SEOUL, Feb. 9 (Korea Bizwire) — Books by authors whose reputation extends beyond South Korea are proving to be popular amongst foreign media covering the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics.
Books by Han Kang, who was awarded the Man Booker International Prize in 2016 for novel The Vegetarian, are the most popular, followed by fellow South Korean authors Gong Ji-young and Bae Suah.
A total of 160 Korean literary works translated into 21 different languages are currently being loaned out at the Korean literature corner situated in the Gangneung Olympic Media Village.
In total, 4,000 books and 132 e-books are available to be borrowed for no charge.
According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, books of Korean poetry have also been loaned out in strong numbers.
A spokesperson for the ministry said, “Foreign journalists usually read Korean literature while traveling or at their residences.”
The ministry is planning to gift the visiting press Korean literature once the Winter Olympics end.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)