The literary landscape of South Korea has blossomed in recent years, captivating global readers with its poignant narratives and profound insights into the human condition. Among the myriad of talented Korean authors, a select few have emerged as true masters of their craft, captivating audiences with their evocative prose and thought-provoking ideas. Their works have transcended cultural boundaries, earning critical acclaim and resonating deeply with readers worldwide.
To honor their legacy and introduce their extraordinary talents to a wider audience, we have curated a list of the best books by Korean authors. This carefully selected collection showcases the diversity and brilliance of Korean literature, encompassing genres ranging from historical fiction to literary thrillers and philosophical explorations. From the sprawling historical tapestry of Pachinko to the haunting psychological drama of The Vegetarian, and the unflinching examination of human suffering in Human Acts, these books offer immersive experiences that will challenge your perspectives, provoke your emotions, and stay with you long after you turn the final page. Dive into these literary gems and discover the captivating world of Korean literature, where imagination, empathy, and the search for meaning intertwine.
| Book | Author | Published | Rate (goodreads) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Pachinko | Min Jin Lee | 2017 by Grand Central Publishing | 504K + ( 4.33) |
| 2. The Vegetarian | Han Kang | 2016 by Hogarth | 177K + ( 3.58) |
| 3. Human Acts | Han Kang | 2017 by Hogarth | 34K + ( 4.22) |
| 4. The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly | Sun-mi Hwang | 2013 by Penguin Books | 19K + ( 3.99) |
| 5. Cursed Bunny | Bora Chung | 2021 by Honford Star | 29K + ( 3.78) |
| 6. Love in the Big City | Sang Young Park | 2021 by Grove Press | 12K + ( 3.65) |
| 7. At Dusk | Hwang Sok-yong | 2018 by Scribe Publications | 2K + ( 3.69) |
1. Pachinko
Discover the profound social impact of Korean literature through captivating reads like this one.
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AuthorMin Jin Lee | |
PublisherGrand Central Publishing | Published07-02-2017 |
Page496 | Rate 504K + ( 4.33) |
- Fiction
- Audiobook
- Historical Fiction
- Historical
- Literary Fiction
Pachinko, a masterpiece by Korean author Min Jin Lee, is a captivating historical novel that spans four generations of a Korean family in Japan. First published in 2017, Pachinko has garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards, including the 2017 National Book Award for Fiction. The novel delves into the complexities of Korean-Japanese relations, immigration, and identity.
Lee's evocative prose immerses readers in the lives of the resilient Hoonie family, as they navigate the challenges of living in a foreign land while preserving their cultural heritage. From the bustling streets of colonial Korea to the pachinko parlors of postwar Japan, Pachinko paints a vivid portrait of the human spirit's indomitable will to survive and thrive. Lee's poignant storytelling and nuanced characters explore themes of love, loss, sacrifice, and cultural identity, making Pachinko a must-read for anyone interested in the rich tapestry of Korean literature and the enduring power of the human spirit. As one reader eloquently put it, "Pachinko is a timeless story about the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity, a powerful reminder of the importance of family and cultural heritage."
2. The Vegetarian
Discover the profound and unsettling world of Korean literature with the best books by Korean authors.
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Author Han Kang | |
Publisher Hogarth | Published 02-02-2016 |
Page 188 | Rate
177K + ( 3.58) |
- Fiction
- Contemporary
- Horror
- Audiobook
- Literary Fiction
The Vegetarian, a haunting and provocative novel by Korean author Han Kang, first published in 2007, has garnered critical acclaim for its exploration of female identity, societal expectations, and the boundaries of the human body. Translated into over twenty languages, The Vegetarian has won numerous awards, including the 2016 Man Booker International Prize.
Kang's mesmerizing prose delves into the psyche of Yeong-hye, a young woman whose decision to renounce meat sends shockwaves through her family and conservative Korean society. As Yeong-hye's vegetarianism manifests in increasingly extreme and disturbing forms, her body becomes a site of both rebellion and self-destruction. The Vegetarian is a powerful and unsettling novel that challenges readers to confront their own assumptions about gender, identity, and the limits of human nature. As one reviewer noted, "The Vegetarian is a disturbing and unforgettable novel that explores the dark recesses of the human psyche. Kang's writing is both beautiful and brutal, and her characters are unforgettable."
3. Human Acts
Discover the haunting and acclaimed historical fiction novel by a renowned Korean author.
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Author Han Kang | |
Publisher Hogarth | Published 17-01-2017 |
Page 218 | Rate
34K + ( 4.22) |
- Fiction
- Contemporary
- Historical Fiction
- Historical
- Literary Fiction
Human Acts, a poignant and unflinching novel by Han Kang, first published in 2014, is a powerful exploration of the human cost of political violence and oppression. Set against the backdrop of the Gwangju Uprising in South Korea, Human Acts weaves together the stories of victims, survivors, and perpetrators, creating a haunting and unforgettable portrait of a nation's struggle for democracy.
Kang's novel begins with a chilling description of the aftermath of the massacre, as bodies are piled up in boxes, awaiting identification. From there, Human Acts unfolds in a series of interconnected chapters, each told from the perspective of a different character. We meet Dong-ho, a young boy killed in the uprising; his best friend, who witnesses his death; a factory worker haunted by memories of torture; and Dong-ho's mother, who searches for meaning in her son's sacrifice. Through these diverse voices, Kang paints a vivid and unflinching portrait of the human toll of political violence, exploring themes of grief, loss, and the search for redemption. As one reviewer noted, "Human Acts is a masterpiece of historical fiction, a powerful and moving account of the Gwangju Uprising and its aftermath. Kang's writing is both beautiful and heart-wrenching, and her characters are unforgettable."
4. The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly
Best Korean literature: this inspiring story about dreams and determination will touch your heart
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Author Sun-mi Hwang | |
Publisher Penguin Books | Published 26-11-2013 |
Page 134 | Rate
19K + ( 3.99) |
- Fiction
- Contemporary
- Childrens
The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly, a charming and heartwarming children's novel by Korean author Sun-mi Hwang, first published in 2000, has captivated readers of all ages with its timeless message of hope and freedom. Translated into over 12 languages, The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly tells the story of Sprout, a young hen who dreams of hatching her own egg.
In a world where hens are expected to lay eggs on command, Sprout's dream sets her apart. Despite the challenges she faces, Sprout is determined to break free from tradition and embrace her individuality. Along the way, she encounters a diverse cast of animal characters, including a wise old duck, a loyal rooster, and a cunning weasel. Through their interactions, The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly explores themes of motherhood, friendship, and the power of dreams. As one reviewer noted, "The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly is a delightful and inspiring tale that will resonate with readers of all ages. Sun-mi Hwang's writing is both whimsical and profound, and her characters are unforgettable."
5. Cursed Bunny
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Author Bora Chung | |
Publisher Honford Star | Published 15-07-2021 |
Page 251 | Rate
29K + ( 3.78) |
- Fiction
- Science Fiction
- Fantasy
In today's fast-paced world, where we often get lost in our pursuit of success and material wealth, Cursed Bunny, a haunting and provocative collection of short stories by Korean author Bora Chung, serves as a timely reminder of the importance of staying grounded and connected to our humanity.
Chung's stories explore the dark underbelly of modern society, exposing the cruelties and injustices that lurk beneath the surface of our seemingly civilized world. Through elements of the fantastic and surreal, Cursed Bunny delves into themes of female oppression, violence, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. Chung's prose is both beautiful and brutal, and her characters are unforgettable, their struggles resonating with readers on a deeply emotional level. As one reviewer noted, "Cursed Bunny is a powerful and disturbing collection of stories that will stay with you long after you finish reading them. Bora Chung is a master of her craft, and her writing is both haunting and thought-provoking."
6. Love in the Big City
Explore the complexities of human nature with the best books by Korean authors
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Author Sang Young Park | |
Publisher Grove Press | Published 16-11-2021 |
Page 240 | Rate
12K + ( 3.65) |
- Fiction
- Contemporary
- Literary Fiction
- Romance
"Love in the Big City" by Anton Hur and Sang Young Park is a captivating and poignant exploration of love, loneliness, and the complexities of queer life in modern-day Seoul. First published in 2014 and translated into English in 2023, this award-winning novel has become a runaway bestseller, capturing the hearts of readers worldwide. Recognized as one of the "Best books by korean authors," it offers a unique and unforgettable reading experience.
As Young, a cynical yet fun-loving Korean student, navigates the vibrant nightlife and intimate moments of Seoul, he encounters a kaleidoscope of relationships. From the enigmatic and aloof Taeho to the gentle and supportive Junsu, each man shapes Young's understanding of love, desire, and his own identity. Through Young's raw and honest narrative, Park delves into the joys and struggles of queer life, the resilience of friendship, and the search for meaningful connection in a rapidly changing world. "Love in the Big City" is a captivating and deeply moving novel that will resonate with anyone who has ever grappled with the complexities of love and belonging.
7. At Dusk
A standout work from 1997 among the best books by Korean authors
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Author Hwang Sok-yong | |
Publisher Scribe Publications | Published 01-01-2018 |
Page 192 | Rate
2K + ( 3.69) |
- Fiction
- Contemporary
- Historical Fiction
- Literary Fiction
- Novels
This is a book that everyone should read at least once in their lifetime! "At Dusk" by Hwang Sok-yong, one of Korea's most renowned and respected authors, is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that explores the complexities of life, ambition, and the passage of time. First published in Korean in 2015 and translated into English in 2018, "At Dusk" has garnered critical acclaim and recognition as one of the "Best books by korean authors."
In "At Dusk" Hwang Sok-yong weaves a captivating tale of Park Minwoo, a successful architect who, in the twilight of his life, begins to question the choices he has made and the sacrifices he has endured. As he reflects on his past, Minwoo's memories intertwine with the story of Jung Woohee, a young playwright struggling to make her dreams a reality in a rapidly changing society. Through these parallel narratives, Hwang explores the themes of ambition, success, and the inevitable passage of time. "At Dusk" is a powerful and moving novel that will resonate with readers of all ages, offering a profound meditation on the meaning of life and the choices we make along the way.
8. Untold Night and Day
Discover the captivating world of Korean literature with this captivating novel that explores hidden emotions and secrets.
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AuthorBae Suah | |
PublisherThe Overlook Press | Published05-05-2020 |
Page160 | Rate 5K + ( 3.49) |
- Fiction
- Contemporary
- Literary Fiction
- Magical Realism
- Asia
Set in the vibrant tapestry of Seoul's nightlife, "Untold Night and Day" by Bae Suah is a captivating and disorienting novel that explores the fragile line between dreams and reality. First published in Korean in 2018 and translated into English in 2023 by the renowned Deborah Smith, "Untold Night and Day" is a groundbreaking work that has earned its place among the "Best books by korean authors."
In "Untold Night and Day" Bae Suah weaves a haunting and hypnotic tale through the eyes of Ayami, a young woman navigating the streets of Seoul on a sweltering summer night and day. As Ayami's paths intertwine with a cast of enigmatic characters, including her former boss and a mysterious German poet, the boundaries of reality begin to blur. The novel delves into themes of art, love, food, and the elusive nature of identity, as Ayami's encounters become increasingly surreal and disorienting. "Untold Night and Day" is a seductive and thought-provoking novel that will linger in the minds of readers long after the final page is turned, challenging our perceptions of the world and the nature of our own existence.
9. The White Book
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Author Han Kang | |
Publisher Hogarth | Published 19-02-2019 |
Page 160 | Rate
18K + ( 3.81) |
- Fiction
- Contemporary
- Poetry
- Literary Fiction
- Asia
"As the author once said, 'Every story is a journey into the reader's heart.' 'The White Book' by Han Kang is a vivid testament to that." Shortlisted for the 2018 Man Booker International Prize, "The White Book" is a profound and lyrical exploration of personal grief, memory, and the power of language. First published in Korean in 2016 and translated into English in 2017 by Deborah Smith, "The White Book" has been lauded as one of the "Best books by korean authors" for its poignant prose and its unique meditation on the color white.
Through a series of hauntingly beautiful vignettes, Han Kang weaves a tapestry of memories, dreams, and reflections inspired by the loss of a beloved sister. As the unnamed narrator grapples with the complexities of grief and the fragility of existence, the color white emerges as a recurring motif, illuminating both the starkness of loss and the glimmer of hope that can be found in the darkest of times. "The White Book" is a profound and moving novel that will resonate with anyone who has ever experienced the bittersweet pangs of loss and the enduring power of memory.
10. The Disaster Tourist
Discover the best Korean literature with this thought-provoking novel about the complexities of human behavior.
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Author Yun Ko-eun | |
Publisher Counterpoint | Published 04-08-2020 |
Page 200 | Rate
6K + ( 3.37) |
- Fiction
- Contemporary
- Mystery
- Literary Fiction
If you loved the classic "The Great Gatsby," then you absolutely cannot miss "The Disaster Tourist" by Yun Ko-eun, a gripping and thought-provoking novel that explores the dark side of tourism and the human fascination with disaster. First published in Korean in 2013 and translated into English in 2021 by Lizzie Buehler, "The Disaster Tourist" has garnered critical acclaim as one of the "Best books by korean authors."
"The Disaster Tourist" follows Yona Ko, a young Korean woman who works for a travel company specializing in vacation packages to destinations devastated by disaster and climate change. When Yona is sent to the remote island of Mui to assess its potential as a tourist destination, she uncovers a sinister plot to fabricate a catastrophe in order to boost the island's economy. As she delves deeper into the mystery, Yona must confront her own complicity in the industry she has dedicated her life to and the devastating consequences of unchecked tourism. Blending elements of eco-thriller and social commentary, "The Disaster Tourist" is a timely and urgent novel that challenges our assumptions about disaster, tourism, and our responsibility to the planet and its people.
11. The Underground Village
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Author Kang Kyeong-ae | |
Publisher Honford Star | Published 01-11-2018 |
Page 288 | Rate
131 + ( 3.82) |
- Fiction
- Classics
- Historical Fiction
This is a book that everyone should read at least once in their lifetime! "The Underground Village" by Kang Kyeong-ae is a powerful and moving collection of short stories that offer a unique glimpse into the lives of ordinary people living in extraordinary circumstances. First published in Korean in 1936 and translated into English in 2018 by Anton Hur, "The Underground Village" has been recognized as one of the "Best books by korean authors" for its literary merit and its unflinching portrayal of the human condition.
Set in Manchuria during the Japanese occupation, Kang's stories explore themes of oppression, poverty, and resilience. Through the eyes of her characters, we witness the daily struggles and quiet triumphs of those who have been marginalized and forgotten. Kang's writing is both lyrical and unflinching, capturing the beauty and fragility of life even in the darkest of times. "The Underground Village" is a must-read for anyone interested in Korean literature, history, or the human experience.
12. The Old Garden
Discover a world of hidden truths and compelling characters in the best books by Korean authors
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AuthorHwang Sok-yong | |
PublisherSeven Stories Press | Published01-01-2009 |
Page480 | Rate 296 + ( 3.99) |
- Fiction
- Literature
- Historical Fiction
From the very first pages, "The Old Garden" by Hwang Sok-yong pulled me into a whirlwind of indescribable emotions. This powerful and moving novel, first published in Korean in 1994 and translated into English in 2018, is a testament to the enduring power of love and the resilience of the human spirit. Recognized as one of the "Best books by korean authors," "The Old Garden" is a must-read for anyone seeking a profound and unforgettable literary experience.
"The Old Garden" tells the story of Hyun Woo, a political prisoner who is released after eighteen years in jail. As he navigates a Seoul that is both familiar and strange, Hyun Woo grapples with the loss of his beloved Yoon Hee, an artist who died while he was imprisoned. Through Hyun Woo's memories and Yoon Hee's diaries, Hwang Sok-yong paints a vivid portrait of a generation that sacrificed everything for their beliefs. "The Old Garden" is a powerful and moving tribute to the power of love, the importance of memory, and the indomitable spirit of those who fight for a better world.
13. Familiar Things
Discover the best Korean literature with "Familiar Things," a thought-provoking novel that challenges your perception of self.
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Author Hwang Sok-yong | |
Publisher Scribe Publications | Published 08-06-2017 |
Page 224 | Rate
2K + ( 3.67) |
- Fiction
- Contemporary
- Fantasy
- Magical Realism
- Novels
Have you ever wondered what happens when we put our faith in the seemingly impossible? "Familiar Things" by Hwang Sok-yong (2016, Seoul), one of the Best books by korean authors, takes you on a journey to discover the magic of belief. It's a captivating novel that depicts a society on the edge of dizzying economic and social change.
Set in Seoul, on the outskirts of South Korea's glittering metropolis, lies a vast landfill site called Flower Island. It's a place few people know about, home to those driven from the city by poverty. And it's here that 13-year-old Bugeye and his mother arrive, following his father's internment in a government "re-education camp." As they navigate life in a shack, supporting themselves by weeding recyclables out of the refuse, Bugeye's life on Flower Island is hard. But then, one night, he notices mysterious lights around the landfill. And suddenly, everything begins to change.
14. The Impossible Fairy Tale
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Author Han Yujoo | |
Publisher Graywolf Press | Published 07-03-2017 |
Page 214 | Rate
831 + ( 3.26) |
- Fiction
- Contemporary
- Fantasy
Dive into the eerie and unpredictable world of "The Impossible Fairy Tale" (2018, South Korea) by Han Yujoo, one of the Best books by korean authors. This chilling fantasy novel will take you on a journey that explores the ethics of art making and the stinging consequences of neglect.
At the heart of the story lie two unexceptional grade-school girls. Mia, spoiled by her parents, flaunts her wealth and toys with her classmates' emotions. In contrast, the Child, overlooked and nameless, moves through life like a ghost. As tensions rise in the classroom, a sinister game unfolds. One day, the Child sneaks into the classroom after hours and leaves unsettling messages in her classmates' notebooks. Soon, these messages trigger a chain of events that spirals into violence and chaos. But the novel doesn't end there. A teacher, who is also the novel's author, awakens from a vivid dream and finds herself face-to-face with the Child, who carries a haunting connection to the events of the past.