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particular, literature, the very foundation of culture,
co-existing with humanity since the dawn of civilization,
has established itself not only as the most critical indicator
of what the human beings have felt and thought while going
through the ups and downs of history, but also as the
most sensitive apparatus by which human beings have examined
themselves and viewed the world. Literature, which is
indeed the most creative form of spiritual culture shared
by all human beings of the world, has also moved beyond
the limits of classical definitions to influence related
art forms, such as film, drama, music, and the fine arts.
It thus has secured its status as an art form of immensely
higher value, capable of multiple cultural effects.
For
these reasons, the Daesan Foundation has been making
every effort to foster various literary activities in
and outside Korea and to invigorate the literary mind
that our age demands, thereby promoting the new cultural
vision that goes hand in hand with the spirit of our
times. It also has been endeavoring to link a vast diversity
of literary aspirations in our increasingly pluralistic
society, and to promote the globalization of Korean
culture.
To
realize its dream, the Daesan Foundation has established
various grants in addition to awarding the Daesan Literary
Awards, which together constitute the most prestigious
literary prizes at present offered in Korea. These include
grants to Korean writers for the promotion of their
creative endeavors; grants for the translation of Korean
literature to make it widely known worldwide; grants
for the translation of world classics to promote better
understanding of world literature; research grants for
Korean Studies abroad to develop Korean Studies and
promote better understanding of Korean culture; international
literary exchanges to broaden our perspective in world
literature; the Daesan Literary Awards for Young Writers
to encourage fresh talent capable of assuming future
leadership in the field of Korean literature; The National
Youth Drama Festival to help young people develop their
creativity and secure their understanding of the perfoming
arts. The Daesan Foundation has also undertaken special
events and various activities to foster the promotion
and development of literature and culture.
As
a cultural foundation established in the public interest
to foster and globalize Korean literature and to further
international cultural exchanges, the Daesan Foundation
is firmly committed to contributing to a better society
through a variety of cultural activities in cooperation
with all those who love literature. In the new millennium,
the Daesan Foundation will augment its efforts to promote
the appreciation of culture in an open society.
As
in the past, we look forward to your continued support
and encouragement.
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