Translated Picture Books in Korea from 1969 to 2012

Abstract

This study aims to explore the characteristics of translated picture books in South Korea and their cultural meanings over a five-decade period. This time can broadly be divided into three periods, being the Settlement Period (pre-1990), the Flourishing Years (1991-2000) and Globalization (post-2001). During the Settlement Period, picture books in South Korea were derived mainly from Japan and America and tended to be informational in nature or based on folk tales. These were translated into Korean to meet the public's curiosity for foreign cultures or for scientific information. The Flourishing Years were characterised by the availability of picture books on a wide variety on themes and forms from all over the world. In this period, the translation of books into Korean focused on a literal rendition of the meanings and sounds of names from the original text. There was also a proliferation of audiotapes, videos and TV programs based on famous picture books. In the current period of Globalization, Korean publishers, who have built confidence through studying foreign picture books over time, have increased efforts to produce their own picture books and export them abroad.