Discover 17 unforgettable Korean reads, from emotional memoirs to surreal fiction, perfect for expanding your TBR and falling in love with Korean literature.
Your TBR pile is probably teetering already. I know mine is.
But hear me out: if you haven’t dipped into Korean literature yet, you are seriously missing out. Korean authors are producing some of the most original, moving, and mind-bending fiction out there right now.
Luckily for us, a growing number of these gems are being translated into English, so now there’s zero excuse not to dive in. Whether you’re new to K-lit or already deep into your obsession, these incredible Korean reads deserve a place on your shelf or in your shopping cart!
I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki by Baek Sehee
This deeply personal memoir-meets-therapy-session follows Baek Sehee, a successful young woman struggling with chronic depression. Through transcripts of her conversations with her psychiatrist, she explores anxiety, identity, and yes, the comfort of spicy rice cakes. It’s incredibly honest, raw, and oddly comforting.
Lemon by Kwon Yeo-sun
A literary murder mystery like no other. When beautiful high school student Hae-on is found murdered, the story doesn’t follow the typical whodunnit route. Instead, it unpacks the emotional aftermath through the eyes of her sister and classmates. The story is sparse, poetic, and haunting in the best possible way.
The Disaster Tourist by Yun Ko-eun
Yona works for a travel company that specializes in disaster-themed vacations. Yep, you read that right. When she’s sent on a trip to a fictional island to assess a tour package, things spiral quickly. Satirical, bizarre, and biting, it’s a surreal critique of capitalism, exploitation, and tourism culture.
The Proposal by Bae Hyung-boon
This short story collection offers a quiet, stunning look at everyday relationships. It’s romantic, familial, and everything in between. Bae’s writing is subtle yet razor-sharp, and it has a great way of making the ordinary feel extraordinary. The Proposal is perfect for fans of character-driven stories with emotional depth.
Marigold Mind Laundry by Jungeun Yun
With a title like that, how could you not be intrigued? This offbeat, philosophical novel explores healing, emotion, and memory through the lens of a business you might wish were real. A laundromat, but not for clothes. This laundromat is for feelings. This whole book is quirky, reflective, and unlike anything else you’ll read this year.
The Rainfall Market by You Yeong-gwang
Imagine a place where emotions are traded in the form of rain. Sounds poetic? It is. This surreal, almost dreamlike novel paints a real, vivid picture of love, loss, and longing that you’re unlikely to find elsewhere. It is a perfect pick for anyone who enjoys metaphors that walk right off the page.
Untold Night and Day by Bae Suah
Reading Bae Suah is like falling into a dream; her writing is just ethereal. Untold Night and Day is easily her at her most hypnotic. Over the course of one very strange day in Seoul, reality bends and loops. It’s confusing in the best way, and perfect for readers who love a literary challenge.
Dallergut Dream Department Store by Miye Lee
This heartwarming fantasy set in a world where dreams are bought and sold has been a massive hit in Korea. Now, it’s winning over English readers too. Whimsical, imaginative, and surprisingly moving, it’s perfect for fans of Studio Ghibli-style wonder.
I Went to See My Father by Kyung-Sook Shin
This moving novel about a daughter reconnecting with her father and confronting the hidden sacrifices he made is emotionally layered and rich with compassion. You might need tissues for this one. It’s a family story that feels both personal and universal, and just goes to show that our experiences as humans are more shared than we often realize.
The New Seoul Park Jelly Massacre by Yeeun Cho
This dystopian novella is as wild as its name suggests. It somehow combines political satire, absurdity, and a dash of horror, all to critique consumerism and conformity through the lens of a jelly-themed theme park disaster. Genuinely dark, hilarious, and totally unforgettable.
The Healing Season of Pottery by Yeon Somin
Do you fancy a slow, soothing tale about a woman who turns to pottery after personal loss? Then you’re in the right place. This novel is meditative, full of quiet beauty, and emotional recovery. It’s a hug in book form for anyone needing a gentle reset.
The Vegetarian by Han Kang
No Korean book list is complete without this cult classic. When a woman decides to stop eating meat, her life quickly unravels. But it’s not just about food… It’s about control, repression, and bodily autonomy. Disturbing, brilliant, and a must-read.
Concerning My Daughter by Kim Hye-jin
This tender and tough story explores the crucial bond between a mother and her queer daughter. By doing so, it grapples with generational gaps, societal pressure, and unconditional love. It’s perfect for those looking to explore their own familial relationships with their identity.
Crying in H-Mart by Michelle Zauner
Okay, technically, this is actually a Korean-American memoir, but it has to be on this list. Michelle Zauner, aka Japanese Breakfast, writes so incredibly beautifully about grief, identity, and the emotional language of Korean food. You’ll laugh, cry, and probably crave kimchi pancakes by the end.
Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-reum
Imagine your dream bookstore. Now add a cast of lovable misfits, personal reinvention, and literary comfort. This slice-of-life novel is a cozy, quiet celebration of community, books, and second chances. It’s a total serotonin boost and a hug in the form of a story.
Miss Kim Knows by Cho Nam-joo
For mystery lovers, this sharp and sly tale features an ordinary middle-aged woman with an extraordinary knack for uncovering secrets. It’s enthralling, subtly feminist, and endlessly clever.
Yeonnam-dong’s Smiley Laundromat by Kim Jiyun
This charming short story collection is set in a laundromat (yes, another one) where people bring their troubles along with their dirty socks. Each tale shared offers wisdom and unexpected joy. Think slice of life, but make it outright whimsical.
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Millie Ramm
Millie has been writing since she was a child, and has spent more time with her nose in books than anywhere else. She has been ghostwriting novels and editing for the past few years, and when not working she is curled up with her cats, looking for her next read.
