Grants for the Translation of World Classics

HISTORY

2011
Grants for the Translation of World Classics was established to encourage better reception to outstanding works of foreign literature by introducing superior quality classics and modern works from other countries. The goal of the grants aims to improve the quality of literary works translated into Korean, expanding the exchange between Korean and world literature. Every year the Foundation puts out a new list of superior foreign works targeted for translation. The targeted works for translation must, of course, exhibit intrinsic literary value, and the Foundation took into ample consideration readers’ demands, as well as the work’s relevance.
The screening process selected a total of six works from five different languages: two English works including Yunjae Lee’s translation of The Translator by Leila Aboulela, one French work, one Italian work, one Chinese work, and one Japanese work. Grant winners were awarded between 5 and 8 million KRW and a certificate of funding. The completed translations will be published by the Moonji Publishing Company under the name the Daesan World Literature Series and offered to the general public. In 2011, eight books (nine books when including books divided into two parts) that received funding were published by the Moonji Publishing Company under the name the Daesan World Literature Series. Moonji has published 89 books (109 total books when considering some books were divided into parts) in all. Starting from the 101st book, Moonji revamped the series, changing the binding and creating a new sleek cover design that better articulates the spirit of the series.