A scene from "Korean Literature Meets the World," a publishing industry exchange program organized by the Literature Translation Institute of Korea. (Photo courtesy of LTI Korea)

Korean author Han Kang’s Nobel Prize in Literature marks a historic achievement for Korean literature globally. The win not only shines a light on her unique talent but also shows the vital role translation plays in bringing Korean literature to international readers.

At its core, the art of translation extends far beyond converting words from one language to another – it serves as a crucial cultural bridge. Skilled translators work meticulously to preserve the emotional depths, cultural nuances and narrative styles, ensuring that readers abroad can fully experience the richness of the original Korean works.

This global reach has been made possible through the dedicated efforts of pioneering translators, who were often men of the cloth like the Anglican bishop Richard Rutt and the Catholic priest Kevin O’Rourke. Professor Brother Anthony (An Seonjae) is extending this tradition up to the present, translating Korean poems and prose. Following in their footsteps, translators like Deborah Smith, Anton Hur and Sora Kim-Russell have further expanded the accessibility and appreciation of Korean literary works worldwide.

Smith’s contributions have been particularly noteworthy. Her translation of Han’s The Vegetarian, which won the 2016 Man Booker International Prize, brought unprecedented attention to Korean literature in global literary circles. Smith’s sensitive rendering of Han’s prose captured the original’s emotional complexity and contributed to the growing global recognition of Korean authors.

Hur has made his own significant impact by translating works by contemporary authors such as Sang Young Park and Bora Chung. His approach emphasizes authenticity and fidelity to the author’s voice and the cultural context, earning him widespread respect in the field. Through Hur’s translations, global audiences have gained access to Korean narratives exploring complex themes of identity, social norms and LGBTQ+ experiences.

The field continues to evolve through the work of translators like Kim-Russell, who focuses on maintaining the distinct voice of each author while making texts accessible to international readers. Her careful attention to both literary nuance and readability has helped establish her as a respected cultural ambassador. She has helped to further integrate the works of Korean writers into global literary discourse.

The growing recognition of Korean literature on the international stage reflects these translators’ collective impact. Many prestigious literary awards now acknowledge this by honoring both authors and their translators, highlighting the collaborative nature of cross-cultural literary exchange. As translation quality continues to improve, international readers are finding Korean literature increasingly accessible and engaging.

Central to this success has been the Literature Translation Institute of Korea (LTI), established in 1996. The institute has facilitated the translation of over 2,000 Korean works into 44 languages, with particularly impressive growth in recent years – Korean authors have received 19 international literary awards and 48 nominations in the past five years alone.

Han’s journey exemplifies this progress. Before her Nobel Prize, her works had been translated into 28 languages, with 76 editions published internationally. LTI has provided crucial support by covering translation and publication costs while facilitating her participation in global literary events. More than just helping individual authors, this investment helps expand Korean literature’s international reach.

The Literature Translation Institute of Korea conducts various programs including translation support, international exchange events, and a translation academy to promote the development and globalization of Korean literature. Pictured is a scene from the 2024 Diaspora Literature and Arts Event. (Photo courtesy of LTI Korea)

Looking to the future, LTI has intensified its focus on developing skilled translators through its Translation Academy. Currently serving students from seven major language groups, the academy is expanding into a graduate-level institution offering advanced degrees. These students often become ambassadors for Korean literature in their home countries, equipped with the sophisticated understanding needed to convey its nuances and complexity to global audiences.

The institute continues to advance Korean literature’s international presence through various initiatives, working to stimulate global dialogue, strengthen connections with international literary communities and enhance translation education. These efforts create a lasting foundation for Korean literature on a global level. The translations serve as a crucial bridge between Korean authors and readers everywhere.

Han’s Nobel Prize thus represents more than personal achievement – it celebrates the collective success of Korean writers, translators and institutions like LTI. This milestone demonstrates how translation, as an art form in itself, brings diverse literary voices to readers worldwide, enriching global cultural understanding through the power of Korean literature.