The P.E.N. stands respectively for the initial letter of Poets and Playwrights, Editors and Essaysts and Novelists. After the World War I an English female writer Scott insisted that the close ties and mutual understanding among the international writers were important to prevent the recurrence of a tragic war and it was born in 1921 in response to that call. The P.E.N. is a sole international organization of literary writers whose primary purpose is to promote the mutual understanding and good-will among the peoples of the world and it has 62 member nations.

Korea has sent its delegation to the P.E.N. Congress and has been joining in its activities ever since it set up the P.E.N. Korean Center. The main theme of the Seoul Congress is "Humor in Literature East and West" and the event is expected to provide a good opportunity for Korea to bring to the attention of the world literary writers various aspects of the Korean life and the brilliant progress achieved in the Korean economy as well as its proud cultural heritage and literary works.

The Ministry of Communications issues a postage stamp to commemorate this special occasion.