DAY 3: The 11th World Hangeul Writers’ Congress Concludes with Inspiration and Emotion
Seoul, October 17, 2025 — The third and final session of the 11th World Hangeul Writers’ Congress took place at Yonsei University in Seoul, bringing the four-day literary gathering (October 14–17) to a meaningful close. The morning was dedicated to academic presentations exploring the richness of the Korean language and literature, while the afternoon unfolded into a heartfelt and dignified closing ceremony.
Among the day’s highlights was a presentation by German scholar Andrei Hubert, who shared insights into the legacy of fellow countryman and missionary Andreas Eckhardt. Having lived in Korea from 1919 to 1939, Father Eckhardt devoted years of study to Korean culture and history, producing a monumental epic published in 1930. Hubert’s talk underscored the enduring scholarly value of this work, which remains an essential reference for German researchers of Korean civilization, evidence to the far-reaching influence of Korean culture.
Another compelling talk came from linguist Jeong Jae Hwan, who compared the structural features of Hangeul with English and Japanese. He emphasized the accessibility and logical design of the Korean script, an invention of King Sejong, noting that its phonetic precision makes it uniquely learner-friendly compared to the complexities of English spelling or Japanese orthography. His remarks served as a renewed tribute to Hangeul’s linguistic brilliance.
The afternoon session shifted toward ceremony and celebration. In her closing address, Shim Sang-ok, President of PEN Korea International, expressed heartfelt gratitude to participants and partners whose efforts ensured the success of the congress. She highlighted that this year’s event had opened “a new horizon of hope,” strengthening Korea’s literary connections with the world.
One of the most moving moments of the closing program was the poetry recital by overseas Korean poets, whose evocative readings filled the hall with a sense of nostalgia and reverence for the written word. Awards were also presented to individuals and organizations whose contributions enriched the congress.
The event concluded with a vibrant artistic performance — including a soulful set by blind singer Uri and an energetic appearance by a male music group drawing enthusiastic applause from an audience of poets, writers, and translators from across the globe.
This year’s congress proudly welcomed five Vietnamese delegates: Lê Đăng Hoan, Kiều Bích Hậu, Võ Thị Như Mai, Nguyễn Đình Tâm, and Đặng Lam Giang, all respected poets, writers, and translators representing the growing literary bridge between Vietnam and Korea.
Poet Nguyễn Đình Tâm shared his reflections: “The 11th International Hangeul Writers’ Congress brought together writers and translators from many nations who share a deep admiration for the Korean language and its literature — a tradition born of King Sejong’s genius. This literary heritage continues to evolve alongside Korea’s growth and global influence.”
Meanwhile, poet and translator Võ Thị Như Mai spoke warmly about the unifying power of literature: “During these four days, I truly felt how literature connects us beyond borders. Each discussion was like a light shining into the soul — from daily stories to profound philosophy. I was deeply touched by the humility of writer Kim Hong Shin and the spiritual intensity of poet Do Jong-hwan. Watching Vietnamese and Korean authors exchange ideas, I realized literature speaks all languages of the heart.”
She also expressed her joy at witnessing the international recognition of Korean literature through the recent Nobel Prize in Literature awarded to novelist Han Kang. “It’s a moment of pride not only for Korea but for all of Asia. I’m truly happy to share this celebration with Korean and international writers here.”
As the congress came to an end, participants carried home renewed knowledge, friendships, and inspiration — affirming the living power of Hangeul and its vital role on the global literary map.
DAY 2: Under the Same Sun of Literature: The Second Session of the 11th International Festival of Writers Writing in Korean
The campus of Yonsei University in the heart of Seoul came alive from October 14 to 17, 2025, as the 11th International Festival of Writers Writing in Korean gathered voices from across the world. The second session, held on October 15, was a memorable journey of thought and feeling, where literature was seen not as an art of escape but as a quiet light guiding the spirit.
The session opened with novelist and former National Assembly member Kim Hong Shin, who shared his deep reflections on the purpose of literature and life. He spoke of human fragility, reminding everyone that weakness can be the beginning of wisdom. In his words, literature is born from the smallest, most delicate parts of existence and becomes a place where love, compassion, and pride are renewed.
He spoke of writer Han Kang’s Nobel Prize in Literature as a moment of awakening that strengthened belief in creativity and human imagination. Science, he said, may not always promise hope, but literature continues to express the true nature of being alive. Using the image of garbage piled in front of his home, Kim invited the audience to reflect on letting go of unnecessary burdens. Flowers bloom, he said, in the heart that knows how to discard what it no longer needs. For him, to live is to be rich in spirit, and to grow is to learn how to forgive.
His message to the younger generation was filled with sincerity. Hardship is necessary for maturity. Do not collapse, do not despair. Keep working, he said, and appreciate the labor of others even when the heart resists. At the close of his speech, Kim reminded everyone that literature is sunlight. It keeps the soul warm and gives every life a reason to shine.
Poet and former Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Do Jong Hwan continued the session with calm intensity. He spoke about the mystery of poetry, how it arrives without warning, how it transforms anger and sorrow into beauty. For him, poetry is a fever of the soul, both painful and healing. He recalled writing letters to his parents as a student, the long nights spent reading in silence, and the lifelong devotion that has kept him close to poetry. Although he has never felt completely settled in it, he said that perhaps restlessness itself is what keeps poetry alive.
The discussion later returned to Han Kang’s literary achievement, focusing on how her novels question pain, endurance, and memory. Her success was seen not as an individual victory but as an affirmation of how deeply Korean literature continues to explore the human condition.
The second session ended quietly yet powerfully. Participants left not only with knowledge but with a renewed sense of inner freedom. Literature, once again, proved to be more than words — it is the sunshine that nurtures the courage to love, to grow, and to begin again.
Among the participants were international reporter Jang Geon Seob, who led the Vietnamese delegation, and the Vietnamese poets and translators Le Dang Hoan, Nguyen Dinh Tam, Kieu Bich Hau, Vo Thi Nhu Mai, and Dang Lam Giang. Their presence added a rich multicultural spirit to the event, reflecting the growing friendship between Vietnam and Korea. Together, they shared one belief that crossed all boundaries — that literature, in its truest form, is the sunlight that unites hearts and keeps humanity alive.
Novelist and former member of the Korean National Assembly Kim Hong Shin speaks at the second session of the 11th International Festival of Writers Writing in Korean.
Former Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Korea and poet Do Jong-hwan speaks at the event.
Vietnamese poets and translators Le Dang Hoan, Nguyen Dinh Tam, Kieu Bich Hau, Vo Thi Nhu Mai, and Dang Lam Giang pose for a photo with Korean authors at the event.
Vietnamese poets and translators Le Dang Hoan, Nguyen Dinh Tam, Kieu Bich Hau, Vo Thi Nhu Mai, and Dang Lam Giang photographed with Korean writers at the event.
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DAY 1: Opens in Seoul: A New Horizon for K-Literature
Seoul, October 14, 2025 — The 11th International Congress of Writers Writing in Korean opened today at Yonsei University’s Baekyang Nuri Grand Ballroom, Seoul, marking a vibrant beginning to four days of literary dialogue, music, and cultural celebration.
Under the theme “Korean Literature at the Turning Point,” this year’s congress brings together over 1,000 writers, translators, scholars, and Hangeul enthusiasts from around the world. The event is hosted by Korean PEN International with support from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
As a correspondent attending the first day, I could feel the spirit of anticipation as writers from across continents arrived at the venue, greeting each other warmly, taking photos, and exchanging thoughts about the evolving identity of Korean literature in a global context.
The congress opened with welcoming remarks from Organizing Chair Kim Hong-shin and Executive Chair Kim Jong-hoe, a respected literary critic and Director of Sonagi Village. Both emphasized the importance of expanding the literary horizon of Hangeul and strengthening cultural dialogue across nations.
Distinguished guests, including Vice Prime Minister and Chair of the National Unification Committee Lee Seok-yeon, National Assembly Member Kim Woo-young, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hwi-young, and Burhan Şenmez, President of PEN International, delivered inspiring congratulatory speeches. Their words resonated with a shared vision: that literature written in Korean is not limited by geography, but belongs to a universal human voice.
The evening was beautifully interwoven with artistic performances, a poetry recitation by Shin Dal-ja, whose delicate yet powerful reading silenced the hall in reverence, and musical interludes by singer-poet Jeong Tae-chun and flutist Song Sol-namu, whose performances evoked the melancholy and lyricism so characteristic of Korean art.
As the final notes faded, the hall erupted into applause, followed by a welcome dinner and group photo session, where writers mingled freely, exchanging laughter, phone numbers, and books. It was a scene that embodied the essence of PEN’s mission — the fellowship of writers beyond borders.
Among the many international participants, the Vietnam group, led by international reporter Jang Geon-seob, stood out with their enthusiastic participation and bright energy. Representing a bridge of friendship between Korea and Vietnam, the delegation took part in every activity with genuine engagement from official greetings to cultural exchange sessions. The Vietnamese delegation brought a warm and radiant presence to the opening day of the Congress. Led by writer–journalist Jang Geon-seob, the team included poet Nguyễn Đình Tâm, writer–translator Kiều Bích Hậu, educator and translator Võ Thị Như Mai, Korean translator Lê Đăng Hoan, and Dr. Đặng Lam Giang, a scholar and Korean-language translator. Their suitcases overflowed with books, especially the newly released Vietnam–Korea bilingual poetry anthology, tangible symbols of literary passion and cross-cultural friendship. Together, they formed a charming Vietnamese poetic ensemble, blending grace, intellect, and creativity. The atmosphere was alive with connection and warmth; even the delicate, beautifully presented dishes at the welcome dinner evoked the flavors of home, a gentle reminder that poetry, like food, transcends borders and nourishes the soul.
Mr. Jang shared his reflection after the opening ceremony:
“We see how literature connects people beyond languages. This congress is a place where voices meet — a home for everyone who writes, reads, and dreams in the Korean language.”
Their presence symbolized not only the growing Vietnamese interest in Hangeul literature but also the enduring friendship and artistic connection between the two nations.
PEN Korea: Seventy Years of Global Dialogue
Since its founding in 1954, PEN Korea has represented Korean writers on the international stage, participating in more than 60 PEN congresses worldwide. Since 2015, the organization has initiated this World Congress of Writers Writing in Korean, envisioned as a festival of literature that transcends boundaries through the beauty of the Korean script.
The four-day congress will include keynote lectures, special presentations, poetry readings, and literary heritage tours. Discussions will explore how writers of the Korean diaspora, as well as foreign authors using Hangeul, contribute to reshaping global literary landscapes.
For the first time, sessions are being broadcast live on YouTube, allowing worldwide audiences to experience the creative pulse of K-literature in real time.
As the first day concluded, participants left the venue with bright eyes and notebooks filled with inspiration. The warmth of human connection lingered in the air — a feeling that literature, music, and language had intertwined into something profoundly hopeful.
The 11th International Congress of Writers Writing in Korean has opened a new chapter not only for Korean literature but also for multicultural dialogue. It reminds us that the art of writing is not confined to one nation or tongue — it belongs to all who dare to dream and share their stories.
Reporting from Seoul — Mai White, Multicultural Press
