The Korea Literature Translation Institute recently released its latest tally of Korean works that have been translated into other languages.

Topping the list for the number of books translated was Nobel Prize nominee Ko Un, who has had 51 of them out in 15 foreign languages including his masterpiece "Ten Thousand Lives" or ¡°Maninbo.¡±

As for the most number of languages Yi Mun-yol's novels can be read in 16 languages. His novels are acclaimed for portraying the peculiar side of Korean society. Lee Chung-joon, Hwang Sok-young and Choi In-hoon were also at the top the list of Korean literature that has advanced abroad.

But the institute would like to see larger numbers. During this decade, 358 works have been translated into 26 languages, causing concern that people overseas who are interested in Korean literature might not be able to find enough material.

Experts say this contrasts with the popularity of Korean pop culture in Asia beginning in the late 90s.

The institute believes more works should be translated into languages such as Spanish and Chinese considering the many readers of these languages.

Brother Anthony, a naturalized Korean and Catholic monk who has translated over 150 works by the poet Ko Un into English over two decades, says a good translator does more than simply change text. "Behind the language there's a different culture. I always say you can't translate doenjang or kimchi. You can't explain it because it's different,¡± he said. ¡°You think that a native who doesn't know Korea can polish it. But that is going to take the translation away from where it needs to be."

Experts also say translation efforts should try to keep pace with the latest literary trends.

Literature helps readers to discover much about a country's people, language and culture. In fact it plays a huge role diplomatically, serving as a mediator between societies. With the support of talented translators, some expect to some day celebrate a Korean Nobel Laureate in Literature.

Arirang News