From tales of historical tribulations to heart-wrenching family sagas, here is a selection of novels set in Korea:
Penned by Cho Se-hui, “The Dwarf” is a powerful narrative that delves deep into the impact of industrialization on the Korean society during the 1970s.
Through a series of interconnected stories, readers meet a cast of characters emblematic of the Korean underclass, with the titular dwarf serving as a symbol of the marginalized individual navigating a rapidly changing world.
This novel intricately explores themes of poverty, human rights, and the struggle for survival during a period of economic upheaval, leaving a poignant image of the personal costs of Korea’s industrialization.
In Kyung-sook Shin’s “Please Look After Mom,” readers are immersed in a contemporary tale that begins with the sudden disappearance of a family matriarch in a Seoul subway station.
As her children and husband confront their guilt and search for her, the novel unfolds into a deep exploration of family ties, maternal sacrifice, and the complexities of modern life against the backdrop of a rapidly urbanizing Korea.
This emotionally charged novel provides a stirring look at the changing dynamics within a traditional Korean family and the unspoken love that often goes unnoticed until it may be too late.
“The Kite Fighters” by Linda Sue Park offers readers a journey through historical Korea, specifically the Seoul of 1473.
Young brothers Young-sup and Kee-sup are caught in the exhilarating yet competitive world of kite fighting, where skill, honor, and familial expectations intersect.
Park’s novel paints a vivid portrait of sibling rivalry and loyalty, and the desire to uphold familial traditions in a time where one’s place in society was of utmost importance.
The rich cultural setting and the boys’ involvement with the young king of Korea bring to life the customs and day-to-day realities of the Joseon Dynasty.
Another remarkable narrative by Linda Sue Park, “When My Name Was Keoko” is a poignant World War II novel set in Korea under Japanese occupation.
The story unfolds through the eyes of brother and sister, Sun-hee and Tae-yul, who are forced to adopt Japanese names and customs.
The novel provides a deeply personal account of the Korean resistance movement and the resilience of the Korean spirit during one of the most trying times in the country’s history, all the while maintaining a tone accessible to younger audiences who seek to understand history through personal narratives.
Pearl S. Buck’s “The Living Reed” stands as a tribute to the lasting endurance and vitality of the Korean people.
This expansive novel charts the lives of four generations of the Kim family, showcasing Korea’s journey from the late 19th century through to the 20th century, touching upon colonialism, war, and eventual liberation.
Buck expertly weaves intimate family stories with the evolving political landscape of Korea, creating a compelling tapestry that demonstrates the country’s indefatigable spirit.
In “Pachinko,” Min Jin Lee offers a sweeping saga that follows four generations of a Korean family, beginning in the early 20th century and moving through the decades following the Korean diaspora to Japan.
Rich with historical detail and emotional depth, “Pachinko” explores themes of identity, survival, and the complexities of immigrant life.
It is a story of love, sacrifice, and resilience set against the harsh backdrop of a society that often discriminates against the Zainichi Koreans.
Catherine Chung’s “Forgotten Country” delves into the difficulties of maintaining cultural identity amidst the pressures of assimilation.
The novel narrates the journey of a family that has migrated from Korea to the United States, and the struggles that come with transitioning between these worlds.
When the protagonist’s sister disappears and her father falls ill, the family is compelled to confront their shared history and the silent intimacies of their bonds.
Set against the diasporic experience, Chung presents a contemplative story about memory, loyalty, and familial love.
Yoko Kawashima Watkins’ autobiographical novel, “So Far from the Bamboo Grove,” is a harrowing narrative of escape and survival.
The author recounts her own experiences as a young Japanese girl living in Korea at the end of World War II, when she and her family must flee from the advancing Korean army.
Watkins provides an invaluable perspective on the human costs of war and the experiences of innocents caught between national conflicts.