and Chinese writer Hua Yu, widely renowned for his creation, "Chronicle of a Blood Merchant." Hua will grace the opening ceremony, joining the Korean writer Jeong Ji-a for the inaugural lecture.
The main festival will feature diverse programs aimed at bridging the gap between readers, writers and their literary creations. Attendees will have the chance to engage in one-on-one discussions with authors who delve into societal matters through their works. Following these conversations, forums will also be held to share the writers' views on different genres and their reading experiences.
Leading up to the festival, the "Through Readers' Eyes" Exhibition will unfold at Nodeul Gallery on Nodeul Island, Sept. 2. Moreover, an art convergence performance, drawing inspiration from literary creations, is scheduled to take place at the Nodeul Live House.
This year's festival is unique in that it is held on Nodeul Island, a locale accessible solely by crossing a bridge. Kwak emphasized, "With the theme of 'Crossing the Bridge of Language,' it's particularly intriguing to host the event at Nodeul Island, where the act of crossing a bridge becomes intertwined with the festival's essence."
"We were initially concerned about accessibility when choosing the venue, but the pre-booking applications have been overwhelming," he added. "It's exciting to see readers enthusiastic about embracing the concept of crossing the language bridge."
The festival is set to take place at Nodeul Island, Seoul, for six days from Sept. 8 to 13.
More information about the event can be found on the official website of the Seoul International Writers Festival and on Instagram (@siwf_insta). All programs can be joined for free by pre-booking on the official website.
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