East Meets West: Korean poetry Celebrated in Spain

In a unique cultural exchange, the city of Santiago de Compostela, Spain, has honored Korean poet moon Jung-hee by engraving her work in the city’s “garden of Stone.” This recognition marks a significant moment, as Moon’s poem is the only East Asian work featured in this international collection.

A Garden of Words: The Meaning of Santiago’s Literary Landmark

The Garden of Stone is a collaborative project between Santiago City Hall and the University of Santiago de Compostela (USC). It serves as a symbolic destination along the famed Santiago pilgrimage route. The garden features poems engraved in 18 languages, creating a diverse tapestry of global voices.

The inclusion of Moon Jung-hee’s “Santiago Pilgrimage” adds a new dimension to the garden, bridging Eastern and Western literary traditions. this highlights the growing global interest in Korean literature and culture.

“Santiago Pilgrimage”: A Poem Etched in Stone

Moon Jung-hee’s poem,”Santiago Pilgrimage,” now permanently resides in the garden of Stone. The poem, celebrated for its evocative imagery and themes of journey and self-revelation, was selected for its resonance wiht the spirit of the pilgrimage.

Since its initial engraving in 2023, the Garden of Stone has expanded to include works by Spanish poet Ukio Novonne and Brazilian poet Tenoiru Nelles. A recent event celebrated the unveiling of these three new stones, further enriching the garden’s collection.

Poetry as a Bridge: Moon Jung-hee’s Vision

During the unveiling ceremony, Moon Jung-hee recited her poem in Korean, sharing her hopes for its impact. I look forward to the sound of hating and fighting each other, but I expect a poem to meet the hearts of everyone in the world. Her words underscore the power of poetry to transcend cultural boundaries and foster understanding.

“Poetry can serve as a powerful bridge, connecting people from different backgrounds and cultures through shared emotions and experiences.”
— Dr. Eleanor vance, Professor of Comparative Literature

This sentiment aligns with the broader mission of cultural exchange and understanding that organizations like the Korean Literature Museum actively promote.

The enduring Appeal of the Santiago Pilgrimage

The Santiago pilgrimage,also known as the Camino de Santiago,has drawn travelers for centuries. In recent years, its popularity has surged, with hundreds of thousands of pilgrims walking the various routes each year. according to the Pilgrim’s Office in Santiago, over 300,000 pilgrims completed the journey in 2024 alone.

The Garden of Stone offers a moment of reflection and inspiration for these modern-day pilgrims, adding a literary dimension to their spiritual journey. The inclusion of Moon Jung-hee’s poem ensures that Korean voices are now part of this enduring tradition.