SIBF 2025 18-22 June, 2025 l COEX Halls A & B1

Archive

GoH Saudi Arabia

Lectures and Cultural Programs

 
In light of the strong fraternal ties between the two nations, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will be the Guest of Honor at the Seoul International Book Fair 2024. Through its active participation, Saudi Arabia aims to offer an immersive cultural experience with a richly diverse program. This program will include seminars, dialogues, and discussions across cultural, artistic, literary, and intellectual fields, featuring Saudi writers to highlight the authenticity of Saudi culture.

Co-exhibitors

 

Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission

Established in 2020(A.H. 1441), the role of the LPT Commission is to regulate and manage the literature, publishing and translation sectors in the Kingdom. 
The Commission seeks to develop sector capability and support content production, and aim to improve the legislative environment 
to advance these three important arts, as well as encouraging investment and involvement of the non-profit sector.
 
 
The Ministry of Culture
 
The Ministry of Culture was created on June 2, 2018, by Royal Order A/217,
under the leadership of His Highness Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, the Kingdom’s first dedicated Minister of Culture. 
The Ministry is responsible for the Kingdom’s cultural scene on a local and international scale, and it is keen to preserve the Kingdom’s historical heritage 
while striving to build a prosperous cultural future in which various kinds of culture and arts flourish. 
The Ministry has a crucial role to play in delivering Saudi Arabia’s ambitious transformation program, Vision 2030. 
Its goal is to contribute to building a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation. 
On March 27, 2019, the Ministry of Culture unveiled its vision and approaches that embody its mission and aspirations, 
as well as reflect its goals of promoting culture as a way of life, enabling culture to contribute to economic growth, and creating opportunities for global cultural exchange.
 
  
King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language

King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language(KSGAA) is a leading global authority in the service of the Arabic language.
The academy aims to revive the heritage of the Arabic language through linguistic studies and publications, 
and to archive appropriate environment for the development and consolidation of the Arabic language. 
It provides Arabic for Non-native Speakers Teaching Programs and various cultural enrichment activities, 
to spread the use of the Arabic language along with the culture itself throughout the world. 
 
 
Publishing Association

A professional association and platform for communication and cooperation between parties (individuals and institutions) 
in the publishing process and caring for the interests of the sector and its elements to promote best practices that advance the publishing sector in the Kingdom, 
contribute to policies and legislation, and increase the level of cultural awareness in general, and of the publishing sector in particular.
 
 
Darah Foundation
  
Also known as the King Abdulaziz Foundation, Darah Foundation is an institution specialized in serving the history, geography, literature and heritage 

of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Arabian Peninsula and the Arab world. It was established in 1972(A.H. 1392).
 
 
King Abdulaziz Library

The King Abdul-Aziz Public Library is a charity founded by King Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud, on 27 March 1985 AD (5 Rajab 1405 AH), 
and opened by him on 27 February 1987 (10 Rajab 1408), to look after matters relating to the book and those who benefit from it.

The Library’s legal architecture was completed with the granting of royal approval on 21 June 1996 AD (4 Safar 1417 AH) to the establishment of a charity 
under the name the King Abdul-Aziz Public Library to provide, organize and facilitate the use of and make available to researchers and scholars the sources of human knowledge. 
The Library is currently a full-fledged cultural and knowledge structure, with modern systems and diverse information containers, 
to facilitate access by researchers and scholars to the treasures of Arab and foreign knowledge. 
The Library provides excellent library and information services and the highest standards for women and children 
through a women's library and a children's library at its headquarters, and similar facilities at its Murabba’ branch, 
as well as a branch of reference services on Kharis Road in Riyadh, and two other branches: 
the King Abdul-Aziz Al Sa’ud Foundation for Islamic Studies and Humanities in Casablanca, Morocco; 
and the King Abdul-Aziz Public Library Branch in Beijing University, People's Republic of China.
 
 
Ministry of Investment

The ongoing transformation of Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030 is unlocking new opportunities in the Kingdom at an unprecedented pace. 
The Ministry of Investment for Saudi Arabia (MISA) is facilitating access to these opportunities by developing a reliable, robust, business-friendly ecosystem, 
working across government to ensure investors and businesses are supported through their investment journey.
 
 
Heritage commission

The Heritage Commission is one of the commissions established under the Cabinet Resolution No. 398 dated 4/2/2020 and is affiliated with the Ministry of Culture. 
It is the government entity responsible for supervising cultural heritage in its four sectors: antiquities, urban heritage, handicrafts, and intangible heritage.
It is responsible for supporting efforts to develop cultural heritage, protect and rehabilitate heritage sites and buildings in a manner that enhances their value and investment potential. 
This includes cities, villages, neighborhoods, heritage buildings, handicrafts, historical landmarks, and intangible heritage.


The Commission aims to raise the level of community interest and awareness of the importance of preserving the national heritage, 
encouraging financing and investment in the heritage sector, licensing heritage activities, and establishing and engaging in partnerships with companies, 
in addition to representing the Kingdom in regional and international bodies, organizations, and forums related to cultural heritage.

 


       
 

Lectures

 


[Seminar] Symposium on Saudi-Korean Relations

Speaker: Abdul Almohsen Al Alshaikh (professor at Darah Foundation), Ahmed Altremie (doctor at Darah Foundation)
- Date/Time: June 26 (Wed) 14:00-15:30
- Venue: Readers Hall 1

Royal visits to South Korea and their cultural and economic effects.
Maritime trade relations between the two countries and their cultural and economic effects.
Joint cultural cooperation between the Kingdom and South Korea. Arabic manuscripts in Korean libraries.

  
 
 
[Seminar] Prospects and Challenges for Saudi-Korean Cultural Exchange Through Creative Content
 
Speaker: Issam Bukhari (CEO of Arabic Manga production company) 
Moderator: Mohammad Alatiq (poet)
- Date/Time: June 26 (Wed) 14:00–15:00
- Venue: Saudi Arabia GoH Stand 

Cultural exchange presents numerous obstacles and steps, which may grow more difficult as the backgrounds of the countries differ.
However, when the medium is creative content, the exchange becomes easier. 
Dr. Issam Bukhari will speak at this symposium about the Saudi-Korean cultural exchange through creative content,
as well as the opportunities and challenges that this exchange presents.
  
 
 
[Seminar] Current Literature in Saudi Arabia

Speaker: Abeer AlAli (novelist), Atheer Alnashmi (novelist), Meshael Abdullah (writer)
Moderator: Mohammad Alatiq (poet)
- Date/Time: June 27 (Thu) 10:30–11:30
- Venue: Readers Hall 2

Three leading authors from different genres of Saudi Arabia has gathered, to share their narratives and biographies. 
  
 
 
[Seminar] The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Geography

Speaker: Ibrahim Sarrhan (Engineer, traveler, photographer)
Moderator: Mohammad Alatiq (Poet)
- Date/Time: June 27 (Thu) 12:00–13:00
- Venue: 
Saudi Arabia GoH Stand 

A literary seminar where the speaker discusses the history and impact of the Kingdom,
as well as the prominent names in literature and arts throughout history, accompanied by a visual presentation.
  
 
 
[Forum] The Reality and Future Prospects of the Arabic & Korean Language

Speaker: Abdul Rahman Ballo (Associate Professor at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies), Baek Hye-won (Lecturer at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies), 
      Jang Hyeon-ja (Institute of Middle East Studies at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies), Mohamed Elaskary (Professor at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies), 
      Mohammed Salem Alshehri (Assistant Professor of Applied Linguistics at King Saud University), Mun Ji-young (Assistant Professor at Myongji University),  
      Yun Eun-kyeong (Professor of Arabic Language at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies)
Moderator: Ali Theeb Ali Alaklabi (Director of Research and Studies at KSGAA)
- Date/Time: June 27 (Thu) 14:00–15:30
- Venue: Readers Hall 1

This forum studies how language contributes to the formation and transmission of cultural values and traditions.
The forum aims to search common features between the Korean and Arabic languages and cultures,
and view historical and contemporary interactions between Arabic and Korean cultures, including trade, travel, cultural exchanges and their impact on the language.
  
 
 
[Seminar] The Arabic Poetry 

Speaker: Abdullah Alkhudair (Poet, Critic)
Moderator: Mohammad Alatiq (Poet)
- Date/Time: June 28 (Fri) 10:30–11:30
- Venue: Readers Hall 2

A seminar about poetry and its significance among Arabs, and why it was celebrated in 2023.
  
 
 
[Seminar] Tarjim Initiative: a Journey to Enrich the Content 

Speaker: Haila Al Khalaf (General Manager of General Directorate of Translation at Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission),
      Kim Jong-do (Chief of Center for Middle East & Islamic Studies at Korea University), 
      Kim Neung-woo (Lecturer at Department of Asian Languages and Civilizations at Seoul National University)
Moderator: Mohammad Alatiq (Poet)
- Date/Time: June 28 (Fri) 14:00–15:30
- Venue: Readers Hall 1

A seminar exploring the translation journey of The Mu'allaqat for the Millennials from Arabic to Korean,
a project initiated by the Saudi Ministry of Culture's Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission in collaboration with the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra),
as part of the 2023 Year of Arabic Poetry.

  
 
 
[Seminar] The Saudi Novel 

Speaker: Abdullah Aloqaibi (Writer, Critic)
Moderator: Mohammad Alatiq (Poet)
- Date/Time: June 29 (Sat) 11:00–12:00
- Venue: Saudi Arabia GoH Stand 

In this topic, we focus on the latest achievements of Saudi novels and their position within the Arab and international novel scene.
  
 
 
[Seminar] The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Role in Teaching Arabic Language in Korea

Speaker: Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Aldayel (Saudi Arabian cultural attaché in Korea)
Moderator: Mohammad Alatiq (Poet)
- Date/Time: June 29 (Sat) 13:00–14:00
- Venue: Saudi Arabia GoH Stand 

A seminar about the leading role played by the Kingdom in teaching the Arabic language and supporting cultural activities through the Saudi embassy and cultural attaché.
    
 
 
[Seminar] The K-pop and Arabic Music 

Speaker: Diya Azzony (Instrumentalist, Composer, Music producer)
Moderator: Mohammad Alatiq (Poet)
- Date/Time: June 30 (Sun) 13:00–14:00
- Venue: Saudi Arabia GoH Stand 

A seminar discussing ways to enhance collaboration and integration between Korean, Arabic, and vocal arts.
 
 


  

Cultural Programs

 


[Exhibition] 
Books of Saudi Arabia


- Date/Time: at all times
- Venue: Saudi Arabia GoH Stand 

Books that represents the Saudi Arabian culture, history, and tradition are displayed inside the GoH stand.
The books are from Tarjim, Darah Foundation, King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language, King Abdulaziz Library, and many more.

 
 
 

[Exhibition] Traditional Culture of Saudi Arabia


- Date/Time: at all times
- Venue: Saudi Arabia GoH Stand 

The GoH stand exhibits Saudi Arabian traditional musical instruments, traditional costumes, and antiques. 

 
 
 
[Exhibition] Short Films of Saudi Arabia


- Date/Time: at all times
- Venue: Saudi Arabia GoH Stand 

Saudi Arabian short films are played throughout the day.

 
 
 
[Cultural Program] Folkloric show of Saudi Arabia


- Date/Time: June 27 (Thu) 10:00–10:10
        June 28 (Fri) 10:00–10:10
        June 29 (Sat) 10:00–10:10
        June 30 (Sun) 10:00–10:10
- Venue: Saudi Arabia GoH Stand 

Traditional performance of Saudi Arabia.

 
 
 
[Cultural Program] Hospitality of Saudi Arabia


- Date/Time: at all times
- Venue: Saudi Arabia GoH Stand 

The GoH stand offers Saudi Arabian coffee, dates, and chocolates for the visitors.

 
 
 
[Cultural Program] Arabic Calligraphy


- Date/Time: at all times
- Venue: Saudi Arabia GoH Stand 

A calligrapher showcases the Arabic calligraphy and writes the visitors’ name upon their request.

 
 
 


  

Events

 

[Launching Ceremony] IthraLaunching of The Mu'allaqat for Millennials

- Date/Time: June 26 (Wed) 12:30-13:00
- Venue: Saudi Arabia GoH Stand 

Based on its endeavor to stimulate creativity and its commitment to the spread of culture, the vision of King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) — an Aramco initiative
continues to boost cultural communication with the world by sponsoring arts, literature, and science. 
Seeking to present to the public some of the best Arabic and world productions, Ithra, in collaboration with MoC (Saudi Arabia Ministry of Culture),
specifically the literature, publishing and translation commission, has proudly produced this book.
It contains a collection of 10 poems called the Muʿallaqāt (Pre-Islamic Arabic Golden Odes) in both the Arabic and Korean languages.
This book is intended to educate new generations about the human, aesthetic, and philosophical values of these ancient poems,
and to share knowledge about their meaning and subject matter, in a manner accessible to modern readers.
This book celebrates the beauty of the Arabic language by focusing on the culture and history of the Arabian Peninsula, and the lives of those who inhabited it over 1500 years ago.

  
 
 
[Launching Ceremony] KSGAA: Arabic Language in Korea Project Launch

Participants: Ali Theeb Ali Alaklabi (Director of Research and Studies at KSGAA), Baek Hye-won (Lecturer at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies), 
       Yun Eun-kyeong (Professor of Arabic Language at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies)
- Date/Time: June 26 (Wed) 13:00-13:30
- Venue: 
Saudi Arabia GoH Stand 

Introducing the Academy's Arabic Language Project in Korea: 
This research project presents a series of scholarly books, including the Arabic language in Korea, guidebooks on Arabic learning and teaching,
selected volumes from the Academy's series 'Arabic Around the Globe,' and the Academy's recent publications.