Literature and poetry: A journey through Korean culture

Korean literature and poetry offer a true journey to the heart of Korean culture. They reflect the country’s rich literary tradition, which goes back centuries. Korean literary works are imbued with the history, philosophy and values of Korean society.

Korean literature: a rich tradition

Korean literature is a fundamental pillar of the country’s cultural heritage. This centuries-old literary tradition, characterized by its remarkable diversity of genres, has played a decisive role in preserving and transmitting Korean cultural identity. Over the centuries, it has developed as a faithful mirror of the country’s social and political transformations, while maintaining a deep resonance with universal themes of the human condition.

Famous Korean writers

Within the Korean literary pantheon, several authors stand out for their outstanding contributions. Han Kang (한강), winner of the Man Booker International Prize for “The Vegetarian” and the Nobel Prize for Literature, embodies the international influence of contemporary Korean literature. Hwang Sok-yong (황석영), meanwhile, has established himself as a major voice exploring the historical and political upheavals of the Korean peninsula.

Yi Mun-yol (이문열) has left her mark on the literary landscape with her profound historical novels, notably “The Song of the Dead Children” and “The Garden of Delights”. Her writing, combining psychological finesse and historical perspective, offers a poignant reflection on Korean identity. In the same vein, Park Kyung-ni (박경리) has produced a monumental work in twenty volumes with “The Land”, a veritable family fresco that traverses modern Korean history.

Korean poetry: a form of artistic expression

At the end of the Goryeo dynasty (고려), a particular style of poetry emerged, Sijo poetry (시조), a style of poetry considered as classical.

Korean poetry occupies a special place in this literary landscape. It is characterized by a unique sensibility that transcends the ages, combining tradition and modernity in a constant exploration of the possibilities of language. The great poets have created a universal body of work that addresses spiritual issues and social concerns with equal mastery.

Renowned Korean poets

Ko Un (고은) has distinguished himself with a body of work translated into many languages, dealing in depth with love, spirituality and the human condition. Kim Sowol (김소월) portrait, with his iconic collection “Azaleas”, has excelled in the art of fusing traditional influences with a modern sensibility, while Yi Sang (이상) has distinguished himself with an avant-garde approach that continues to influence contemporary poetry.

The influence of Korean literature and poetry on popular culture

Film adaptations of Korean novels

The influence of Korean literature extends far beyond the strictly literary realm. Korean cinema, in particular, has drawn on this rich literary heritage. The international success of Bong Joon-ho’s “Parasite” and Park Chan-wook’s “The Handmaiden ” testifies to the ability of these works to transcend cultural boundaries.

Songs inspired by Korean poetry

In the musical realm, the poetic legacy continues to inspire contemporary composers and performers, creating bridges between literary tradition and modern forms of expression. Artists such as Kim Kwang-seok (김광석) and Jeon In-kwon (전인권) have breathed new life into classical poems through their musical interpretations.

Where to discover Korean literature and poetry

This literary heritage is passed on and celebrated through major cultural events. The Seoul Poetry Festival, a key event on the international literary scene, provides a platform for exchange and dialogue between poetic traditions from around the world. The Gwangju Poetry Festival (광주) stands out for its social and political commitment, while the Daegu Poetry Festival highlights the continuity between tradition and innovation in Korean poetry.

This rich literary tradition continues to evolve and renew itself, supported by dynamic cultural institutions and a worldwide network of centers for Korean studies. It testifies to the vitality of a culture which, while remaining deeply rooted in its roots, is in constant dialogue with modernity and contemporary issues.