The Korean Cultural Center in Hungary is returning to the prestigious Budapest International Book Festival with an extensive program that highlights Korean literature, digital storytelling, and educational initiatives. The center's participation in the 30th edition of the festival offers visitors comprehensive insights into Korea's rich literary landscape and contemporary cultural expressions through a carefully curated series of events.
Festival attendees can visit the Korean Cultural Center's dedicated booth located on the first floor of the Bálna venue, specifically in the Aggházy Room. The center has organized a diverse lineup of programs that span multiple days and cover various aspects of Korean culture, from traditional literature to modern digital media formats.
The programming kicks off on Friday, October 3, with a roundtable discussion featuring the Korean Department of Eötvös Loránd University at 3:00 PM in the Báthory Room. This academic session will explore the crucial role of library collections in education, with particular emphasis on digital resources and the integration of artificial intelligence tools in learning environments. The discussion represents a collaborative effort between the Korean Cultural Center and the university's Korean studies program.
Saturday, October 4, features two significant literary events that showcase different aspects of Korean storytelling. The day begins at 11:00 AM in the Báthory Room with a comprehensive presentation on Korean webtoons, the country's unique form of digital comics that masterfully blend elements of drama, humor, and contemporary social issues with visually striking artwork. This presentation will provide insight into how Korean creators have revolutionized digital storytelling through this innovative medium.
Later that same day at 4:00 PM in the Pálffy Room, literature enthusiasts can attend a literary discussion focusing on Nobel Prize laureate Han Kang's latest novel. This session, organized in collaboration with Jelenkor Publishing, will delve deep into the complex themes of memory, trauma, and healing that are woven throughout the narrative against the backdrop of significant historical events. The discussion promises to offer profound insights into Han Kang's literary techniques and thematic explorations.
The festival programming continues on Sunday, October 5, with a thoughtful conversation about healing literature at 2:00 PM in the Pálffy Room. This session, co-organized with Európa Publishing, centers on Hwang Bo-Reum's acclaimed work "Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop." The discussion will examine how contemporary literature serves as both a mirror reflecting the struggles of modern life and a balm that provides comfort and understanding to readers navigating similar challenges.
In addition to these literary discussions, the Korean Cultural Center has prepared interactive programming specifically designed for younger festival attendees. Children can participate in a hands-on craft workshop where they will create their own Korean bookmarks. This creative activity is scheduled for two separate sessions to accommodate different schedules: Friday, October 3, at 11:00 AM and Sunday, October 5, at 3:00 PM, both taking place in the Zsibongó area.
All programs feature expert speakers who combine scholarly knowledge with engaging presentation styles, ensuring that literary discussions are enhanced with interactive elements and valuable cultural insights. The events are designed to appeal to both academic audiences and general literature enthusiasts, creating opportunities for meaningful cultural exchange and learning.
The Korean Cultural Center's comprehensive programming at the Budapest International Book Festival is made possible through the support of the Publication Industry Promotion Agency of Korea (KPIPA). This partnership underscores the commitment to promoting Korean literature and culture on the international stage while fostering greater understanding and appreciation of Korean literary traditions and contemporary innovations among Hungarian and international audiences.
