Sayart.net - Collaborative Effort Brings Modern Korean Poetry to France

Society of Korean Poets and Society of French Poets Partner for Anthology Publication

Courtesy of Society of Korean Poets

A joint venture between the Society of Korean Poets and the Society of French Poets (La Societe des Poetes Francais, SPF) has resulted in the translation and publication of an anthology titled "Anthology of Contemporary Korean Poets" ("Anthologie des Poetes Coreens Contemporains" in French). The anthology features works by 100 modern Korean poets, including Han Yong-un, Jeong Ji-yong, Baek Seok, and Yun Dong-ju, translated by Kim Hyun-ja.

The collaboration, formalized with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) during last year's World Poetry Day on March 21 at the Korean Cultural Center in Paris, has been in progress over the past year. It involved the introduction of approximately 60 poems from each country through their respective periodical publications.
 

▲ "Anthology of Contemporary Korean Poets" / Courtesy of Society of Korean Poets

The initial print run of the anthology amounts to approximately 2,300 copies, with distribution plans targeting SPF members, societies of French-speaking poets, and select school libraries in France. Specifically, 1,000 copies will be distributed among SPF members, while 500 copies will be allocated to eight university libraries in Paris with Korea-related departments, and an additional 25 high schools in France offering Korean language courses.

It's noted that the anthology cannot be sold in bookstores due to the nonprofit nature of the SPF. However, a publisher in Paris is reportedly exploring the possibility of re-publishing the anthology as a bilingual edition in Korean and French.

The Society of Korean Poets, established in 1957, has been helmed by prominent poets such as Yu Chi-hwan, Cho Chi-hun, Park Mok-wol, and Kim Chun-su.

Sayart 

Blue YIM, yimyoungseo1010@naver.com