SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – 11 May 2026
The Korean Cultural Centre Australia (KCCAU) is pleased to present In Conversation – Stories of Living Together from Korea and Australia, a special public program bringing together five acclaimed children’s authors from Korea and Australia for an evening of cross-cultural dialogue in Sydney. This event is presented by the Arts Council Korea, Sydney Writers' Festival, Korean Cultural Centre Australia, and Creative Australia.
The program takes place amid a period of growing international engagement with Korean literature and storytelling. In recent years, Korean literature has received significant global recognition, most notably through Nobel Prize in Literature laureate Han Kang, whose works have brought renewed international attention to Korean literary voices. Alongside contemporary literary achievements, Korean children’s literature and illustration have also garnered increasing acclaim worldwide, with authors such as Baek Heena, the first Korean recipient of the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, recognised for her innovative contributions to picture book storytelling.
This expanding global interest reflects the broader momentum of “K-literature,” characterised by the diversity and depth of Korean storytelling across genres, including literary fiction, children’s literature, and illustrated works. Korean narratives continue to resonate with international audiences through their emotional nuance, imaginative storytelling, and universal themes.
Against this backdrop, In Conversation will examine how children’s literature from Korea and Australia engages with shared themes of nature, animals, and the environment. The participating authors will reflect on how storytelling can cultivate curiosity, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the world we share.
Held at the Korean Cultural Centre Australia in Sydney, the program will feature a one-hour moderated conversation. Korean–English consecutive interpretation will be provided.
Dr Sunmin Yoon, Director of KCCAU, noted: “It is a timely program, reflecting the growing global resonance of K-literature—including in Australia—driven by increasing Asia literacy and regional engagement. Its strong alignment with environmental and social themes, alongside expanded access to translations and publishing partnerships, continues to enhance its visibility and deepen audience engagement.”
Zainab Syed, Director International, Creative Australia, noted: "This delegation marks an important milestone in deepening the partnership between Creative Australia and the Arts Council Korea, following the signing of a three-year MOU in May 2025. As the first inbound visit under this agreement, the program highlights the importance of creating meaningful opportunities for connection, fostering creative dialogue, and strengthening cultural relationships across borders."
The program highlights the growing cultural exchange between Korea and Australia, as well as the increasing interest among Australian audiences in Korean literature, illustration, and storytelling. In particular, Korean picture books and children’s literature are being recognised for their artistic innovation and narrative depth, contributing to a broader global appreciation of Korean cultural production.
EVENT DETAILS
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