Cover for the Korean edition of "The Mu'allaqat for Millennials" / Courtesy of Ithra

As part of efforts to bridge Korean and Arab cultures, the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, also known as Ithra, unveiled a Korean translation of "The Mu'allaqat for Millennials" at the Seoul International Book Fair (SIBF), where Saudi Arabia was celebrated as the guest of honor this year.

Organized in partnership with the Saudi Ministry of Culture's Literature Publishing and Translation Commission, the launch highlights Ithra's commitment to fostering cross-cultural exchanges through the power of literature.

This collection features 10 ancient Arabic odes from the 6th century, renowned for their artistic and philosophical depth.

Tariq Khawaji, Cultural Advisor to Ithra, expressed his enthusiasm about introducing the poignant collection of Arabic literature in Korean for the first time at the SIBF.

"We decided to work on something to help a new generation, the generation that been born after 2000, to understand Arabic heritage and language and (have since been publishing) books important to the Arabic world," Khawaji told The Korea Times at the Saudi Arabia's booth, Thursday.

Ithra's "The Mu'allaqat" is the first to compile these poems in a single volume tailored for younger readers, complete with interpretations and explanations. Initially published in Saudi Arabia, the book has since broadened its reach internationally and is now available in six languages (Korean, English, Spanish, French, Chinese and German).

"Each chapter starts with the introduction to the poet and the historical and cultural context and the poem itself in Arabic and Korean," Khawaji explained. "(What is unique to the Korean edition is) this Arabic and Korean calligraphy of the poet's name and the poem."

Officials from the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, also known as Ithra, participate in the launch ceremony for the Korean edition of "The Mu'allaqat for Millennials" at the Seoul International Book Fair at COEX in southern Seoul, Wednesday. Courtesy of Ithra

Khawaji also offered insights into the growing connections between Korean and Saudi cultures, from literature to K-pop.

"Korean culture is familiar to Saudis and it has become more and more popular with the younger generation. This isn't a secret that K-pop is just the window or the door that has been opened," he said. "If you go to Saudi Arabia, you will be surprised to see the young generation watching Korean dramas about ancient times."

Also a cinema critic, he drew parallels between Korean and Saudi historical narratives and artistic expressions, suggesting a mutual appreciation for each country's unique cultural assets.

"I think that is a good understanding for South Koreans to be interested in Saudi Arabia … When it comes to Arabic literature, I think translation is important to understand each other. And what happened with ‘The Mu'allaqat,' I hope it will happen with more books, including modern literature, in the future. I hope (the translation initiative) to help us to build this bridge with the Korean culture," he said.