Korean literature has a rich history with authors who have explored themes of identity, history, politics and human nature through powerful storytelling.
Whether you’re interested in modern fiction, historical novels or thought-provoking poetry, Korean novelists have made significant contributions to the literary world.
In this post, you’ll find a comprehensive list of North Korean and South Korean authors along with the books they have written, their genres and any notable awards they have received.
Whether you’re discovering Korean literature for the first time or looking for new books to read, this guide of Korean novelists and the books they have written will help you explore the works of some of Korea’s most influential writers.
North Korean Novelists (Authors)
1. Han Sorya (한설야)
Books written:
- Jackals (1951)
- The History of Revolutionary Activities of Our Great Leader Kim Il Sung
Genre: Socialist realism, propaganda literature
Awards received: No widely recognized international awards; he was a prominent figure in North Korean literary circles.
2. Ri Ki-yong (리기영)
Books written:
- Homeland (1933)
- Before and After Liberation (1946)
Genre: Socialist realism
Awards received: No widely recognized international awards; he was a significant figure in North Korean literature.
3. Hong Myong-hui (홍명희)
Books written:
- Im Kkokjong (serialized from 1928 to 1939)
Genre: Historical fiction
Awards received: No widely recognized international awards; he was a notable figure in Korean literature.
4. Hyun Kil-Un (현길언)
Books written:
- The Dream of Pegasus (1984)
- Woman’s River (1992)
- A Gray City (1993)
- Halla Mountain (1994)
Genre: Political fiction, focusing on Jeju Island’s history
Awards received:
- Nogwon Literary Prize (1985)
- Contemporary Literature Prize (1990)
- Republic of Korea Literary Honor (1992)
Although some North Korean novelists may not have received major international awards, they have played a vital role in North Korean literature and have been recognized within the country.
South Korean Novelists (Authors)
1. Ahn Jung-hyo (안정효)
Books written:
- Silver Stallion (1990)
- White War (1993)
- The Korea Story (2003)
Genre: Historical fiction, war literature, translation
Awards received: No widely recognized international awards; he is also known for his work as a translator.
2. Ahn Soo-kil (안수길)
Books written:
- North and South (1959)
- The Season of Thaw (1960)
- The Mountain (1967)
Genre: Historical fiction, exploration of Korean identity
Awards received: No widely recognized international awards; he was a significant figure in South Korean literature.
3. Bae Su-ah (배수아)
Books written:
- A Greater Music (2003)
- Nowhere to Be Found (1998)
- Recitation (2017)
Genre: Literary fiction, experimental narratives
Awards received: No widely recognized international awards; she is also known for her work as a translator.
4. Baek Minseok (백민석)
Books written:
- The Pit (1997)
- The Door into Summer (2000)
- The Eighth Room (2007)
Genre: Science fiction, horror
Awards received: No widely recognized international awards; he is noted for his unique style in Korean literature.
5. Bang Hyun-seok (방현석)
Books written:
- The Burning River (1984)
- The Shadow of Arms (1994)
- The Last Weapon (2000)
Genre: Political fiction, labor issues
6. Awards received: No widely recognized international awards; he is known for his focus on social issues.
Bang Young-ung (방영웅)
Books written:
- The Man with the Wooden Flute (1978)
- The Land of the Banished (1981)
- The Song of the Sword (1986)
Genre: Historical fiction, exploration of Korean culture
Awards received: No widely recognized international awards; he has been recognized in South Korea for his contributions to literature.
7. Bok Koh-il (복거일)
Books written:
- The Dead Do Not Want to Rise (1987)
- The Age of Heroes (1995)
- The Martian Chronicles (2000)
Genre: Science fiction, speculative fiction
Awards received: No widely recognized international awards; he is a prominent figure in Korean science fiction.
8. Jeong Chan (정찬)
Books written:
- The Whale Hunter (1993)
- The Elephant (1996)
- The Bird (1999)
Genre: Literary fiction, exploration of human nature
Awards received: No widely recognized international awards; he is known for his introspective writing style.
9. Cheon Myeong-kwan (천명관)
Books written:
- Whale (2004)
- Modern Family (2010)
- Homecoming (2017)
Genre: Literary fiction, satire
Awards received:
- Munhakdongne Novel Award (2004) for Whale
10. Cho Hae-il (조해일)
Books written:
- The Winter Woman (1975)
- The Road to Racetrack (1991)
- The Flowering Tree (1995)
Genre: Literary fiction, exploration of human relationships
Awards received: No widely recognized international awards; he is a respected figure in South Korean literature.
11. Choi In-ho (최인호)
Books written:
- The Square (1960)
- A Grey Man (1963)
- Journey to the West (1966)
- The Sound of Laughter (1967)
- One Day in the Life of Kubo the Novelist (1969)
Genre: Literary fiction, exploration of ideological conflicts
Awards received:
- Dong-in Literary Award (1966)
- Park Kyong-ni Prize (2011)
12. Choi Il-nam (최일남)
Books written:
- The Twilight Zone (1973)
- The Land of Exile (1981)
- The Age of Darkness (1985)
Genre: Literary fiction, social criticism
Awards received: No widely recognized international awards; he is a respected figure in South Korean literature.
13. Choi In-hun (최인훈)
Books written:
- The Square (1960)
- A Grey Man (1963)
- Journey to the West (1966)
- The Sound of Laughter (1967)
- One Day in the Life of Kubo the Novelist (1969)
Genre: Literary fiction, exploration of ideological conflicts
Awards received:
- Dong-in Literary Award (1966)
- Park Kyong-ni Prize (2011)
14. Choi Soo-cheol (최수철)
Books written:
- The Back Room of the Human Heart (1988)
- The Blind Owl (1993)
- The Other Side of Dark Reminiscence (1995)
Genre: Literary fiction, psychological exploration
Awards received: No widely recognized international awards; he is known for his introspective writing style.
15. Chae Man-shik (채만식)
Books written:
- Peace Under Heaven (1938)
- My Innocent Uncle (1938)
- A Ready-Made Life (1934)
Genre: Satirical fiction, social criticism
Awards received: No widely recognized international awards; he is a significant figure in Korean literature.
16. Cho Se-hui (조세희)
Books written:
- The Dwarf (1978)
Genre: Literary fiction, social criticism
Awards received: No widely recognized international awards; he is known for his focus on social issues.
17. Cho Seon-jak (조선작)
Books written:
- The Winter Traveler (1984)
- The Road to Sampo (1973)
Genre: Literary fiction, exploration of human relationships
Awards received: No widely recognized international awards; he is a respected figure in South Korean literature.
18. Cho Sung-ki (조성기)
Books written:
- The Land of the Banished (1981)
- The Last of Hanako (1992)
Genre: Literary fiction, historical narratives
Awards received: No widely recognized international awards; he has been recognized in South Korea for his contributions to literature.
19. Choe Yun (최윤)
Books written:
- There a Petal Silently Falls (1992)
- The Last of Hanako (1992)
- Gray Snowman (1992)
Genre: Literary fiction, exploration of memory and trauma
Awards received:
- Yi Sang Literary Award (1992)
20. Chun Woon-young (전운영)
Books written:
- The Needle (2001)
- The Glass Shield (2003)
Genre: Literary fiction, psychological exploration
Awards received: No widely recognized international awards; she is known for her unique narrative style.
21. Do Sunwoo (도선우)
Books written:
- The Confession (2015)
Genre: Mystery, Thriller
Awards received: No widely recognized international awards; he is known for his engaging storytelling in South Korea.
22. Gong Ji-young (공지영)
Books written:
- Our Happy Time (2005)
- The Crucible (2009)
Genre: Literary fiction, Social issues
Awards received:
- Yi Sang Literary Award (1993)
23. Gong Sun-ok (공선옥)
Books written:
- A Small Ball Launched by a Dwarf (1990)
- The Land of the Banished (1992)
Genre: Literary fiction, Social realism
Awards received: No widely recognized international awards; she is recognized for her focus on marginalized communities in South Korea.
24. Gu Hyo-seo (구효서)
Books written:
- The Age of Heroes (1995)
- The Scent of Earth (2000)
Genre: Literary fiction, Exploration of human nature
Awards received:
- Dong-in Literary Award (1998)
25. Ha Geun-chan (하근찬)
Books written:
- The Suffering of Two Generations (1957)
- The Winter Tree (1961)
Genre: Literary fiction, Post-war narratives
Awards received: No widely recognized international awards; he is noted for his depictions of post-war Korean society.
26. Ha Seong-nan (하성란)
Books written:
- Flowers of Mold (1999)
- Bluebeard’s First Wife (2002)
Genre: Short stories, Psychological fiction
Awards received:
- Dong-in Literary Award (2009)
27. Hailji (하일지)
Books written:
- The Road to Racetrack (1991)
- The Endless Empire (1993)
Genre: Literary fiction, Postmodernism
Awards received: No widely recognized international awards; he is known for his experimental narrative styles.
28. Han Chang-hun (한창훈)
Books written:
- The Lighthouse Keeper (2004)
- The Island of Sea Women (2011)
Genre: Literary fiction, Maritime themes
Awards received:
- Hankook Ilbo Literary Award (2004)
29. Han Kang (한강)
Books written:
- The Vegetarian (2007)
- Human Acts (2014)
Genre: Literary fiction, Psychological exploration
Awards received:
- Man Booker International Prize (2016)
30. Han Mahlsook (한말숙)
Books written:
- Abyss (1975)
- The Woman Outside (1989)
Genre: Literary fiction, Feminist themes
Awards received: No widely recognized international awards; she is noted for her exploration of women’s issues in South Korea.
31. Han Moo-sook (한무숙)
Books written:
- Encounter (1948)
- The Crane (1953)
Genre: Literary fiction, Historical narratives
Awards received: No widely recognized international awards; she is a significant figure in modern Korean literature.
32. Han Su-san (한수산)
Books written:
- The Lost Names (1977)
- The Last 4.19 (1987)
Genre: Literary fiction, Historical and political themes
Awards received: No widely recognized international awards; he is known for his works reflecting on Korea’s political history.
33. Heo Gyun (허균)
Books written:
- The Tale of Hong Gildong (17th century)
Genre: Classical literature, Fiction
Awards received: As a historical figure, he did not receive contemporary literary awards.
34. Hong Sung-won (홍성원)
Books written:
- The Naked Tree (1970)
- The Guests of Room No. 4 (1979)
Genre: Literary fiction, Social realism
Awards received: No widely recognized international awards; he is respected for his portrayal of Korean society.
35. Hwang Boreum (황보름)
Books written:
- I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki (2018)
Genre: Non-fiction, Essays on mental health
Awards received: No widely recognized international awards; she gained attention for her candid discussions on mental health.
36. Hwang Suk-young (황석영)
Books written:
- The Guest (2001)
- Princess Bari (2007)
Genre: Literary fiction, Historical and political themes
Awards received:
- Manhae Prize for Literature (2001)
37. Hwang Sun-mi (황선미)
Books written:
- The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly (2000)
Genre: Children’s literature, Fables
Awards received: No widely recognized international awards; her work has been widely translated and appreciated globally.
38. Hwang Sun-won (황순원)
Books written:
- The Descendants of Cain (1954)
- Rain Shower (1959)
Genre: Literary fiction, Humanistic themes
Awards received: No widely recognized international awards; he is a celebrated figure in Korean literature.
39. Hyun Jin-geon (현진건)
Books written:
- The Fire (1925)
- A Lucky Day (1924)
Genre: Literary fiction, Realism
Awards received: No widely recognized international awards; he is considered a pioneer of modern Korean literature.
40. Im Chul-woo (임철우)
Books written:
- Red Room (1983)
- Spring Day (2000)
Genre: Literary fiction, Political and historical themes
Awards received:
- Dong-in Literary Award (1988)
- Daesan Literary Award (2000)
41. Jang Eun-jin (장은진)
Books written:
- No One Writes Back (2009)
- Alice’s Lifestyle (2006)
Genre: Literary fiction, Psychological fiction
Awards received: No widely recognized international awards; her works are known for their introspective storytelling.
42. Jang Jeong-il (장정일)
Books written:
- A Petal (1987)
- When Adam Opens His Eyes (1990)
Genre: Literary fiction, Social commentary
Awards received: No widely recognized international awards; he is known for his experimental narratives and themes of youth and society.
43. Jeon Gyeong-rin (전경린)
Books written:
- Your Paradise (1998)
- A Person Who Loves Me (2001)
Genre: Literary fiction, Romance
Awards received: No widely recognized international awards; she is appreciated for her exploration of love and relationships in contemporary Korean society.
44. Jeon Sang-guk (전상국)
Books written:
- The Train That Leaves at 7 o’Clock (1985)
- A Crane (1979)
Genre: Literary fiction, Social realism
Awards received: No widely recognized international awards; he is noted for depicting the struggles of Korean society.
45. Jeong Do-sang (정도상)
Books written:
- The Final Performance (1999)
- A Year of Goodbyes (2004)
Genre: Literary fiction, Political fiction
Awards received:
- Baeksang Literary Award (1999)
46. Jo Jung-rae (조정래)
Books written:
- The Taebaek Mountain Range trilogy (1989–1994)
- Arirang (1995–1996)
- Han River (2002)
Genre: Historical fiction, Political fiction
Awards received:
- Manhae Prize for Literature (1995)
- Ho-Am Prize in the Arts (2003)
47. Jo Kyung-ran (조경란)
Books written:
- Tongue (2007)
- The French Laundry (2013)
Genre: Literary fiction, Psychological fiction
Awards received:
- Yi Sang Literary Award (2011)
48. Jung Eun-gwol (정은궐)
Books written:
- Sungkyunkwan Scandal (2007)
- The Moon Embracing the Sun (2005)
Genre: Historical romance, Drama
Awards received: No widely recognized international awards; her novels have been adapted into popular Korean dramas.
49. Jung Ihyun (정이현)
Books written:
- My Sweet City (2006)
- Romantic Love and Society (2011)
Genre: Contemporary fiction, Romance
Awards received:
- Munhakdongne Novel Award (2002)
50. Jung Hansuk (정한숙)
Books written:
- The Road to Sampo (1973)
- The Scenery of Korean Literature (1976)
Genre: Literary fiction, Historical fiction
Awards received:
- Korean National Literature Award (1965)
51. Jung Mi-kyung (정미경)
Books written:
- The Strange Family (2004)
- A Good Family (2010)
Genre: Psychological fiction, Literary fiction
Awards received:
- Yi Sang Literary Award (2010)
52. Jung Young-moon (정영문)
Books written:
- A Most Ambiguous Sunday (2003)
- Vaseline Buddha (2015)
Genre: Experimental fiction, Absurdist literature
Awards received:
- Dong-in Literary Award (2012)
53. Kang Kyeong-ae (강경애)
Books written:
- Salt (1934)
- Mother and Daughter (1935)
Genre: Socialist realism, Feminist literature
Awards received: No widely recognized international awards; she was a pioneer of feminist literature in Korea.
54. Kang Sok-Kyong (강석경)
Books written:
- A House with a Deep Garden (1986)
- Lee Jin (1995)
Genre: Historical fiction, Literary fiction
Awards received:
- Dong-in Literary Award (1987)
55. Kang Younghill (강영희)
Books written:
- The Grass Roof (1931)
- East Goes West (1937)
Genre: Autobiographical fiction, Immigrant literature
Awards received: No widely recognized international awards; he was an influential Korean-American writer.
56. Kang Young-sook (강영숙)
Books written:
- Rina (2011)
- Every Day Is a Celebration (2015)
Genre: Dystopian fiction, Literary fiction
Awards received:
- Lee Hyo-seok Literary Award (2015)
57. Kim Ae-ran (김애란)
Books written:
- Run, Dad (2005)
- The Youngest Parents with the Oldest Child (2011)
Genre: Literary fiction, Contemporary fiction
Awards received:
- Yi Sang Literary Award (2013)
58. Kim Byeol-ah (김별아)
Books written:
- Red Pen (2004)
- The Portrait of a Crane (2009)
Genre: Historical fiction, Literary fiction
Awards received:
- Yi Sang Literary Award (2010)
59. Kim Chae-won (김채원)
Books written:
- A Star Lover (1995)
- The Azure Afternoon (2010)
Genre: Romance, Contemporary fiction
Awards received: No widely recognized international awards.
60. Kim Chi-won (김치원)
Books written:
- A Certain Morning (1989)
- The Starry Night (1995)
Genre: Contemporary fiction, Literary fiction
Awards received: No widely recognized international awards.
61. Kim Dong-in (김동인)
Books written:
- The Sorrows of the Weak (1921)
- The Portrait of a Shaman (1935)
Genre: Naturalism, Psychological fiction
Awards received: No widely recognized international awards, but he is regarded as a pioneer of modern Korean literature.
62. Kim Dong-ni (김동리)
Books written:
- The Shaman Painting (1947)
- The Moonlit Night of Silla (1948)
Genre: Traditionalism, Mythological fiction
Awards received:
- Seoul Culture Prize (1955)
63. Kim Gu-yong (김구용)
Books written:
- Poems of the Wind (1965)
- The Sound of the Sky (1973)
Genre: Poetry, Modernist literature
Awards received: No widely recognized international awards.
64. Kim Gyeong-Uk (김경욱)
Books written:
- Risky Business (2005)
- Who Killed Kurt Cobain? (2003)
Genre: Contemporary fiction, Psychological fiction
Awards received:
- Hwang Sun-won Literary Award (2015)
65. Kim Haki (김하기)
Books written:
- A Road with No Name (1998)
- People of the Earth (2005)
Genre: Social realism, Political fiction
Awards received: No widely recognized international awards.
66. Kim In-suk (김인숙)
Books written:
- Goodbye, Elena (1995)
- The Long Road (2010)
Genre: Contemporary fiction, Feminist literature
Awards received:
- Dong-in Literary Award (2011)
67. Kim Jae-Young (김재영)
Books written:
- Rain and You (2008)
- Somewhere in Time (2014)
Genre: Romance, Contemporary fiction
Awards received: No widely recognized international awards.
68. Kim Jeong-han (김정한)
Books written:
- The Swamp (1970)
- Earth (1982)
Genre: Historical fiction, Realism
Awards received:
- Korean Literature Award (1981)
69. Kim Jeong-hwan (김정환)
Books written:
- Poems of Revolution (1983)
- A Time for Change (1990)
Genre: Poetry, Political literature
Awards received:
- Daesan Literary Award (2002)
70. Kim Ju-yeong (김주영)
Books written:
- Gate (1981)
- The Innkeeper (1995)
Genre: Historical fiction, Social realism
Awards received:
- Manhae Literary Award (1996)
71. Kim Mi-wol (김미월)
Books written:
- The Owl’s House (2008)
- People Who Make Me Sad (2012)
Genre: Contemporary fiction, Psychological fiction
Awards received:
- Munhakdongne Young Writer’s Award (2009)
72. Kim Moon-soo (김문수)
Books written:
- The Time of Butterflies (2005)
- The Deepest Silence (2011)
Genre: Literary fiction, Drama
Awards received: No widely recognized international awards.
73. Kim Myeong-sun (김명순)
Books written:
- The Petal That Yearned for Love (1923)
- Unfortunate Woman (1924)
Genre: Modernist fiction, Feminist literature
Awards received: No widely recognized international awards.
74. Kim Ryeo-ryeong (김려령)
Books written:
- Wandeuk (2008) (Punch)
- Elegant Lies (2009)
Genre: Young Adult fiction, Contemporary fiction
Awards received:
- Changbi Prize for Young Adult Fiction (2007)
75. Kim Tak-hwan (김탁환)
Books written:
- The Painter of the Wind (2007)
- The War of the Flowers (2016)
Genre: Historical fiction
Awards received: No widely recognized international awards.
76. Kim Yeon-su (김연수)
Books written:
- I Am a Ghost Writer (1998)
- Who Killed That Man? (2003)
Genre: Contemporary fiction, Psychological fiction
Awards received:
- Dong-in Literary Award (2005)
77. Kim Yoo-jung (김유정)
Books written:
- Spring, Spring (1935)
- The Camellias (1936)
Genre: Satirical fiction, Realism
Awards received: No widely recognized international awards, but an annual literary award is named after him.
78. Kim Seong-dong (김성동)
Books written:
- The Mandala (1978)
- House of Homeless (1987)
Genre: Buddhist literature, Philosophical fiction
Awards received:
- Dong-in Literary Award (1979)
79. Kim Seung-ok (김승옥)
Books written:
- Seoul, Winter, 1964 (1965)
- Journey to Mujin (1964)
Genre: Modernist fiction, Existentialism
Awards received:
- Yi Sang Literary Award (1977)
80. Kim Won-il (김원일)
Books written:
- Soul of Darkness (1978)
- House with a Deep Yard (1988)
Genre: Historical fiction, Realism
Awards received:
- Korean Literature Award (1990)
81. Kim Wonu (김원우)
Books written:
- The City of Hope (2003)
- A Fading Memory (2012)
Genre: Contemporary fiction
Awards received: No widely recognized international awards.
82. Kim Yeong-hyeon (김영현)
Books written:
- Road of the Wind (1999)
- The Time of the Dragon (2006)
Genre: Historical fiction
Awards received: No widely recognized international awards.
83. Kim Yong-ik (김용익)
Books written:
- The Snowstorm (1958)
- A Tale of Paradise (1966)
Genre: Modernist fiction, Psychological fiction
Awards received: No widely recognized international awards.
84. Kim Yong-man (김용만)
Books written:
- The Lost Path (1992)
- A Tale of Two Rivers (2004)
Genre: Contemporary fiction
Awards received: No widely recognized international awards.
85. Kim Young-ha (김영하)
Books written:
- I Have the Right to Destroy Myself (1996)
- Black Flower (2003)
Genre: Contemporary fiction, Existentialist fiction
Awards received:
- Dong-in Literary Award (2004)
- Manhae Literary Award (2010)
86. Ku Kyung-mi (구경미)
Books written:
- Whale (2004)
- A City with No Name (2015)
Genre: Contemporary fiction, Experimental fiction
Awards received:
- Yi Sang Literary Award (2015)
87. Kwon Jeong-saeng (권정생)
Books written:
- The Cloud Bread (1978)
- A Beautiful House (1982)
Genre: Children’s literature
Awards received:
- Korean Children’s Literature Award (1980)
88. Kwon Yeo-sun (권여선)
Books written:
- Lemon (2019)
- The House with a Garden (2005)
Genre: Mystery, Psychological fiction
Awards received:
- Yi Sang Literary Award (2017)
89. Lee Dong-ha (이동하)
Books written:
- A Toy City (1977)
- The Deep-Rooted Tree (1983)
Genre: Realism, Historical fiction
Awards received:
- Dong-in Literary Award (1981)
90. Lee Ho-cheol (이호철)
Books written:
- Panmunjom (1970)
- Neighbors in War (1973)
Genre: War literature, Realism
Awards received:
- Korean Literature Award (1995)
91. Lee Hyo-seok (이효석)
Books written:
- When Buckwheat Flowers Bloom (1936)
- The Cloudburst (1935)
Genre: Modernist fiction, Nature-themed fiction
Awards received:
- No widely recognized international awards, but a literary festival and an award are named after him.
92. Lee In-hwa (이인화)
Books written:
- The Gate of Heaven (1993)
- The Empire of Light (1995)
Genre: Historical fiction, Political fiction
Awards received:
- Yi Sang Literary Award (1995)
93. Lee Jangwook (이장욱)
Books written:
- The Private Life of a Nation (2010)
- The Prisoner’s Cinema (2014)
Genre: Experimental fiction, Postmodern literature
Awards received:
- Yi Sang Literary Award (2016)
94. Lee Ki-ho (이기호)
Books written:
- At Least We Can Apologize (2009)
- The Story of a Snail and a Whale (2013)
Genre: Satirical fiction, Contemporary fiction
Awards received:
- No widely recognized international awards.
95. Lee Kyun-young (이균영)
Books written:
- A World Without Shadows (1984)
- Invisible Scars (2001)
Genre: Psychological fiction, Social realism
Awards received:
- No widely recognized international awards.
96. Lee Mankyo (이만교)
Books written:
- The Ballad of the Ghosts (2007)
- The Rusty Knife (2011)
Genre: Contemporary fiction, Psychological fiction
Awards received:
- No widely recognized international awards.
97. Lee Mun Ku (이문구)
Books written:
- The Road to Sampo (1973)
- The Land of Exile (1981)
Genre: Realism, Rural literature
Awards received:
- Korean Literature Award (1984)
98. Lee Oyoung (이어령)
Books written:
- The Prophet of Modernity (1998)
- The Future of Korea (2012)
Genre: Essays, Cultural criticism
Awards received:
- No widely recognized international awards.
99. Lee Seung-u (이승우)
Books written:
- The Private Lives of Plants (2000)
- The Reverse Side of Life (2004)
Genre: Philosophical fiction, Psychological fiction
Awards received:
- Yi Sang Literary Award (2010)
100. Lee Soon-won (이순원)
Books written:
- Spring Days (1995)
- Sunlight on the Path (2002)
Genre: Contemporary fiction, Family-themed literature
Awards received:
- No widely recognized international awards.
101. Lee Yun-gi (이윤기)
Books written:
- The Myth of the Dragon (1991)
- Tales of the Mediterranean (1997)
Genre: Mythological fiction, Travel literature
Awards received:
- Yi Sang Literary Award (1998)
102. Lee Ze-ha (이제하)
Books written:
- A River of No Return (1985)
- The Golden Tree (1994)
Genre: Experimental fiction, Contemporary fiction
Awards received:
- No widely recognized international awards.
103. Na Hye-sok (나혜석)
Books written:
- Kyonghui (1918)
Genre: Feminist literature, Realism
Awards received:
- No widely recognized international awards.
104. Nam Jung-hyun (남정현)
Books written:
- Land of Excrement (1965)
- Silver Stallion (1971)
Genre: Political fiction, Realism
Awards received:
- No widely recognized international awards.
105. Oh Jung-hee (오정희)
Books written:
- Chinatown (1979)
- The Bird (1996)
Genre: Psychological fiction, Feminist literature
Awards received:
- Yi Sang Literary Award (1982)
- Dong-in Literary Award (1985)
106. Oh Sangwon (오상원)
Books written:
- Human Hunt (1955)
- Far from Home (1967)
Genre: War literature, Existential fiction
Awards received:
- No widely recognized international awards.
107. Oh Soo-yeon (오수연)
Books written:
- Spirit on the Wind (2000)
- Lonesome You (2015)
Genre: Contemporary fiction, Feminist literature
Awards received:
- No widely recognized international awards.
108. Oh Young-su (오영수)
Books written:
- The House with a Sunken Courtyard (1953)
- Spring, Spring (1957)
Genre: Rural literature, Short stories
Awards received:
- No widely recognized international awards.
109. Paik Gahuim (백가흠)
Books written:
- A House Where Nothing Happened (2001)
- Bloodstained Lovers (2006)
Genre: Noir fiction, Psychological fiction
Awards received:
- No widely recognized international awards.
110. Park Beom-shin (박범신)
Books written:
- The Dream of a Mermaid (1980)
- White Nights (1991)
Genre: Contemporary fiction, Romantic fiction
Awards received:
- Yi Sang Literary Award (1981)
111. Park Chong-hwa (박종화)
Books written:
- Flowers of Fire (1928)
- Chunhyangjeon (1950)
Genre: Historical fiction, Classic Korean literature
Awards received:
- No widely recognized international awards.
112. Park Hyoung-su (박형수)
Books written:
- The Shining Days (2002)
- Human Decency (2010)
Genre: Contemporary fiction, Satirical fiction
Awards received:
- No widely recognized international awards.
113. Park Kyung-ni (박경리)
Books written:
- Toji (The Land) (1969–1994)
Genre: Epic fiction, Historical fiction
Awards received:
- Korean National Literature Award (1998)
- Ho-Am Prize in the Arts (1992)
114. Park Min-gyu (박민규)
Books written:
- Legend of the World’s Superheroes (2003)
- Pavane for a Dead Princess (2009)
Genre: Postmodern fiction, Satirical fiction
Awards received:
- Yi Sang Literary Award (2010)
115. Park Sang-ryung (박상륭)
Books written:
- A Meditation on the Light (1993)
- The Divine Comedy (2003)
Genre: Philosophical fiction, Experimental fiction
Awards received:
- No widely recognized international awards.
116. Park Taesun (박태순)
Books written:
- A Faraway Place (1971)
- People in the Alley (1980)
Genre: Social realism, Contemporary fiction
Awards received:
- No widely recognized international awards.
117. Park Taewon (박태원)
Books written:
- A Day in the Life of Novelist Gubo (1934)
- Scenes from the Enlightenment (1950)
Genre: Modernist fiction, Realism
Awards received:
- No widely recognized international awards.
118. Park Wan-suh (박완서)
Books written:
- Who Ate Up All the Shinga? (1992)
- Mother’s Stake (1980)
Genre: Feminist literature, Family fiction
Awards received:
- Yi Sang Literary Award (1981)
- Dong-in Literary Award (1994)
119. Park Yeonghan (박영한)
Books written:
- Lost Paradise (1995)
- The Song of the Wind (2008)
Genre: Contemporary fiction, Psychological fiction
Awards received:
- No widely recognized international awards.
120. Seo Hajin (서하진)
Books written:
- My Last Man (2007)
- One Hundred Shadows (2016)
Genre: Contemporary fiction, Psychological fiction
Awards received:
- No widely recognized international awards.
121. Seo Jeong-in (서정인)
Books written:
- Winter Valley (1977)
- The Gray Snowman (1992)
Genre: Realism, Social fiction
Awards received:
- Dong-in Literary Award (1983)
122. Shin Kyung-sook (신경숙)
Books written:
- Please Look After Mom (2008)
- The Girl Who Wrote Loneliness (1995)
Genre: Family fiction, Feminist literature
Awards received:
- Man Asian Literary Prize (2011)
123. Sim Yunkyung (심윤경)
Books written:
- A Lone Room (2003)
- The Memory of Water (2012)
Genre: Contemporary fiction, Psychological fiction
Awards received:
- No widely recognized international awards.
124. So Young-en (소영언)
Books written:
- A Day in November (1999)
- Lost Time (2005)
Genre: Literary fiction, Social realism
Awards received:
- No widely recognized international awards.
125. Son Bo-mi (손보미)
Books written:
- When My Brother Was a Republican (2017)
- The Origin of Things (2019)
Genre: Contemporary fiction, Psychological fiction
Awards received:
- No widely recognized international awards.
126. Song Gisuk (송기숙)
Books written:
- Dawn (1978)
- Struggles of the Farmer (1982)
Genre: Political fiction, Social realism
Awards received:
- No widely recognized international awards.
127. Song Giwon (송기원)
Books written:
- The Shaman’s Story (1983)
- Crows (1995)
Genre: Historical fiction, Political fiction
Awards received:
- No widely recognized international awards.
128. Song Sokze (송석제)
Books written:
- The Age of the Prodigy (1993)
- A Man Who Was Superman (2006)
Genre: Satirical fiction, Contemporary fiction
Awards received:
- No widely recognized international awards.
129.Song Soo-Kwon (송수권)
Books written:
- Whale Song (1978)
- The River’s Breath (1991)
Genre: Poetry, Nature writing
Awards received:
- No widely recognized international awards.
130. Song Yeong (송영)
Books written:
- Red Snow (1987)
- Fallen Leaves (1999)
Genre: War literature, Realism
Awards received:
- No widely recognized international awards.
131. Yang Gui-ja (양귀자)
Books written:
- A Distant and Beautiful Place (1989)
- Contradictions (1998)
Genre: Family fiction, Social realism
Awards received:
- Yi Sang Literary Award (1992)
132. Yi Chong-jun (이청준)
Books written:
- Your Paradise (1976)
- The Wounded (1980)
Genre: Psychological fiction, Political fiction
Awards received:
- Yi Sang Literary Award (1981)
133. Yi Kwang-su (이광수)
Books written:
- The Heartless (1917)
- Soil (1932)
Genre: Modernist fiction, Nationalist literature
Awards received:
- No widely recognized international awards.
134. Yi Kyoung-Ja (이경자)
Books written:
- The Road to the City (1987)
- House of Strangers (1995)
Genre: Feminist literature, Contemporary fiction
Awards received:
- No widely recognized international awards.
135. Yi In-Seong (이인성)
Books written:
- A Battle of Voices (1995)
- Memories of the Future (2008)
Genre: Experimental fiction, Postmodern literature
Awards received:
- No widely recognized international awards.
136. Yi Mun-yol (이문열)
Books written:
- Our Twisted Hero (1987)
- The Poet (1992)
Genre: Political fiction, Historical fiction
Awards received:
- Ho-Am Prize in the Arts (1999)
137. Yi Sang (이상)
Books written:
- Wings (1936)
- The Spider’s Thread (1937)
Genre: Modernist fiction, Poetry
Awards received:
- No widely recognized international awards.
138. Yom Sang-seop (염상섭)
Books written:
- Three Generations (1931)
- Mansejeon (1924)
Genre: Realism, Social fiction
Awards received:
- No widely recognized international awards.
139. Yoo Jae-yong (유재용)
Books written:
- The End of the Road (1988)
- Floating Clouds (2005)
Genre: Contemporary fiction, Psychological fiction
Awards received:
- No widely recognized international awards.
140. Yu Haeon-jong (유하연종)
Books written:
- Echoes of Time (1992)
- Shadows on the Wall (1998)
Genre: Mystery fiction, Historical fiction
Awards received:
- No widely recognized international awards.
141. Yun Dae-nyeong (윤대녕)
Books written:
- The Lone Traveler (1995)
- Yellow Flowers in Green Grass (2001)
Genre: Psychological fiction, Contemporary fiction
Awards received:
- Yi Sang Literary Award (1996)
142. Yun Heung-gil (윤흥길)
Books written:
- The Rainy Spell (1977)
- The Man Who Was Left as Nine Pairs of Shoes (1977)
Genre: War literature, Social realism
Awards received:
- No widely recognized international awards.
Please note that while some of the South Korean novelists may not have received widely recognized international awards, they have made significant contributions to South Korean literature and have been acknowledged within the country.
Final Thoughts on the Legacy of Korean Novelists
Throughout this post, we’ve explored the works of numerous Korean novelists from both North and South Korea, highlighting their contributions to literature.
Whether through historical epics, modern fiction or deeply personal narratives, these Korean writers have shaped the literary landscape in unique ways.
By looking at the books they’ve written, the genres they specialize in and any awards they have received, we gain a deeper appreciation for their impact.
From internationally acclaimed authors to lesser-known yet equally talented voices, Korean authors continue to captivate readers around the world.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Korean literature or just starting to explore it, we hope this guide helps you discover new Korean novelists and books to enjoy.