The Pak Kyongni Prize was established by the Toji Cultural Foundation to commemorate the late author Pak Kyongni (1926 - 2008) and to contribute to the development of world literature. The prize is awarded for life-long literary achievements evident in the entire body of works by one author, not just a single title of excellence. Each year a novelist who has made a lasting impact in the global literary scene is chosen as the winner, and the award ceremony takes place at the Toji Cultural Center on the last Saturday of October.

 List of Previous Winners  

2019: Ismail Kadare(Albania)
2018: Richard Ford (USA)
2017: Antonio Susan Byatt(United Kingdom)
2016: Ngũgĩ Wa Thiong'o(Kenya)
2015: Amos Oz(Israel)
2014: Bernhard Schlink(Germany)
2013: Marilynne Robinson(USA)
2012: Ludmila Ulitskaya(Russia)
2011: Choi In-hun (Korea)

 Objectives  

The Pak Kyongni Prize was established by the Toji Cultural Foundation to commemorate Pak Kyongni for the purpose of contributing to the peace of all mankind and promoting global literary exchange. Pak Kyongni embraced both the suffering of the Korean people throughout history and the universal vicissitudes of life, and elevated them into literature. Each year, the prize sets out to honor one novelist whose outstanding achievements remain faithful to the virtue and raison d'être of literature while upholding the spirit of letters. It is hoped that the work of Pak Kyongni will be enriched and succeeded by exuberant and admirable efforts in years to come, thereby restoring the original value of literature and expanding our minds. Thus, the prize aims to overcome the sense of regionality inherent in Korean literature and reach out to the wider world. Ultimately, the purpose of the prize lies in fulfilling Pak Kyongni’s wish to recognize and pacify sorrows around the world, thereby taking a step closer to accomplishing love, peace, and justice for all mankind.