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KOREAN BOOKS
New & Classics
Compiled by
Wol Sue Lee, Department Head
Reference & Advisory Services Department
Mid-Manhattan Library
The New York Public Library
FICTION
Ch`oe, In-ho. Haesin. 2003. 3 vols. Yollimwon (89-7063-341-3 set)
Historical novel based on the life of Haesin, “God of the Sea”, who became the first successful maritime importer/exporter 1500 years ago in the Silla Dynasty. He reigned over the Sea of China, Japan, and other faraway places
Ch`oe, In-ho. Yurim. 2005. 3 vols. Yollimwon (89-7063-4681 set)
Historical novel reflecting the philosophy, wisdom and Confucian teachings of Korea
Chi, Su-hyon. Nae irum un Kim Sam-sun. 2004. 394 p. Nun kwa Maum
(89-5751-207-1)
An obese old maiden having a lifelong obsession with her extremely unsophisticated first name meets a handsome young man who is attracted to her and her first name
Cho, Ch`ang-in. Ch`otsarang. 2005. 2 vols. Sesang ui Ach’im (89-955448-5-6 set)
A young woman meets her first true love and gets pregnant but is deserted by her boyfriend. A heart-warming story of a single woman who becomes successful in business and finds happiness in life despite hardship and struggles
Kang, Yu-il. Piano Sonata 1987. 2005. 554 p. Minumsa (89-374-8075-1)
A teenage mother tries to kill herself and her newborn baby, yet the baby survives and grows to become a key power player in politics
Kim, Suki. T`ongyuksa. 2005. 478 p. Hwanggum Kaji (89-8273-635-2)
The author relates her experiences as the young daughter of an immigrant Korean family living in America, facing loneliness and prejudice and having to act as her parents’ interpreter. Published in English as The Interpreter
Kim, Yong-hyon. Sodongyo. 2005. 2 vols. Chisik Kongjakso (89-5671-022-8 Set)
Set in the Baekje Dynasty, this historical novel tells of an ordinary yet intelligent commoner who was unaware of his royal birth, married a princess and became the great ruler King Mu. Serialized as popular TV drama
No, Kyong-sik. Sin Ton. 2004. 354 p. Minwon Buk (89-7461-658-0)
Historical novel about Shin Ton, a revolutionary patriot, who became the king’s trustee but was later falsely accused as a traitor when he tried to free the slaves and return confiscated land to its rightful owners. Popular TV drama aired in 2005
Pak, Yong-gyu. Han’gwon uro ingnun Koguryo Wangjo silrok. 2005. 411 p. Ungjin Datk’om (89-01-04750-0)
A stirring and detailed history of 700 years of the powerful Kingdom of Koguryo. Founded 1500 years ago, the kingdom exercised great power over many tribes in Asia, expanding territory, amassing wealth, unifying three kingdoms and establishing the beginning of present day Korea
Yi, Tog-il. Choson wang toksal sakon: Choson wang toksalsol ul tullossan sumanun uihok kwa susukkekki. 2005. 334 p. Tasan Ch’odang (89-91147-30-5)
The mysterious deaths of several kings throughout Korean history are examined and analyzed.
Yun, T`ae-yong. Choson wangjo obaengnyon yasa. 1988. 534 p. Chungah Ch`ul P`an sa (89-368-0052-3)
Unorthodox account of 500 years of the Choson (Yi Dynasty) history, this book discusses betrayals by the royal families and mysteries surrounding the deaths of kings and queens
Pak, Kyong-ni. Kim yakkuk ui ttaldul. 2005. 387 p. Nanam Ch`ul P`an
(89-300-0529-2)
Set on a small island, five daughters of a wealthy pharmacist and his warm, gentle wife face a terrifying destiny. Each member of the family pays the price of the grandfather’s sin and the grandmother’s tragic suicide. Published in English as The Curse of Kim’s Daughters
Pak, Kyong-ni. T`oji. 2003. 21 vols. Nanam Ch`ul P`an (89-3000-0722-8 set)
An epic family saga, depicting the triumphs, failures and consequences of class differences of four generations from the end of the Yi Dynasty to the Japanese occupation and WWII. It took the author 25 years (1969-1994) to complete this masterpiece. Published in English as Land
Pak, Wan-so. Kkum endul itchilliya. 2004.
3 vols. Segyesa (89-338-0141-3 set)
Story of a heroine who tries to protect her family’s business by cultivating the best quality of ginseng. Taking place in the eras from the Yi Dynasty to WWII, the story shows the woman’s conflict as she is caught between the ideals of the women’s movement and traditional values
NON-FICTION
Bubu ro sanda nun gut: 2006. 227 p. Wisdom House (89-89313-64-3)
Candid interviews of 50 married couples in Korea reveal humorous episodes and examples of their successful and enduring relationships
Chong, Mi-gyong. Pam iyo, nanwiora oe
6-p’yon: 2006 nyondo che 30-hoe Yi Sang Munhaksang chakp’umjip. 2006. 319 p. Munhak Sasangsa (89-7012-738-0)
Collection of award-winning philosophical short stories of 2006, depicting the monotony of daily routines, candid feelings toward families, social pressures, politics, and human conflicts
Chong, So-song. Param ui yoin. 1960. 380 p. Silch’on Munhwasa
(89-392-0504-9)
A brother and sister, separated from their parents during the Korean War and adopted by an American couple, try to cope with living in a new country. In the end they take a difficult journey back to Korea to find out what happened to their biological parents
Ho, Song-jong. A! Koguryo: taeryuk ul horyonghan paedal haminjoksa. 2 vols. 2004. Dosochulpan Yurim (89-7162-125-7)
A detailed monograph on the history of Korea – then called Koguryo, to 935
Jong, Sunchol Jo. Noru dwitdarie chain yijangnim. 2005. 227 p. Senggak hanun Saramdul (89-954023-9-3)
These humorous and serious incidents in the lives of ordinary gentle village people in a farming region show how peacefully they solve problems
Kim, Dong-sun. Nohu dae chek ilgop gaji. 2005. 222 p. Namu Senggak
(89-5937-107-6)
Guide to healthy and happy aging and retirement. Includes tips on how to make the most of life after retirement, improve the relationship between spouses, understand children, keep up with the younger generation and, best of all, enjoy life
Ko, To-won. Ach`im p`yonji Ko To-won ui pumonim sara gyesil ttae hae turyoya hal 45-kaji. 2005. 285 p. Namu Seenggak (89-5937-101-7)
Guide with 45 suggestions for children to make sure their parents have a healthy, happy retirement
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