A contribution to the spread of K-literature

The mutual respect and cultural exchange that began with Gómez Carrillo continue to shape the diplomatic and cultural ties between Guatemala and Korea, promising many more years of shared achievements in literature and beyond.

Sara A. Solís-CastañedaThe author is Ambassador of Guatemala in Korea. On the 62nd anniversary of diplomatic relations between Guatemala and the Republic of Korea (1962-2024), it is important to highlight a lesser-known facet of this relationship: Guatemala’s role in introducing Korean literature to Latin America. This was achieved even before the Republic of Korea was officially established, thanks to Guatemalan writer and diplomat Enrique Gómez Carrillo. In 1906, he translated and interpreted the Korean legend of Chunhyang, based on the work “Printemps Parfumé (Perfumed Spring),” which was originally in French. His translation was one of the earliest efforts to present Korean culture to Spanish-speaking readers, showcasing the richness of Korean literature to a Latin American audience.

Enrique Gómez Carrillo (1873-1927), known as “The Prince of Chroniclers,” was a Guatemalan writer and diplomat who left a lasting legacy with his extensive body of work, which includes over 40 books. During his travels aboard the steamship Sydney in 1906, Gómez Carrillo discovered “Printemps Parfumé” in the ship’s library. The story of Chunhyang, a key figure in Korean folklore, deeply fascinated him. He soon set out to translate and share this tale with the Spanish-speaking world through his travel chronicles.

His modernist perspective allowed him to present Korea as an exotic and culturally rich land, captivating readers in Latin America and Spain. By bringing the Korean narrative into the context of Spanish literature, Gómez Carrillo became one of the earliest contributors to the dissemination of Korean culture in the West. His work enabled Spanish speakers to encounter a piece of Korea’s literary tradition, a connection that has evolved over time.

Guatemala’s contributions to global literature extend far beyond Gómez Carrillo. The country is home to internationally renowned writers, including Miguel Ángel Asturias, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1967. Asturias’ works, which fuse mythology, history and politics, left a profound mark on world literature. This year marks the 125th anniversary of his birth and the 50th anniversary of his death, making it a fitting time to honor his legacy alongside that of Gómez Carrillo.

Guatemala has also hosted numerous international book fairs where South Korea has been a featured guest. These events not only deepen the cultural relationship between the two countries but also showcase the richness of Korean literature to Guatemalan readers. Through such exchanges, the strong cultural and diplomatic ties between Guatemala and Korea continue to flourish.

The 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature awarded to Korean writer Han Kang represents a new chapter in the literary connection between Guatemala and Korea. Han Kang’s profound storytelling and exploration of the human condition have captivated global audiences, much like Gómez Carrillo’s work did in his time. Her recognition on the world stage underscores the growing global appreciation for Korean literature, which Gómez Carrillo first introduced to the Latin American world over a century ago.

Gómez Carrillo’s efforts laid the foundation for the cultural exchange that continues today. Han Kang’s recent success further strengthens the literary and cultural links between Korea and the Spanish-speaking world, symbolizing the enduring power of literature to bridge geographical and cultural divides.

The cultural connection between Guatemala and Korea, initiated through literature, serves as a powerful symbol of the strong ties between the two countries. Literature has played a key role in shaping these ties, from Gómez Carrillo’s pioneering translations to contemporary exchanges through international book fairs. Cultural diplomacy remains a cornerstone of the relationship between Guatemala and Korea, fostering mutual understanding and appreciation.

The large Korean community in Guatemala has also contributed to the strength of this relationship. Korean culture, including its food, art and literature, is well-known throughout the country, enriching the cultural landscape of Guatemala. The vibrant exchange of ideas and traditions continues to deepen the bond between the two nations, further building on the foundation that Gómez Carrillo established over a century ago.

As we commemorate 62 years of diplomatic relations between Guatemala and Korea on Oct. 24, it is important to reflect on the contributions of Enrique Gómez Carrillo and his role in bringing Korean culture to Latin America. His translation of “Printemps Parfumé” was not just a literary achievement, but an act of cultural diplomacy that created a lasting bond between two nations.

Today, as Korean literature garners international recognition and Guatemala celebrates its own literary giants like Miguel Ángel Asturias, the relationship between these two countries is stronger than ever. The mutual respect and cultural exchange that began with Gómez Carrillo continue to shape the diplomatic and cultural ties between Guatemala and Korea, promising many more years of shared achievements in literature and beyond.