In recent years, translated Korean literature has surged in global popularity. From searing social critiques to tender tales of healing and identity, Korean authors offer a literary richness that is gaining well-deserved recognition on the international stage. With the help of masterful translators, these stories are now accessible to readers worldwide—and they’re every bit as powerful in English.
If you’re new to Korean fiction or looking to expand your collection, here’s a deep dive into some of the best translated Korean literature books you won’t want to miss.
1. The Vegetarian by Han Kang
Translated by: Deborah Smith
At once lyrical and shocking, The Vegetarian is perhaps the most internationally acclaimed Korean novel to date, winning the International Booker Prize in 2016. The story centers around Yeong-hye, a seemingly ordinary woman who abruptly stops eating meat after a disturbing dream. What follows is a psychological spiral that causes her family to unravel and society to reject her.
Told in three parts from different perspectives—including her husband, brother-in-law, and sister—the novel examines autonomy, desire, and resistance through a surreal and unsettling lens. Han Kang’s prose is delicate yet fierce, and Deborah Smith’s translation brings its quiet violence to life. The Vegetarian isn’t just a story about food or rebellion—it’s a philosophical exploration of the body, control, and what it means to truly break free.
2. Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 by Cho Nam-joo
Translated by: Jamie Chang
Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 sparked a cultural phenomenon in South Korea, reigniting the conversation around gender inequality and sexism in modern Korean society. At first glance, it tells the simple story of an ordinary woman who begins to show signs of mental deterioration. But what unfolds is a harrowing portrait of systemic discrimination—from childhood through education, the workplace, marriage, and motherhood.
Cho Nam-joo writes with restrained power, offering real statistics within the fictional narrative to underscore the universality of Jiyoung’s struggles. The language is accessible, and Jamie Chang’s translation preserves the quiet fury embedded in every line. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in feminist literature, Korean culture, or the psychological toll of living in a patriarchal society.
3. The Plotters by Un-su Kim
Translated by: Sora Kim-Russell
For readers who enjoy a twist of noir, espionage, and dark humor, The Plotters is a wildly entertaining—and surprisingly philosophical—ride. Set in an alternate version of Seoul, the novel follows Reseng, a hitman raised in a library run by assassins. His job is to carry out plans created by unseen “plotters” who manipulate politics and society from behind the scenes.
As Reseng starts to question his purpose and the morality of the world he inhabits, the story becomes more than a thriller—it becomes a meditation on free will, fate, and rebellion. The dry wit, quirky supporting characters, and absurd yet believable premise make this a standout in contemporary Korean fiction. Sora Kim-Russell’s crisp translation captures every nuance of Kim’s sharp satire.
4. I’ll Go On by Hwang Jungeun
Translated by: Emily Yae Won
Poignant and atmospheric, I’ll Go On is a quiet literary novel that explores the lingering impact of domestic violence and generational trauma. It follows childhood friends Sora and Nana as they navigate adulthood in a Seoul apartment complex, haunted by the shadows of their past and struggling to create meaning in their present.
The novel is written in alternating voices, creating an intimate portrait of grief, memory, and survival. Hwang Jungeun doesn’t rely on plot twists; instead, she allows her characters to grow slowly in emotional depth, with language that is subtle and poetic. Emily Yae Won’s translation is sensitive and lyrical, giving the story its contemplative tone.
If you appreciated Breasts and Eggs by Mieko Kawakami or the quiet emotional force of Kazuo Ishiguro’s work, this novel will resonate deeply.
5. Cursed Bunny by Bora Chung
Translated by: Anton Hur
For fans of speculative fiction, Cursed Bunny is one of the most delightfully disturbing books to emerge from Korean literature. This short story collection blends horror, sci-fi, folklore, and satire, creating a literary experience that is as bold as it is bizarre.
In one story, a cursed toilet seeks revenge. In another, a woman repeatedly gives birth to grotesque creatures after a corporate experiment. But beneath the grotesque and absurd lies sharp commentary on gender, capitalism, and environmental degradation.
Anton Hur’s energetic translation captures both the elegance and the grit of Bora Chung’s prose. It’s a brilliant example of how Korean writers are pushing the boundaries of genre fiction—and it proves that literature can be as thrilling as it is thought-provoking.
6. The Pachinko Parlor by Elisa Shua Dusapin
Translated by: Aneesa Abbas Higgins
Though originally written in French, Elisa Shua Dusapin’s The Pachinko Parlor explores the Korean diasporic experience in Japan with a gentle, melancholic touch. The protagonist, Claire, is a Korean Swiss woman who visits Tokyo with her grandparents—Zainichi Koreans who’ve lived in Japan since before World War II. As Claire helps them prepare for a long-overdue trip back to Korea, she grapples with questions of identity, language, and cultural inheritance.
Dusapin’s writing is delicate, atmospheric, and emotionally precise. The narrative doesn’t rely on drama but rather the quiet tension between generations, and Aneesa Abbas Higgins’ translation retains its poetic subtlety. This is a novel to savor slowly, with the understanding that silence often speaks volumes.
7. Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-reum
Translated by: Shanna Tan
A warm, introspective story about starting over, Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop has quickly become a fan-favourite for readers who loved Before the Coffee Gets Cold. The plot follows a woman who leaves her high-stress job and unhappy marriage to open a bookshop in a peaceful neighbourhood in Seoul. Through her shop, she meets a cast of customers and neighbours who are also seeking comfort and connection.
What makes this novel special is its celebration of quiet transformation. It’s not about dramatic twists, but about the healing that takes place in everyday moments—in conversations over coffee, in the shared love of books, in the act of simply showing up for someone else.
Shanna Tan’s translation beautifully captures the emotional warmth and slow, satisfying pace of the story. It’s a literary hug for anyone who’s ever needed to reset their life.
Final Thoughts
Korean literature in translation is offering English-speaking readers a window into some of the most profound, provocative, and emotionally resonant storytelling of our time. Whether you’re drawn to lyrical prose, psychological depth, feminist narratives, or genre-bending horror, there’s a translated Korean book out there for you.
These novels and story collections don’t just introduce us to different lives—they remind us how universal the human experience can be. As Korean literature continues to expand its global influence, now is the perfect time to explore these powerful works and discover a new favourite voice.
