If you find yourself immersed in a world of all things Korean, then this article is for you! From dramas and films to food and fashion, there is hardly any aspect that the Korean wave hasn’t touched. This has also increased curiosity among global fans about the country’s traditions and modern life. One way to know them better is through reading, and if you are a bookworm like me who enjoys returning to the comforts of flipping pages once in a while, then here are some of the most popular Korean books available in English translation that you might enjoy.
Korean literature has an unfathomable library of great contemporary and classic titles that break the mould of commonly known genres. Depicting the life, culture and tradition of South Korea, these books offer a new perspective on everyday subjects that can jolt readers.
Those looking for contemporary Korean romance can try Love in the Big City by Sang Young-park. It gives a vivid description of Seoul, the changing times in the city and how a gay man finds love while facing hardships amid the urban hullabaloo. On the other hand, someone looking for a suspenseful read might find The Plotters by Kim Un-su engaging. It is about raising a boy to be an assassin in a forgotten Seoul library. Meanwhile, for those who fancy a rather hard-hitting fiction story that is close to reality, Han Kang is one of the go-to Korean authors. Whether seeing two people with their own challenges getting drawn to each other in Greek Lessons or delving into the complications of South Korea’s family dynamics in The Vegetarian, there is something for all types of readers.
So, if you are still living in your Hallyu era, here is some popular Korean literature that will serve as a good pastime, helping you reduce screen time.
Add these popular Korean books available in English to your must-read list
Jump To / Table of Contents
- Love in the Big City by Sang Young-park
- The Plotters by Kim Un-su
- My Brilliant Life by Kim Ae-ran
- The Vegetarian by Han Kang
- Shoko’s Smile' by Choi Eunyoung
- Violets by Kyung Shin Kyung-sin
- Greek Lessons by Han Kang
- Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-reum
- Walking Practice by Dolki Min
- On the Origin of Species and Other Stories by Kim Bo-young
- The Cabinet by Kim Un-su
- XOXO by Axie Oh
Synopsis: The book presents two perspectives of the present-day capital city of South Korea — the glittering nightlife of Seoul and the bleary, mundane morning after. Divided into four sessions, it follows Young, a cynical yet fun-loving student whose daily routine involves attending classes and going out with Tinder dates. His roommate and female best friend Jaehee frequent bars to drive away woes about family, love life and finances. However, when Jaehee also leaves Young to settle down in life, this lonely millennial is left to care for his mother and find solace in relationships with other men.
Why it is read-worthy: This Sang Young-park story is translated into English by Anton Hur who has translated several noted Korean literature. Hur maintains Sang’s humour while bringing out the dichotomy of the city brilliantly. This story was longlisted for the International Booker Prize 2022.
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Synopsis: Reseng is a skilled assassin raised by an anonymous mastermind, a Plotter dubbed Old Raccoon, in an old library. These Plotters make the laws of the city’s underworld activities, but their existence has always been shrouded in mystery. Though Reseng has never questioned his master about the killings, one day, when he steps out of his regular plan of action, it disturbs a web of plans. When Reseng discovers a diabolic scheme by three women, he must decide if he will remain a pawn or finally take control of the situation.
Why it is read-worthy: Although labelled as a dark thriller story, The Plotters incorporates elements of history and real-world political events that shaped the course of South and North Korea. From themes of South Korea being under martial law to the times when democracy was introduced, this story subtly weaves in these aspects.
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Synopsis: Suffering from an accelerated ageing disease, Aereum has one wish that he wants to fulfil as his 17th birthday approaches — he wants to present his parents with the story of how they met, romanced and started such a lovely family. However, the young teenager is constantly in and out of hospital due to failing health and has very little time to live.
Why it is read-worthy: This sad heartfelt book has been adapted into a beautiful Korean movie of the same name directed by EJ Young.
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Synopsis: Yeong-hye and her husband lived a simple contented life until she started experiencing nightmares of blood-drenched images. Such were their extremities that they drove her to purge her mind and turn strictly vegetarian. However, Yeong-hye’s firm decision started impacting her married life and gave rise to a series of gross events at home. As things started spiralling out, it began going against prevalent societal norms but Yeong-hye continued to defend her sacred choice.
Why it is read-worthy: A prolific name in Korean literature, Han Kang won the International Booker Prize for this book in 2016.
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Synopsis: This short story collection by one of the most popular South Korean authors of recent times delves into poignant female relationships. It paints the lives of young Korean women and how the personal and political spheres are balanced. For instance, in one story titled A Song From Afar, a young woman grapples with the death of her lover as she travels to Russia to get more information about the deceased.
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Synopsis: San is a young girl in 1970 Seoul. The story opens with an account of San’s early life in the countryside where her mother regrets her choices and her mother-in-law regrets having San’s mother as her daughter-in-law. San meets another girl called Namae, and they become good friends. However, things change following an episode of intimacy, and they never see each other. Twenty years later, with Namae now long lost, San is living a lonely and isolated life in the South Korean capital. As a series of eclectic characters enter the scene, San’s moment with Namae remains etched in her memory.
Why it is read-worthy: Violets presents a detailed account of urban loneliness and isolation in modern-day South Korea. It also weaves in themes of subjugation that women face, desire and the changes brought about at the beginning of the new century.
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Synopsis: A story of attachment among odds, Greek Lessons speaks of two ordinary women dealing with their own set of challenges. One is a silent woman who has lost her mother and the custody of her young son in a short span. On the other hand is her Greek language teacher, a man with degrading eyesight. They find solace in each other as their pains bring them closer, taking them from darkness to light.
Why it is read-worthy: If you fancy a gripping story about relatable characters and issues that plague present-day society, this book fits perfectly. In terms of literary prowess, this is a striking read as well. While the woman’s story flows in the third person, the man shares his account in the first person, showing how she feels disconnected from herself only to be able to express herself again to him.
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Synopsis: Lee Yeongju finds herself completely exhausted and burnt out in a demanding marriage, high-flying career and busy urban life. In a leap of faith, she quits them all and embarks on a new life ahead. Yeongju moves to a quaint residential area and opens a bookstore called the Hyunam-dong Bookshop. Gradually, the store grows and begins attracting a band of regulars. The proud owner realises her independence as the readers’ community grows circling her shop. From hosting book club events to interviewing authors, she finally has it all that she ever wanted.
Why it is read-worthy: A warm, cosy read, this beautiful Korean book translated into English speaks about the need to keep your passion and spark alive. The true-to-life characters and Lee Yeongju’s journey from being a wife to a successful entrepreneur is a fantastic arc.
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Synopsis: A shapeshifting alien is left to fend for itself after its spacecraft crashes into the Earth. Hunting for food becomes rather interesting as it discovers humans to be quite a tasty snack. The intelligent and clever extra-terrestrial creature uses different tools and tactics (such as using dating apps and changing its sex) to find its prey. However, the alien’s existence begins to unravel one night when it fails to kill its latest meal. What follows is a physiological and psychological struggle as it tries to sustain itself.
Why it is read-worthy: This Korean book blends elements of horror, science fiction and satire into a radical piece of literature. It marks the author’s debut novel and explores the nuances of what it means to be a fish out of water.
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Synopsis: Sci-fi essays and short stories by the acclaimed writer merge motifs of history, mythical legends, climate change, rapid evolution as well as a distant future where robots in academia learn about organic biology. It rounds off the edges while marrying technological science with fiction and presents an assortment of deeply intriguing reads.
Why it is read-worthy: This is the debut English-language collection of one of the most distinctive and accomplished sci-fi Korean authors. It was longlisted for the 2021 National Book Award.
Read more: 8 must-watch sci-fi anime series for futuristic enthusiasts
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The Cabinet by Kim Un-su
Synopsis: At a glance, cabinet 13 is like any other filing cabinet with a large number of documents. But to its caretaker and the book’s protagonist Mr Kong, it is a world full of strange people, called the symptomers, who seem to be too odd to exist. From a man with a gingko tree growing out of his finger to those who can live on glass, steel or gasoline, they define the saying ‘reality is stranger than fiction’. While most parts of the book give accounts of the symptomers, the book also presents readers with a glimpse of Mr Kong’s life.
Why it is read-worthy: A fantasy book, The Cabinet is the winner of the 2006 Munhakdongne Novel Award, the most prestigious literary prize in South Korea.
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XOXO by Axie Oh
Synopsis: Cello genius Jenny comes across a mysterious handsome boy named Jaewoo, whom she cannot help but fall in love with in Los Angeles. However, he must return to Korea, leaving her languishing. When Jenny relocates to South Korea to take care of her ailing grandmother, she runs into him at an elite music school. Turns out, Jaewoo is an acclaimed K-pop idol who is forbidden from dating anybody because of his career. But will Jenny risk it all to be with him?
Why it is read-worthy: A cute romantic story about modern-day South Korea, XOXO is quite an addictive read from the first chapter. A confluence of art, entertainment and music, it seems to be pressing the pulse of young Korean readers.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-What is the most famous Korean book?
Some of the most famous Korean books are The Vegetarian, The Plotter, The Cabinet, Love in the Big City and The Last Exiles.
-Who is the most famous writer in South Korea?
Some of the most famous South Korean writers are Han Kang, Shin Kyung-sook, Seo Jeong-un and Kim Un-su.
-What is the famous literature in Korea?
Korean literature has spread its influence all over the world. From noted novels being adapted into films like My Brilliant Life to several manga stories being adapted into K-dramas, people have been taking to Korean stories. Some popular books from the country include The Vegetarian, The Cabinet and Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop.
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Trinetra is an ardent foodie and bibliophile who writes about films, travel, food and lifestyle. As a writer and literature student, slam poetry and storytelling are her go to jam. When not working, Trinetra is busy looking for her next place to visit or binge-watching Instagram videos for travel inspiration.
