World-acclaimed poet Ko Un has been appointed an honorary fellow at Ca’Foscari University of Venice, the Italian university announced on Thursday.

The school, founded in 1868, has been offering courses in Korean studies since 1997, and launched the King Sejong Institute ― Korea’s state-run language institute operating overseas ― on campus last year.

The Buddhist monk-turned-poet is the third person to be appointed an honorary fellow for the university, and the first Asian to receive the honor. The school’s honorary fellows also include Irina Bokova, the director-general of UNESCO. 

Ko, 79, has been enjoying popularity in Italy after his collection of poems “Flowers of a Moment” was translated and published in the country in 2011. Professor Vincenza D’urso, who teaches Korean studies at the university, translated Ko’s works into Italian.

“We are delighted to present this honor to poet Ko Un, whose works are well received by the international reading public,” said Carlo Carraro, the rector of the university. “His message of peace is especially meaningful at this period in time, as tension is rising on the Korean Peninsula.”

Ko has been staying in Venice since last month, and will be teaching at the university’s East Asian studies department until July. He is also scheduled to give readings on a number of occasions in Europe and South Africa.

By Claire Lee (dyc@heraldcorp.com)