PEN International, a literary organization aiming to globalize Korean literature overseas [...] "Literature is food for the soul and a mirror of the world. It has a cathartic effect on our hearts. Korean literature is struggling to be appreciated overseas due to a lack of administrative support and translations. We will continue to hold forums and publish second and third books onwards to accelerate the globalization of Korean literature."

The mayor of South Korea's capital says he wants to take a more amicable approach to relations with North Korea after months of tensions going back to Pyongyang's fourth nuclear test in January. [...] The mayor's first proposal would improve the water quality of the Taedong River in Pyongyang and to make water infrastructure enhancements.

Attracting young talent is now a mounting task for leaders around the world and Seoul is no exception. That was the topic at a meeting of the Seoul International Business Advisory Council (SIBAC), a group of 25 volunteer advisors that gives the mayor policy recommendations, Friday.

The Seoul metropolitan government unveiled a copy of a sculpture symbolizing Copenhagen at a waterside park in Seoul on Monday as part of efforts to deepen its friendship and cooperation with the Danish capital. [...] Monday’s event, held as part of a cultural exchange program between Seoul and Copenhagen, came after the two sides set up a sculpture with an image of a historical and cultural Seoul relic

A Cultural Festival of Turkic-Speaking States will be held in Seoul, Korea, from November 8-13. The festival will bring together cultural figures from Azerbaijan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, Azertac reported. The opening ceremony will take place at the National Museum of Korea on November 8.

The Korean Wave, or the popularity of Korean culture, is the best tool for South Korea in reaching American people and bringing the two countries' closer together, said a United States diplomat recently posted in Seoul. "I think the best thing to use is a soft power approach. The best thing Koreans have going for them in foreign countries is the Korean Wave," Brian Peterson said in an interview with Yonhap News Agency on Friday.

For decades, public diplomacy has been deemed a long shot in Korea’s statecraft, focusing heavily on shoring up the economy and expanding cooperation with other governments. [...] With the Korea Foundation at the forefront, the country supports Korean studies abroad, cultural events, academic and people-to-people exchanges, overseas publications and other programs. 

Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida and his South Korean counterpart, Yun Byung-se, affirmed in Laos on Monday their intention to implement the landmark bilateral settlement on the “comfort women” forced into Japan’s military brothels during the war by setting up a foundation this week designed to help the surviving victims.