historical fiction korea

The Fascinating World of Historical Fiction Novels Set in Korea

Korea's rich history comes alive through the pages of captivating historical fiction novels. These books take readers on a mesmerizing journey, immersing them in the vivid landscapes, intricate traditions, and compelling characters of ancient and modern Korea. If you're a fan of historical fiction or simply intrigued by Korean culture, these novels are perfect for you. In this article, we'll explore some highly recommended historical fiction novels set in Korea and introduce you to the talented authors behind them.

1. "Pachinko" by Min Jin Lee:
One of the most celebrated novels in recent years, "Pachinko" spans four generations of a Korean family, starting in the early 1900s. This remarkable saga follows the family's struggles, triumphs, and sacrifices as they navigate the turbulent events of 20th-century Korea and Japan. Min Jin Lee's masterful storytelling and meticulous research make this novel an engrossing read for anyone interested in Korean history.

2. "The Orphan Master's Son" by Adam Johnson:
Set in North Korea, this Pulitzer Prize-winning novel introduces readers to Jun Do, an orphan who navigates his way through the oppressive regime. Adam Johnson skillfully weaves together Jun Do's personal story with broader political themes, giving readers a gripping and thought-provoking narrative. "The Orphan Master's Son" offers a unique glimpse into the complexities of life in North Korea.

3. "Please Look After Mom" by Kyung-Sook Shin:
Kyung-Sook Shin's bestselling novel explores the deep familial bond and sacrifices of a traditional Korean mother who goes missing in the bustling streets of Seoul. The story is told through multiple perspectives, providing a poignant exploration of Korean family dynamics and societal expectations. "Please Look After Mom" is a beautiful and moving depiction of love, loss, and motherhood.

4. "The Vegetarian" by Han Kang:
This internationally acclaimed novel delves into the life of Yeong-hye, a seemingly ordinary Korean woman who decides to become a vegetarian, defying societal expectations. Han Kang's visceral prose takes readers on a journey that explores the intersection of identity, rebellion, and mental health. "The Vegetarian" is a haunting and deeply philosophical work that solidified Han Kang as an influential voice in Korean literature.

Beyond these remarkable novels, several websites offer further recommendations and resources for exploring Korean historical fiction. Sites such as Goodreads, BookBub, and LibraryThing provide user-generated lists, reviews, and discussions on Korean historical fiction novels. These platforms are exceptional resources for readers looking to discover and connect with others who share their passion for Korean literature.

In conclusion, historical fiction novels set in Korea offer a captivating gateway to the country's rich cultural heritage. From the powerful family saga in "Pachinko" to the exploration of North Korean society in "The Orphan Master's Son," these stories provide both educational and deeply engaging experiences. By immersing yourself in the lives of the characters and the vivid historical backdrop, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for Korea's fascinating past and its impact on the present.

So, why not embark on a literary journey through time and explore the mesmerizing world of Korean historical fiction? Happy reading!
Bright Thief Fiction
Bright Thief

In the eleventh year of Chongzhen, the Manchus broke through the borders, the bandits resurged, and the land of the Han Dynasty was on the verge of collapse. A horse bandit emerged out of nowhere, bringing peace to all corners, enlightening the people, promoting industry and commerce, exploring overseas

104.97 Million words | 2021-02-08 15:49Update

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Blood of the Vietnam War. Fiction
Blood of the Vietnam War.

A debauched playboy, who only knew a life of indulgence in the modern era, finds himself in the midst of the Sino-Vietnamese War era where blood and fire prevail. How will he face such a world of bloody conflict and confront the father he once despised? The blood of the Vietnam War opens up a new battlefield, recounting an extraordinary tale of comradeship!

492.77 Million words | 2020-10-10 08:22Update

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The New Legend of Lu Bu in the Three Kingdoms Fiction
The New Legend of Lu Bu in the Three Kingdoms

Unrivaled in the world, renowned as the foremost warrior in the Three Kingdoms, General Lü Bu! A special thanks to fellow reader 'Bloody River' for providing a superfan book club: (Group 1). And a special thanks to fellow reader 'Bankrupt' for providing another superfan book club: (Group 2).

219.51 Million words | 2023-04-22 13:50Update

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A Happy Life in Northern Song Dynasty Fiction
A Happy Life in Northern Song Dynasty

Traveling through time, striving for a happy and fulfilling bourgeois life...

568.18 Million words | 2023-04-17 16:07Update

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Xinghan Fiction
Xinghan

- He was originally a harmonious soldier in the future naval expeditionary forces but inexplicably became Liu Cong, who was disregarded and bullied in the late Eastern Han Dynasty. - Facing tens of thousands of troops led by Cao Cao on the outside and internal challenges from Liu Bei who sought to replace Liu Biao, the usurpation of power by Cai Mao and Zhang Yun, as well as Sun Quan's covetousness from the east of the Yangtze River. - Gathering the wisdom of Zhuge Liang, battling against Cao Cao. Let's witness Liu Cong's battles of wits and bravery with various warlords, rising

107.54 Million words | 2023-01-13 00:59Update

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The Great River Fiction
The Great River

The Great River depicts the comprehensive, detailed, and in-depth changes in the economic field, social life, and people's spiritual outlook in China since the reform and opening-up period. It has been hailed as a remarkable book that portrays the reform and opening-up of China. From the restoration of college entrance examinations in the year to the Southern Tour Speech in the year , from the emergence of township enterprises to the rise of Made in China, from real estate reform to the financial crisis in , the novel vividly portrays representative figures such as state-owned enterprise leader Song Yunfei, township entrepreneur Lei Dongbao, individual business owner Yang Xiaowu, and overseas returnee intellectual Liu Jun, authentically recreating the entrepreneurial life, struggle, and destiny of a generation.

530.48 Million words | 2021-04-22 15:34Update

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Return to the end of the Ming Dynasty as a warlord. Fiction
Return to the end of the Ming Dynasty as a warlord.

The brilliant top student, Yang Chao, saved a drowning person and woke up as a mediocre student who longed for the glamour of the Qinhuai River in the Ming Dynasty. Yang Chao immersed himself in the atmosphere of the thousand-year-old makeup and beauty along the Qinhuai River, without reciting the poetry and literary works of future generations. Nevertheless, he thrived in the Qinhuai River area because he opened a brothel, creating a new benchmark for the glamour and elegance of Qinhuai. Despite lacking extensive knowledge, Yang Chao managed to form connections with great scholars such as Qian Qianyi and Ruan Dacheng. With his humble background, he was able to shake the Ming Dynasty's officialdom. He helped Zhang Pu in his operations and aided Zhou Yanru in becoming the chief minister. Although he resided in the world of rivers and lakes, he caused ripples in the court.

161.60 Million words | 2022-04-10 04:47Update

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Transmigrated to a different time and became a prince. Fiction
Transmigrated to a different time and became a prince.

A bookworm and a librarian who only loves reading, transcends into a different time and space, possessing the body of a small-time hoodlum while retaining the memories and traits of both individuals. What kind of reactions will occur when a bookworm encounters a hoodlum? Is knowledge truly power? Or is the hoodlum better suited for survival? In an entirely unfamiliar world, with only knowledge of the era falling between the late Sui Dynasty and early Tang Dynasty, it is undoubtedly a chaotic era. Starting from rock bottom, rising to fame in the northern frontier, suppressing rebellion in the south, playing the savior behind enemy lines, conquering small nations, soaring to the pinnacle of life, only to be betrayed by others. Turning to writing, however, brings success and prosperity even in the barren wilderness. With powerful officials ruling the country and the nation in peril, at the critical moment, the tides of power change yet are still unable to escape the dart that pierces the darkness. Heaven lends its hand, a new Emperor is proclaimed. Serving as a close attendant to the Emperor, wielding great power, pacifying the Southern Barbarians, shattering the Turkic forces

260.90 Million words | 2021-11-15 22:15Update

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Tang Dynasty: Li Shimin Exiled to a Deserted Island at the Beginning Fiction
Tang Dynasty: Li Shimin Exiled to a Deserted Island at the Beginning

Researcher Jiang Feng accidentally stranded on a deserted island, cultivating crops while waiting for rescue. One year later, three men dressed in ancient attire broke into the island. Old Li: Let's be honest, I am the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty! Old Sun: Well, I'll be honest too, I'm not Old Sun, I am Zhang Sun Wuji! Old Du: I'll be honest as well, I am Du Ruhui! Jiang Feng: When in doubt, quantum mechanics, I also know it. So, here's the truth, I am...!

146.59 Million words | 2021-05-10 19:34Update

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Rebuilding the Prosperous Tang Dynasty of Life Fiction
Rebuilding the Prosperous Tang Dynasty of Life

They say there are five types of people that Tang Chuan shouldn't be: one being the Crown Prince. If you don't understand, just read Li Chen's story. As soon as he transmigrated, he almost got killed. Then he was about to be thrown into a cesspit. Just when he thought he had escaped, he was going to be buried alive. Why does the dog emperor keep chasing after me? Even when I fled to the temple, I was still pursued. On the escape route, I even ended up with four tag-alongs. How am I going to live like this? It's okay, I'm not afraid. I swear to speak with an influential Tang dynasty. All under heaven shall be the land of Tang, and all the coasts of the world shall be inhabited

18.30 Million words | 2021-11-14 03:07Update

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Guo Jia Fiction
Guo Jia

"Breaking news!" A person rushed in from outside, "My lord! Chen Qun has once again made a complaint to the lord about your personal life!" Guo Jia, with a composed expression, turned his head slightly to the side. "What do you think, Zhongda?" Sima Yi stepped forward and clasped his hands. "My lord, in my opinion, the most urgent matter at hand is to capture Lady Sun Shangxiang." Guo Jia burst into laughter and clapped his hands. "You truly understand me, Sima Zhongda!" ... At the grand celebration of the Wei Kingdom's triumph, a confident Cao Cao was about to deliver a groundbreaking speech. Suddenly, Xun Yu approached him and quietly reminded him, "My lord, when you go up there, don't forget to first thank Guo Jia!" Dear readers, if you enjoy "Guo Jia," please don't forget to recommend it to your friends on QQ groups and Weibo!

181.65 Million words | 2022-03-26 03:20Update

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Tribal Empire Fiction
Tribal Empire

People who travel through time always encounter thunder and lightning, but why do I just fall asleep and wake up in a different era? If I could travel, I would prefer to experience a world of magic and fantasy, a war-torn ancient land filled with warriors and immortals. How about sending me back to the primitive society? Let it be a truly primitive society, without any summoning artifacts, black technology systems, or anything like that. I want to build cities, explore knowledge, engage in fierce battles, and maybe even nurture a young lady.

183.32 Million words | 2022-10-01 16:29Update

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Dragon Roar Great Ming Fiction
Dragon Roar Great Ming

In the late Ming Dynasty, it was a period of humiliation and heartbreak; some fought bravely, vowing to resist with their lives, while others humbly bowed and wavered. Right and wrong were muddled, and justice lost its standard. It was not only the collapse of the last Han Chinese dynasty in China, but also the greatest sorrow in Chinese history. However, a 21st-century special forces soldier, Shang Yi, returned to the fifteenth year of Chongzhen (year), gaining an opportunity to rectify the mistakes of three hundred years ago. This story is purely fictional. Please refrain from imitating Mu Linsen's new book, "Warrior's Journey Through the Warring States". It is now available for upload and participation in the new season of the online literature competition. We hope all readers will lend their support and vote. http://www.k.com/book/.html

403.69 Million words | 2021-07-13 15:10Update

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Wolf King of Special Forces Fiction
Wolf King of Special Forces

Iron-blooded Blade, Jungle War God, Special Operations Wolf King, who can contend with them. Jungle boy Wu Fei possesses unmatched throwing knives, wolf-driving techniques, and formidable martial arts skills. In a fortuitous event, he is pursued by his enemies, resulting in the death of his grandfather. Without hesitation, Wu Fei enters the military camp. Through intense training and his unique skills, he rises as the Wolf King of the Special Operations world. Amidst the generational vendetta, Wu Fei's love affairs, the tender and ruthless nature of soldiers, the intertwining of life and death on the battlefield, cruelty and bloodshed forge him into an indomitable warrior of steel. The Special Operations Wolf King leads his team, traversing every obstacle and crafting magnificent stories of steel-hearted warriors. Special Operations Wolf King Reader Group ( ) QQ Communication Group.

382.36 Million words | 2022-06-23 11:39Update

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Heart Fiction
Heart

In a familiar

469.67 Million words | 2020-07-18 03:07Update

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Poor Scholar Becomes the Top Scorer Fiction
Poor Scholar Becomes the Top Scorer

Tired of the glint of swords and the sound of trumpets, perhaps you can savor the arduous livelihood of the grassroots in society. This book tells the story of Shen Xi, who travels through the declining impoverished families of the Great Ming Dynasty. In an era where reading is the only way to climb the social ladder, he changes his fate step by step through his efforts, ultimately reaching the peak of his life's journey. A monumental historical masterpiece that deserves your possession, Your Majesty!

1,046.66 Million words | 2022-01-25 00:53Update

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The golden bowl is missing. Fiction
The golden bowl is missing.

During the reign of Emperor Huizong of Song, the Song, Liao, and Jin dynasties each held their own territories in the vast land of China. The Jin dynasty thrived, while the Liao dynasty suffered from deep-rooted problems. Meanwhile, the Song government, since the peace

120.06 Million words | 2023-02-25 14:34Update

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A Guide to Jia Lian in the Red Chamber Fiction
A Guide to Jia Lian in the Red Chamber

The unparalleled talents of the Twelve Beauties of Jinling could not escape the tragic fate of being inevitably associated with sorrow and tears. Even the astounding stubborn stone is nothing more than an irreparable stone! The collapse of the Red Chamber resonates loudly, shattering the dream into pieces. The empty space of the antique lamp and ancient Buddha may not be truly empty, as they recite the lingering resentment of Cao Xueqin. The Red Chamber has lost its dreams, leaving only remnants of dream shadows!

454.54 Million words | 2021-10-30 22:24Update

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How far is happiness? Fiction
How far is happiness?

In the late decade of the last century, Li Ping, a female worker at the Baoding Tobacco Factory, harboring dreams of marriage, slipped a tiny note into a cigarette box. This note would pave the way for her marriage to Officer Wu Tianliang, but her married life was far from happy. Gradually, she became close friends with Wang Xiaomao, a subordinate of her husband. Shortly after, Wu Tianliang's unit was transformed, becoming the North China Engineering Bureau, and he continued his involvement in the construction of the National Defense Line Nine...

296.88 Million words | 2023-05-06 18:39Update

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The Dawn of Apocalypse Fiction
The Dawn of Apocalypse

During the Tianqi period at the end of the Ming Dynasty, strong enemies lurked outside, while eunuchs ran rampant within. The court's governance became increasingly lax, powerful forces merged and plundered, and the people suffered. As the Emperor, I make the decisions! I will confront the strong enemy, eliminate corrupt officials, and punish the powerful. I will reverse the decline and support the crumbling empire. I will crush the enemy's onslaught, save the common people from water and fire. Of course, this cannot be achieved without many beautiful women and abundant wealth.

429.30 Million words | 2023-04-04 05:09Update

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