Book Talk Concert Held to Celebrate the Publication of Africa Through Stories ? South Africa Edition (2025)

On Saturday, 13 December, the Korea-Africa Foundation successfully hosted a Book Talk Concert to celebrate the publication of Africa Through Stories ? South Africa Edition at S-Factory D Building, Seongsu-dong, Seoul.

The event was held as part of Africa Week 2025, organized by the Foundation on the same day, to commemorate the G20 Summit held in the Republic of South Africa earlier this year and to promote public awareness and understanding of Africa.

During the book talk concert, the purpose and structure of the Africa Through Stories series, as well as the significance of the newly revised South Africa edition, were introduced. Kim Su-won, Professor at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, participated as the guest speaker and engaged in an insightful and interactive discussion with the audience on key issues and episodes related to South Africa.

In particular, the revised edition has been comprehensively reorganized and updated by thematic areas?including geography and climate, history, politics, economy and industry, society and culture, and Korea?South Africa relations?enhancing both readability and the timeliness of information. Drawing on the book’s main themes, the speaker led the discussion on topics such as ▲ South Africa’s national parks, ▲ sports diplomacy as a symbol of reconciliation and forgiveness, ▲ South Africa’s regional leadership and the significance of hosting the G20 Summit, and ▲ colonial economic legacies and issues of inequality, offering a multidimensional understanding of the country.

Following the discussion, a Q&A session was held, along with a book signing and the distribution of commemorative gifts. University students and members of the general public with an interest in Africa and global affairs actively participated, adding to the vibrancy of the event.

The Korea-Africa Foundation will continue to introduce Africa to the public in a more accessible and engaging manner through the Africa Through Stories series, and will further expand cultural and outreach initiatives aimed at fostering mutual understanding between Korea and Africa.