The global rise of Hallyu has introduced international audiences to Korean history, culture, and society while also generating curiosity about them through a wide range of storytelling. Beyond music, films, and dramas, the Korean Wave has also sparked growing interest in Korean literature, allowing both Korean and diaspora writers to share culturally rooted stories with readers around the world.
Popular titles among international readers and language learners include ‘Pachinko’ by Min Jin Lee, ‘Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982′ by Cho Nam-joo, ‘Please Look After Mom’ by Shin Kyung-sook, and ‘I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki’ by Baek Se-hee, among others. These works offer stories and perspectives on a diverse range of topics, including family, identity, social issues, and contemporary Korean life.
If you’re an avid reader looking to explore Korean history, culture, and society through fiction, here are 5 recommendations to add to your reading list!
‘I’ll Be Right There’ by Shin Kyung-Sook
Written by the internationally acclaimed author of ‘Please Look After Mom’, ‘I’ll Be Right There’ follows the story of Jung Yoon, who reflects on her tragic past after receiving a phone call from her ex-boyfriend. Set in 1980s South Korea amid violent student protests, the novel explores friendship, love, political turmoil, and loss through Jung Yoon’s memories of her college friends and her strong bond with her now-dying professor.
Poignant and deeply moving, ‘I’ll Be Right There’ narrates a coming-of-age experience amid the uncertainty of an evolving Korea.
Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop’ by Hwang Bo-reum
If you have ever felt burned out by rigid career paths but are afraid to start over, ‘Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop’ might be the perfect read for you! Written by Hwang Bo-reum, the novel follows Yeongju, who leads a successful life in Seoul, with an established career and a demanding marriage. With an old dream still floating in her mind, Yeongju does the unexpected: she quits her job, divorces her husband, and moves to a quiet neighbourhood outside Seoul, opening the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop.
Starting over is never easy, but this titular bookshop evolves into a warm, welcoming haven not just for Yeongju, but also for those with forgotten dreams, reminding them that it’s never too late to begin again.
‘The Silence of Bones’ by June Hur
Contemporary and historical fiction are some of the reigning genres of Korean literature. But with ‘The Silence of Bones’, fans of historical fiction and murder mysteries can delve deeper into the Korean world.
Taking place in 1800s Korea, then known as Joseon, ‘The Silence of Bones’ follows Seol, a young girl living under a curse bestowed upon her. Contracted to work for the police bureau, she is tasked with working alongside an inspector to uncover the mysterious murder of a noblewoman. Seol forges an unlikely friendship with the inspector. But when evidence points towards him, making him a prime suspect, Seol might be the only one who can uncover what happened on the night of the noblewoman’s murder.
During a time when silence and obedience are valued above all else, especially from an orphaned young woman, Seol must risk everything to discover the truth, even if it is deadly.
Written by Korean-Canadian author June Hur, ‘The Silence of Bones’ is a gripping historical mystery novel representing Korean diaspora writers in the literary world.
‘Dallergut Dream Department Store’ by Lee Miye
Her debut novel, published in 2020 through crowdfunding, Lee Miye crafts a cosy, magical fantasy set in a subconscious town where people go to shop for dreams while sleeping. The novel follows Penny, a new hire at the titular department store, as she learns the value of dreams under the guidance of the enigmatic store owner, Dallergut. From everyday memories to heartfelt healing, the dreams act as therapy for customers, helping them process trauma, find closure, and gain courage in their daily lives. Thus, the core themes of this novel are healing and escapism.
For fans of ‘Before the Coffee Gets Cold’ by Toshikazu Kawaguchi, ‘Dallergut Dream Department Store’ is a great addition to your Korea-inspired reading list!
‘The Island of Sea Women’ by Lisa See
Not just Korean writers, but historical fiction written by foreign authors has also garnered massive attention for its extensive research into Korean history, culture, and lifestyle.
Taking place on the island of Jeju in Korea, ‘The Island of Sea Women’ follows the tale of two women, Mi-ja and Young-sook, who hail from different backgrounds but bond over their shared work. Part of an all-women diving crew, the novel explores a role reversal where women are the breadwinners, taking part in dangerous activities while the men take care of the children. Spanning from Japanese colonial rule in the 1930s to the modern era, ‘The Island of Sea Women’ delves into the friendship between Mi-ja and Young-sook, where circumstances outside their control push their friendship to the breaking point.
American novelist Lisa See travelled to Jeju, conducted extensive research, and interviewed several haenyeo 해녀 (haenyos; women divers) to ensure authenticity in the book. ‘The Island of Sea Women’ is an example of how Korea continues to inspire non-Korean writers to draw from its rich history and promote Korea through storytelling.
Thus, literature by both Korean and diaspora writers offers a glimpse of Korea beyond media and entertainment. From contemporary fiction to historical murder mysteries, authors continue to experiment with several genres while drawing from Korean history and cultural influences.
For readers hoping to explore Korea beyond ‘Pachinko’, these novels are a great place to begin!
Written by: Deborah Sridhar
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