Since I spend a fair amount on time on K-dramas, and because I love reading, it is time that I compiled a list of some of my favourite books from Korea. Whether you are in the mood for a heavy literary fiction or a fast paced YA romance fantasy, you’ll find it here. There are books that are originally written in Korean — the translated books list features books predominantly from South Korea — and some that are written in English but explore life in Korea. Either way, these are fantastic Korean books to read now.
Korean books to read in translation
The first section of the list consists of fiction originally written in Korean and translated to English by talented, wonderful translators.
1. The Plotters by Un-su Kim, translated by Sora Kim-Russell
The Plotters is a wild ride, a jolt of adrenaline. A world of assassins who work out of a library — Reseng raised by Old Raccoon in the Library of Dogs grows into one of the best hitmen in the country. Reseng also loves beer and his cats. The hideout looks like any other library but it is here that the best deals in organized crime are sealed and paid. With an eclectic cast — a wheelchair bound sister, a gentle soul who owns a crematorium and disposes bodies, a Stanford educated man-in-command, a cross-eyed knitting librarian — this book is a real treat.
Buy on Amazon In
2. Almond by Won-pyung Sohn, translated by Joosun Lee
Almond is a hopeful, heartwarming, ball of sunshine. Yunjae has a brain condition called Alexithymia which means he doesn’t feel fear or anger. He lives with his mother and grandmother who teach him how to fake the emotions and survive in society (post it notes on when to smile etc), above the bookstore that they run. He is targeted by the bully Gon because of his different nature. He also unexpectedly falls victim to violence which leads to the death of his mother and grandmother. An unlikely bond between Yunjae and Gon develop, and Yunjae learns to live on his own, along with the many curveballs that life throws at him. I loved the book!
Buy on Amazon In
3. At Dusk by Hwang Sok-yong, translated by Sora Kim-Russell
One of my recent reads and a beautiful novel that makes you long for time gone by. The story begins with a successful architect Park Minwoo receiving a message from his childhood sweetheart. It follows the redevelopment and changing face of Seoul, rise of new architecture, what was lost and gained as Seoul changed flavour, poverty and unemployment, and immigration.
4. Diary of a Murderer by Young Ha-Kim, translated by Krys Lee
In the titular story, a former serial killer, suffering from Alzhemeir’s, tries to protect his daughter from a probable killer, her boyfriend. There is a blurring of reality, fabricated truths, and helplessness that makes one tiptoe towards sympathy than disgust towards a man who has committed despicable acts.
Buy on Amazon In
Also Read : 6 best books from Japan to read in 2020
5. Kim JiYoung, Born 1982 by Cho Nam Joo, translated by Jamie Chang
Kim JiYoung, Born 1982 is the story of every woman in Korea or rather the story of the millennial woman. It follows the life of JiYoung from her childhood into adulthood, through parents who had hoped for a son, teachers who harass, toxic employers and ultimately a domestic life for which she has to give up her career. This is a slim book but makes you very restless.
Buy on Amazon In
6. The Vegetarian by Han Kang, translated by Deborah Smith
Fraught, cerebral, discomfiting — The International Booker prize winner The Vegetarian is another slim book that packs a punch. Young he decides to renounce eating meat which has far reaching consequences on her family members, and even her nightmares. Food, sex, desire, and manipulation blend into a singular story fragmented into three POVs, that show Young he as the quiet damsel, an object of desire, and a victim and manipulator.
Buy on Amazon In
7. Friend by Paek Nam-nyong, translated by Immanuel Kim
Most North Korean literature available in English is by dissidents. Friend is a state-sanctioned novel, written for North Koreans, by an author in good relationship with the regime. In the novel, a woman in her thirties has filed for divorce and the judge (protagonist) has to investigate the case. The book explores marital discord, career, women balancing domestic life and career (which is encouraged), and people working towards being better persons as a whole. Note that novels published in North Korea need approval, and occasionally the book falls into singing praises of socialistic ideals, model citizens and community rules.
8. b, Book and Me by Kim Sagwa, translated by Sunhee Jeong
Set in a sea-side town which the residents pretend to be Seoul — but the two main characters do not care for the city much — this short novel of 160 something pages hits all the right spots. It addresses absent parents, uncaring teachers, bullying, friendship and poverty.
Korean Books in English/Non-Translated Korean Books to Read
Korean books written in English and explore the culture or are set in the country are a joy to read too. Here are a few I enjoyed.
9. If I had your Face by Frances Cha
I keep squeezing in If I had Your Face by Frances Cha in every list and pressing it into the hands of everyone who asks for a book recommendation because it is fantastic! A slice of life of modern day Seoul told through the life of five ladies. The debut novel explores misogyny, patriarchy, unrealistic beauty standards, childlessness, and above all female friendships.
Buy on Amazon In
10. Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
An ambitious family saga about the discrimination against Koreans in Japan, told through pachinko parlours of the underbelly, Japanese universities, and streets. The characters felt detached unlike what I would usually expect in a family saga, however the historical context makes this book a winner. You’ll cry reading this book.
PS: A major part of the book is set in Japan.
A book about the Japanese invasion of Korea, if you are looking for more (I have not read it yet), is Lost Names by Richard E Kim where Korean boys were given new names to erase all connections to Korean culture.
Buy on Amazon In
Also Read : Best family sagas to add to your reading list
11. Wicked Fox by Kat Cho
For a pacy YA romance fantasy, there’s Wicked Fox by Kat Cho set in modern day Seoul that reminded me instantly of mythical K-dramas. It follows a gumiho (nine tailed fox who feeds on men) and her witchy grandmother and involves goblins, a boy in love and shamans.
Buy on Amazon In
12. K-Pop Confidential by Stephan Lee
K-Pop Confidential is a fun YA read about a quiet Korean American girl travelling to Seoul to take part in the auditions for a girl band. It is unrealistic in certain plot sections, but offers a realistic glimpse at the grueling training schedules for the K-pop trainees, dieting plans, dating restrictions and more.
Buy on Amazon In
Also Read : 18 FUN Asian books to read right now
Korean Books on my TBR
I have a few highly anticipated Korean books to read on my TBR. I would recommend adding them to your list too.
– The Court Dancer by Shin Kyung-sook, translated by Anton Hur
A court dancer goes away to Paris with a diplomat and translates Joseon literature to French, but is overcome with homesickness.
– White Chrysanthemum by Mary Lynn Bracht
Spanning the Japanese occupation, the Jeju uprising, and war, through two timelines — an elder sister deported to Manchuria as a ‘comfort woman’ during the Japanese occupation of Korea in 1943 and a younger sister in Korea in 2011.
– In Order to Live: A North Korean Girl’s Journey to Freedom by Yeonmi Park, Maryanne Vollers
Watch this. I don’t know when I will be ready to read this shocking true account, but I wait for the day.
YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY
Best books of 2020
Best Korean dramas of 2020
5 best new short story collections from Asia
Best books to read from Japan now
I really want to read Almond. I might do so later this year if I get myself a copy.
I hope you enjoy it. I loved the read. I thought it explores relationships very well
What a great list, I will keep this in mind. I keep seeing K-Pop Confidential pop up, as well as some of the more adult and “serious” ones.
I hope you enjoy the ones you pick. I think At Dusk would suit you nicely .
Amazing list, I am a big fan of Koreans will surely add your suggestion list. Keep Sharing.
Hope you enjoy 🙂