By Song Baleun and Kim Hwaya

The Göteborg Book Fair of Sweden has named Korea its guest of honor this year to mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Korea and Sweden.

The Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced that exhibitions, seminars and cultural events will highlight Korean literary works at the fair, which runs from Sept. 26-29.

This year's fair will present the three themes of "South Korea, Guest of Honor," "Gender Equality" and "Media and Information Literacy." A combined 131 books from Korea will be featured under the guest of honor's special theme "Human and Humanity."

Nine leading Korean novelists and poets such as Hyun Ki-young and Han Kang will hold Q&As with Swedish authors, critics and journalists at a literature seminar.

In addition, five Korean films based on novels including "Burning" by director Lee Chang-dong and "The Handmaiden" by Park Chan-wook will also be screened at the theater Bio Roy in Göteborg. The Show Kitchen Program, a cultural event on Korean food, will also be held.

A ministry source said, "Through this event that commemorates bilateral ties, we expect both countries to develop mutually beneficial relations through laying the cornerstone for friendly cooperation between both sides and paving the way for new exchanges in publications," adding, "We also hope that this book fair serves as a good opportunity for the works of Korean authors to advance into the Northern European market."

Launched in 1985, the Göteborg Book Fair is the biggest cultural event in Scandinavia and the second-largest event of its kind in Europe after the Frankfurt Book Fair of Germany. About 800 companies from 40 countries and 85,000 visitors are expected to attend this year's event in the Swedish city.

brightsong@korea.kr