International Literary Festival in Seoul to delve into narratives that transcend the visible realm
2025 Seoul International Writers' Festival: A Gathering of Global Literary Talents
The 2025 Seoul International Writers' Festival is set to return, bringing together a diverse array of authors from around the world. Scheduled to take place from September 12 to 17, the festival will be held at Ground Seoul in Jongno District, Seoul, and admission will be free with reservations available starting Monday through the official website and Naver's booking page.
This year's event promises to be an exciting one, with the theme being "( ) Meets the Eye." The festival is designed to foster dialogue between authors and readers, and it will certainly deliver on this promise with a lineup of prominent writers from Korea and beyond.
Among the participants are Hans Christian Andersen Award nominee Lee Geum-yi and Lee Suzy, a Korean recipient of the Andersen Award for illustration in 2022. Star SF writer Kim Cho-yeop of "If We Cannot Go at the Speed of Light" is also attending, as well as Seong Hae-na, this year's breakout sensation author of "Honmono."
From Korea, Hyun Ki-young, a Jeju-born author, will also be present. Hyun Ki-young's works have brought attention to the tragedy of the island's April 3 Uprising, and his inclusion in the festival's notable lineup indicates that he is a significant figure in contemporary Korean literature.
International authors joining the festival include Yan Lianke, a Chinese novelist and Franz Kafka Prize winner, and Matteo B. Bianchi of Italy, Victoria Mas of France, Sarah Pinsker of the US, Elvira Navarro of Spain, Patrick deWitt of Canada, and Yumi Fuzuki of Japan.
Overseas guests will open the festival with a conversation, reflecting on the historical wounds their countries share. Yan Lianke and Hyun Ki-young will lead this discussion, shedding light on the shared experiences and perspectives of their respective cultures.
The festival will also feature collaborations between Korean and international artists. Lee Suzy, a Korean recipient of the Andersen Award for illustration, will pair with French picture-book artist Adrien Parlange. Swedish novelist Jonas Hassen Khemiri will participate with Korean American author Juhea Kim of "Beasts of a Little Land."
In addition to these notable participants, 19 Korean writers are scheduled to take part in the festival, including Kang Ji-young, author of "The Killer's Shopping List," and Choi Jin-young of "Hunger."
The Seoul International Writers' Festival is a global literary event founded in 2006, dedicated to expanding opportunities for readers to engage with literature and fostering international exchange in Seoul. With its diverse lineup and commitment to dialogue, the 2025 event promises to be an unmissable occasion for literature lovers everywhere.
At the 2025 Seoul International Writers' Festival, attendees can expect a blend of home-and-garden discussions, as renowned Korean illustrator Lee Suzy will collaborate with French picture-book artist Adrien Parlange. Moreover, lifestyle enthusiasts might find interest in the festival's lineup, including Hanns Christian Andersen Award nominee Lee Geum-yi and numerous other distinguished authors from around the world.
