The Korean Language, Literature and Translation initiative is dedicated to supporting research and projects related to the Korean language, literature, and translation by faculty at USC and within the Southern California region. Under this program, KSI organizes and sponsors a diverse array of events, including language pedagogy workshops, literature studies conferences, literary exchange events, and the annual Hangeul Day festival.
The institute also facilitates the translation and publication of Korean literature through the Magpie Series in Global Korean Literature, published by Kaya Press. The initiative aims at both promoting scholarly inquiry and enhancing the accessibility of Korean literary works to a wider audience.
The institute also facilitates the translation and publication of Korean literature through the Magpie Series in Global Korean Literature, published by Kaya Press. The initiative aims at both promoting scholarly inquiry and enhancing the accessibility of Korean literary works to a wider audience.
Hangul Day
The USC Korean language program annually hosts a Hangul Day celebration, inviting students and community members to learn more about 한글(Hangeul), or the Korean language . 한글날(HangeulNal) is annually observed in South Korea on October 9 to commemorate the invention and proclamation of the Korean Alphabet system.
The Magpie Series in Global Korean Literature
The Magpie Series by Kaya Press opens new horizons in Korean literature in English translation by introducing exciting new literary voices from Korea, past and present. The series includes literary fiction and compelling works from the world of Korean science fiction, fantasy, and horror. Magpie’s catalogue will be a reflexive picture of Korea and the breakneck speed of its changing interactions with the world.
Nak Chung Thun Manuscripts
KSI supports the publication of the manuscripts of early Korean American writer Nak Chung Thun (1917-1937). Thun’s writings are today part of the collections of USC’s Korean Heritage Library. An anthology of Thun’s essays and short stories, Gujejeok Gangdo (Righteous Robber; 2020), has been published in Korea in two versions: the annotated original script and a modern Korean translation. Both volumes are edited by Jaemoon Hwang of the Kyujanggak Institute at Seoul National University. See Thun’s digital archive and YTN Korean news report on the publication event. The Tale of Hong Chungnae, an alternate-history set in Xth century Korea, is forthcoming.
Upcoming Events
Banner Image: National Hangeul Museum by Jeon Han (flickr/Korea.net)