Best Books About Korea

A powerful and unsettling tale about rebellion and the consequences of breaking from tradition. The Vegetarian tells the story of Yeong-hye, whose decision to give up meat sets off a chain reaction of increasingly grotesque events in her personal life. As her family members struggle to control her, she becomes further estranged from herself and those around her. This darkly allegorical and Kafka-esque novel is celebrated by critics worldwide, exploring themes of power, obsession, and liberation.

Experience a breathtaking journey of love, sacrifice, ambition, and loyalty in this novel. Set in the early 1900s, follow Sunja, a young girl who falls for a wealthy stranger and becomes pregnant. Deciding to marry a gentle sickly minister instead, Sunja's decision sets off a dramatic saga that spans generations. With complex and passionate characters, this novel takes you on a journey through bustling markets, the halls of prestigious universities, and the criminal underworld. Richly told and profoundly moving, this is a tale of strong women, devoted siblings, and fathers struggling with moral crisis against the backdrop of history.

A powerful and poignant exploration of political unrest and the fight for justice in South Korea. Interconnected chapters follow the victims and their loved ones as they navigate grief, censorship, and trauma after a violent massacre. From a grieving mother to a prisoner to a factory worker, their collective heartbreak and resilience create a stunning portrait of a people seeking a voice. This award-winning bestseller from a renowned author is a must-read that resonates with audiences today.

Discover the lives of six ordinary North Koreans over fifteen tumultuous years in this eye-opening and groundbreaking portrayal of life under a totalitarian regime. Award-winning journalist Barbara Demick provides an intimate look at a world cut off from modern technology and plagued by famine, where displays of affection are punished and informants are rewarded. Through meticulous and sensitive reporting, Demick takes readers deep inside the country to witness the struggles, fears, and ambitions of average citizens. Nothing to Envy is a powerful addition to the literature of totalitarianism that provides crucial insight into a closed world of increasing global significance.

Travel back to the late Joseon Dynasty and experience the life of Yi Jin, an orphan who catches the eye of the Empress and becomes a jewel in the court. When a French diplomat falls in love with her, he takes her to Paris where she becomes an independent woman, translating and publishing Korean literature. But her new life comes with its own complications and sorrow. This heartbreaking true story, filled with intrigue and historic detail, will stay with you long after you turn the final page.

Escape from the repressive society of North Korea was an unimaginable journey for Yeonmi Park and her family. In her heartbreaking memoir, "In Order to Live," she shares intimate details of the brutal reality of life in North Korea and the incredible hardships she faced in order to escape. From starvation and torture to sexual slavery, Yeonmi and her mother risked everything to build a new life in South Korea. Now a human rights activist, Yeonmi's resilience and determination make her story all the more inspiring.

The Island of Sea Women tells the story of two best friends, Mi-ja and Young-sook, from the Korean island of Jeju, who work as baby divers in their village's all-female diving collective. Set against the backdrop of Japanese colonialism and war, the novel follows their lives and friendship as they navigate danger and responsibility, but also differences that lead to conflict. As the two girls grow up and face challenges beyond their control, their bond is put to the test. This historical fiction explores the lives and roles of haenyeo, the sea women of Jeju.

Explores the struggles of a people reconciling their collective past with the rewards and challenges of their present, in both Korea and the United States. Krys Lee's stunning fiction debut illuminates political and financial hardships of life in Korea and the immigrant experience. An unforgettable work of love, identity, war, and the homes we make for ourselves, reminiscent of Chang-rae Lee and Jhumpa Lahiri, by a dazzling new writer.

This deeply moving fiction novel follows two sisters separated by World War II, set in Korea in 1943. The older sister saves the younger one from a Japanese soldier, but is captured and forced to become a "comfort woman" in a military brothel. The story also takes place in South Korea in 2011 as the younger sister tries to move beyond the legacy of war and find forgiveness. Suspenseful and ultimately redemptive, this book tells a story of love strong enough to triumph over the evils of war. Fans of Pachinko and Lilac Girls will enjoy this heartbreaking history brought to life.

A family's search for their missing mother leads them to question how well they knew her, as long-held secrets and private sorrows reveal themselves. This powerful novel is a poignant portrayal of contemporary life in Korea and a moving exploration of the love between family members.