The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has made a grand entrance at the Seoul International Book Fair, taking its place as the Guest of Honor for this year’s event. The five-day fair, held from June 26th to 30th at the COEX Convention and Exhibition Center, serves as a platform to celebrate the vibrant cultural heritage of Saudi Arabia and strengthen partnerships with the Republic of Korea.
Led by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission (LPTC) under the Ministry of Culture, the Saudi pavilion offers a comprehensive traditional experience. Visitors can immerse themselves in the kingdom’s diverse creative output, exploring a wide array of books, artifacts, and artistic expressions. The pavilion features engaging activities, including panel discussions, insightful dialogues, and captivating live performances of traditional art forms.
Beyond the captivating cultural displays, the Saudi pavilion provides a unique opportunity for visitors to browse a distinctive selection of books and items from the kingdom. A highlight of the event is the Saudi dinner night, where attendees can savor authentic dishes from various regions across the country.
The cultural program extends beyond the pavilion, gracing the central stage with a distinguished group of writers and novelists. The program delves into the historical and cultural legacy of Saudi Arabia, exploring the role of language in preserving traditional values and highlighting the shared characteristics between Korean and Arabic dialects and cultures. It further examines the significance of poetry in Arabic culture, the landscape of Saudi novels, and potential avenues for enhancing collaboration between Korean and Arabic musical arts.
Among the noteworthy launches at the pavilion is the ‘Book of Mu’allaqat in Korean,’ a collaborative project between the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) and the LPTC. The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language will also present a plan aimed at promoting the Arabic language in the Republic of Korea.
