Korean literature translation in Vietnam

The topics discussed at the conference included: the situation of literary translation in general and Korean literary translation in particular in Vietnam; the role of translators as a bridge between Korean culture; translation of Korean literature into Vietnamese - some arising from linguistic factors; a survey of translated Korean literature books in Vietnam in recent years...

Conference scene/Photo: Jackie Chan

Discussing the development of Korean translated literature in Vietnam, reports all assess: cultural exchange between Vietnam and Korea dates back to the 14th century, but literary translation activities between the two sides began in the mid-20th century. Notably, the translation and introduction of Korean literature in Vietnam was only carried out after the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1992. Over the past 22 years, 48 ​​Korean literary books have been translated and published in Vietnam. The content of these books is quite rich, from Korean folk works, historical novels to short stories about modern life, literary books for children, and research books introducing the history of Korean literature.

Translator Thuy Toan presented a paper on "Translation and translation of Korean literature in Vietnam in recent years"/Photo: Thanh Long

Overcoming a period of stagnation for decades due to objective reasons, Korean literature translated, published and introduced in Vietnam has been growing in both quantity and quality. An important support for this development is the Korean government's great determination to promote the presence of Korean culture and language in Asia and the world, including large investments in literary translation and support for publishing Korean literature abroad, of which Vietnam is a notable destination. The early years of the 21st century were the peak of the Korean wave in Vietnam, with regular support in translation and publishing from Korean cultural organizations such as the Korean Literature Translation Institute, Daesan Cultural Foundation, Korean Cultural Center, etc.

In particular, from 2010 to now, Korean literary translation books in Vietnam have made great strides. The reason is that there has been a flexible restructuring of the list of translation and publishing sponsorships in the direction of prioritizing contemporary authors and works that are attracting attention in the Korean literary world. Publishers have paid attention to widely promoting and organizing book introductions with the presence of authors, exchanges with Vietnamese writers, poets, and readers. Thanks to that, these events have created a good effect, attracting readers as well as Vietnamese bookmakers. A new generation of translators has emerged who are energetic and love literature. The works have been translated quite skillfully and elaborately. Thanks to that, Korean literary translation books have opened a new stage: truly equal penetration into the Vietnamese book market. Korean literature has truly been present and demonstrated its influence in the Vietnamese market.

To further develop Korean literary translation in Vietnam, scientists propose: there should be basic training in the field of Korean literary translation in Vietnam; strengthening research and introducing Korean literature at universities; organizing seminars to discuss translation; further promoting the formation of a team of translators who are dedicated to each specific book category; being flexible and up-to-date in selecting translated works in the direction of maintaining a balance between difficult-to-read, academic books and entertaining literature; introducing a variety of genres and trends to create a more complete view of the appearance of Korean literature...

In addition, Korean cultural organizations need to maintain and promote activities to support translation, publishing, and promoting Korean literature in Vietnam; aim to build large, systematic translation and publishing projects with cooperation between sponsoring organizations and beneficiaries; build a separate website to update Korean translated literature books published up to now...