South Korean literary translator finds cultural connections in Dunhuang

For Shim Kyu-ho, a Korean scholar and translator, the Silk Road has always been a bridge for literature, philosophy, and artistic expression across cultures.

An honorary professor at Jeju International University in South Korea, Shim has translated more than 70 volumes of books on Chinese literature and culture into Korean over the years, hoping to introduce more Korean readers to China's literary heritage. "Words are like bridges, helping people who speak different languages understand one another," he said, reflecting on his decades of translation work.

His latest visit to Dunhuang, Gansu province, offered him a deeper understanding of the ancient route's cultural significance. At the Dunhuang Bookstore, he said he was struck by how the city's heritage connects the past with the present.

For Shim, translating literature is much like the journeys of ancient travelers who carried books and manuscripts along the Silk Road. Both involve crossing linguistic and cultural boundaries to connect people.

He believes that cultural exchanges ultimately rely on communication and dialogue, and can lead to greater harmony and peace. "I believe these are exactly what we should reflect on today," Shim said.