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Did you know that International Book Day, also known as World Book and Copyright Day is celebrated on 23 April each year? It is a global event organised by UNESCO to promote the enjoyment of books, publishing, and copyright. To commemorate this day, let’s take a look at the list of the 10 most recommended Korean books we put together for you. Dive into the world of diverse books and learn more about Korea!
Top 10 most recommended Korean books
1. “A History of Korea” by Kyung Moon Hwang
“A History of Korea” is a comprehensive book that tells readers about the Korean history from Ancient Korea to Modernisation in North and South Korea. This book is also one of the leading introductory textbooks for undergraduate and postgraduate students taking up Korean or Asian history.
If you are an avid fan of world history, put “A History of Korea” on your list of most recommended Korean books! It tells you about the state formation of Ancient Korea, Silla’s Unification of Korea, the founding of the Goryeo Dynasty and Joseon Era, the Japanese Takeover, and up to South Korea in the 21st Century. The chronology is well structured to allow readers who have no prior knowledge about Korea to be able to read and understand easily!
2. “The Two Koreas: A Contemporary History” by Don Oberdorfer and Robert
Ever since the Korean War ended in 1953, North and South Korea remained technically at war. Even today, the relationship between the two sides remains complex and always in tension. Countries like China, Japan, and the United States are largely involved in diplomatic engagement and cooperation with both North and South Korea.
With the current status of the two sides, how do external factors affect world economic and political shifts? In the past 70 years, there have been moments of diplomatic and economic efforts, and international involvement to help ease tensions but in the next 50 years, will there be any changes? While there is no perfect theory and prediction, this book offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics of inter-Korean relations and the challenges of reunification.
Like “A History of Korea”, if world history interests you, include “The Two Koreas: A Contemporary History” on your list of most recommended Korean books!
3. “Korea: The Impossible Country” by Daniel Tudor
Why is this also one of our most recommended Korean books? To find out how the growth of South Korea becomes one of the great success stories of the postwar period. In just fifty years, Korea transformed itself into a democratic and economic powerhouse. From nothing to success, South Korea has surely made its presence strong on the global stage.
Today, Korea is a strong economic and financial hub, attracting investors and millions of visitors each year. Korea also boasts one of the best education systems in the world so if you’re keen to explore studying and living in Korea, reach out to us!
How did historical factors shape contemporary South Korea? What are the rapid societal changes in recent years? What are some past and ongoing South Korea’s economic developments? Are there other challenges facing South Korea? Reading “Korea: The Impossible Country” will help you understand modern South Korea better in terms of its society, culture, economy, and politics.
4. “The Girl with Seven Names: A North Korean Defector’s Story” by Lee Hyeon Seo
A personal account of how a North Korean, Lee Hyeonseo, risked everything to escape to freedom. The book includes insights into her life in North Korea until her escape at age 17. It shows the oppressive regime of North Korea, and how poverty became the key reason why she decided to escape.
The book gives detailed accounts of the dangers and challenges she faced during her escape, and how tough it was to survive in China as a defector and fugitive. On top of that, there was a language barrier. Despite that, she persevered through adversity and was determined to build a new life for herself. Now, she is a vocal advocate for human rights and North Korean defectors. “The Girl with Seven Names: A North Korean Defector’s Story” is definitely one of our top most recommended Korean books!
5. “I’m Waiting for You and Other Stories” by Kim Bo Young
Next on our list of the 10 most recommended Korean books is “I’m Waiting for You and Other Stories”. A science fiction series that is imaginative and enables readers to explore thoughts on themes of love, loss, and identity.
Based on the short summary of “I’m Waiting for You” and “On My Way”, it is a fictional romance story about an engaged couple who need to arrive back on Earth together to get married. Why are they outside of Earth? Did they manage to tie the knot? Love, challenges, hope, and despair all in one story. Be sure to read “I’m Waiting for You and Other Stories” to find out more!
6. “Love in the Big City” by Park Sang Young
With the vibrant city of Seoul as background, the novel revolves around how the protagonist finds love and companionship in modern Korean society. From Tinder matches to bars to sensational love experiences, it shows the energetic and joyful life of the main characters.
A modern romance novel that will certainly resonate with many, making it to our list of 10 most recommended Korean books.
7. “My Sweet Seoul” by Jung Yi Hyun
“Over 30 years old, no achievement, no true love”, this novel focuses on the main character’s ordinary office life and romantic relationships in Seoul. It highlights the dilemma faced by women in the metropolitan city of Seoul when it comes to career, dating, and marriage.
What is ordinary life in Seoul like? A sweet Seoul or a sweet soul? Read this one of the most recommended Korean books to find out if she eventually found her answer to love, career, and life!
8. “Please Look After Mom” by Shin Kyung Sook
A heart-wrenching fiction novel about a family’s search for their missing mother. Through this fiction story, the author of “Please Look After Mom” tells the controversial points of Korean culture, traditions, societal expectations, and the roles and expectations within the traditional Korean family structure.
Did the family eventually find their missing mother? The realisation of desires, heartaches, and secrets discovered during the search will keep you entertained for hours!
9. “Lemon” by Kwon Yeo Sun
A refreshing genre out of the 10 most recommended Korean books, “Lemon” focuses on the unsolved murder of a teenage girl, known as the High School Beauty Murder. However, this novel is not a crime or murder story.
It emphasises the lives of those left behind, the desperation to find the perpetrator, having to cope with the death of a loved one, and societal pressure to carry on with daily lives. In this story, it touches on topics of gender, class, and privilege in South Korea.
If you like a mix of thriller yet a deeply moving plot, “Lemon” is surely one of the most recommended Korean books!
10. “The Good Son” by Jeong You Jeong
A splendid psychological thriller to add to your list of most recommended Korean books! The protagonist wakes up to find himself covered in blood and his mother dead. But he doesn’t remember anything, having suffered from seizures for most of his life. Did he murder his mother?
“The Good Son” not only has a mind-blowing plot, but it also provokes thoughts and leaves a riddle in the reader’s mind. You will only find out the truths as you read till the end. If you’re a fan of the mystery and thriller genre, do not miss “The Good Son” as one of the most recommended Korean books.
Hope you will enjoy reading the 10 most recommended Korean books! If you wish to find out more about living and studying in Korea, be sure to contact us or keep updated on our Go! Go! Hanguk blog for more content.
