Saudi Arabia Debuts at Seoul Book Fair 2024 as Guest of Honor

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia inaugurated its pavilion as the Guest of Honor at the Seoul International Book Fair 2024 on June 26, 2024, at the COEX Convention and Exhibition Center in Seoul, Republic of Korea. The fair, which runs until June 30, marks its 66th edition with a dedicated celebration of Saudi culture, reinforcing the Kingdom’s commitment to international cultural exchange and dialogue.

Context and Background

The Seoul International Book Fair is one of Asia’s most prestigious literary events, originating locally in 1954 and expanding into an international exhibition in 1995. Organized by the Korean Publishers Association, this year’s fair features approximately 90 publishing institutions and companies from 19 countries alongside 350 Korean publishing houses. Saudi Arabia’s role as Guest of Honor highlights the deep cultural ties between the Kingdom and the Republic of Korea, building on a growing relationship in trade, technology, and cultural diplomacy.

This participation follows Saudi Arabia’s Guest of Honor appearances at the New Delhi International Book Fair in February 2024 and the Beijing International Book Fair in June 2024, underscoring a sustained strategy to promote Saudi culture and literary heritage globally.

Key Details of the Saudi Pavilion

The Saudi pavilion is led by the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission under the Ministry of Culture, with participation from ten prominent national institutions including the Heritage Commission, Fashion Commission, Film Commission, Culinary Arts Commission, King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives, King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language (KSGAAL), King Abdulaziz Public Library, King Fahad National Library, Publishing Association, and Ministry of Investment. This collaborative effort offers an integrated cultural experience that presents Saudi heritage alongside contemporary innovation.

On the opening day, the pavilion introduced the Korean translation of the Mu’allaqat (The Hanging Odes), a project by the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) and the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission. Additionally, KSGAAL launched an Arabic language education project in Korea. The pavilion’s program includes dialogue sessions on Saudi history, the role of Saudi female writers, the transmission of cultural values through language, similarities between Korean and Arabic cultures, and historical interactions between the two civilizations. Traditional performing arts such as the “Ardah” are showcased, alongside books and archaeological artifacts, and a Saudi dinner night introduces visitors to national dishes from across the Kingdom.

Implications and Impact

Saudi Arabia’s Guest of Honor participation at the Seoul International Book Fair strengthens bilateral partnerships between the Kingdom and South Korea, particularly in cultural diplomacy and educational exchange. The fair serves as a platform to foster mutual understanding and to highlight the shared cultural similarities between Arabic and Korean languages and traditions, creating a unique space for cultural convergence. This initiative supports the Kingdom’s broader strategy of enhancing its international cultural presence and building bridges with Asian nations, reflecting a focus on soft diplomacy and people-to-people ties.

The cultural program is designed to attract intellectuals, publishers, and educators from Korea and beyond, encouraging future collaborations in translation, literature, and academic research. It also introduces Saudi literary and artistic productions to new international audiences, reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a hub for cultural innovation in the region.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This cultural engagement directly supports Vision 2030’s goal of promoting Saudi culture and identity, developing the creative economy, and strengthening international partnerships. By showcasing its heritage and linguistic initiatives, Saudi Arabia advances its position as a destination for culture, education, and investment. The continued participation in major international book fairs reflects the Kingdom’s proactive approach in creating a sustainable cultural ecosystem, fostering youth talent, and enhancing the global image of the Kingdom as a key player in cross-cultural dialogue and human enrichment.

20 Questions

Q1. What was the Saudi Arabia’s role at the Seoul International Book Fair 2024?

A1. Saudi Arabia was the Guest of Honor, a role reserved for countries to showcase their culture and literature. The Kingdom presented an integrated cultural experience, highlighting its heritage, language, and literary contributions, demonstrating its commitment to international cultural exchange.

Q2. When and where was the Seoul International Book Fair 2024 held?

A2. The fair was held from June 26 to 30, 2024, at the COEX Convention and Exhibition Center in Seoul, Republic of Korea. It is one of Asia’s largest and most renowned book fairs.

Q3. Which Saudi entity led the organization of the Saudi pavilion?

A3. The Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission under the Ministry of Culture led the Saudi pavilion. The Commission coordinated the participation of several other cultural entities to present a comprehensive and cohesive display of Saudi culture.

Q4. What entities participated in the Saudi pavilion?

A4. The pavilion included the Heritage Commission, Fashion Commission, Film Commission, Culinary Arts Commission, King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives, King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language, King Abdulaziz Public Library, King Fahad National Library, Publishing Association, and Ministry of Investment.

Q5. What was the Mu’allaqat project and why is it significant?

A5. The Mu’allaqat is a collection of pre-Islamic Arabic poems, a key literary work. The pavilion launched its Korean translation, created by the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) and the Ministry of Culture, to introduce Korean readers to this classic Arabic literature.

Q6. What Arabic language project did Saudi Arabia launch in Korea?

A6. The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language (KSGAAL) launched a project to promote Arabic language education in Korea. This initiative aims to strengthen cultural and linguistic ties and facilitate a better understanding of Arabic among Korean learners.

Q7. What kind of cultural performances were showcased at the Saudi pavilion?

A7. The pavilion featured traditional Saudi performing arts, including the