Republic of Korea's rich and ancient culture on display at Sharjah International Book Fair

Visitors to the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) will have a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich and ancient culture of the Republic of Korea and try out traditional Hanbok during the 42nd edition, themed ‘We Speak Books,’ which celebrates the Republic of Korea as the Guest of Honour.

This event will take place between 1st and 12th November at Expo Centre Sharjah. This year, the Republic of Koreans wore traditional Emirati Abaya and Kandura to celebrate Sharjah as the Guest of Honor at the Seoul International Book Fair.

Under the theme of ‘Unlimited Imagination,’ the Republic of Korea's pavilion at SIBF 2023 promises a diverse and culturally rich experience, allowing visitors to explore various facets of Korean history and civilisation. Above the pavilion, shaped like a circular structure extending infinitely to symbolise the boundless imagination found in books, the Guest of Honour agenda includes performing arts, and 20 engaging workshops and sessions led by 25 prominent figures from Korean culture, literature, and the arts scene. The Guest of Honour will also showcase over 200 inspiring art pieces in a series of exhibitions, offering insights into Korean literature, graphic novels, and imaginative portrayals of traditional Korean stories.

Try on Korea's traditional Hanbok

For three days during the 12-day international event, the Korean pavilion will host interactive workshops that provide visitors with the opportunity to learn about local arts and culture. In the “Traditional Korean Fan Decorating and Beautiful Mother-Of-Pearl Craft Programme” workshop, being held on Wednesday the 8th of November from 10:00 to 16:00; and Friday the 10th from 16:00 to 21:00; participants will immerse themselves in traditional arts, learning techniques and colouring traditional patterns onto a fan to craft their masterpiece.

 The Republic of Korea will celebrate its ancient culture through a series of activities, including “Dance on Paper,” part of the Calligraphy Programme titled “Seoye."

In the “Experience the Beauty Of Korea's Traditional Hanbok” activity, on Thursday 9th November, from 10:00 to 16:00, visitors can immerse themselves in the elegance of Korean traditional attire by trying out various types of Hanbok, including everyday wear, ceremonial attire, and royal garments, allowing them to delve into the rich history and culture of the Asian country.

Seoye

The Republic of Korea will celebrate its ancient culture through a series of activities, including “Dance on Paper,” part of the Calligraphy Programme titled “Seoye.” Visitors will experience the dynamic and powerful art of Seoye (Korean traditional calligraphy) as they write their names in Hangeul (Korean alphabet) while watching a powerful performance by Calligrapher Lee Jeong Hwa scribbling with powerful brushstrokes across a vast expanse of paper.

Korean cuisine

The Republic of Korean chefs will showcase Korean cuisine at SIBF's Cookery Corner. Chef Kim Kyeongmin, author of “The Vegetable Table,” will introduce food lovers to mouth-watering Korean vegetarian recipes that anyone can make with readily available ingredients, providing healthy and enjoyable bites.

Traditional Korean desserts will also be on the menu. Kim Joohyun, author of “Korean Dessert Class of Nullicake” and owner of Korean dessert studio Nullicake, will showcase a variety of tastes and shapes influenced by Korea's distinct seasonal changes, offering a perfect balance between rich flavours and nutritional value, rather than simply focusing on sweetness.

WAM