Designed to Feel by Peter Burchardt
Bestseller by Peter Burchardt
Designed to Feel
Why Evolution Built Your Emotions, and How to Make Them Work for You
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Literary Canon

Best Books from South Korea

South Korea's literary tradition has produced books of international significance spanning fiction, poetry, and non-fiction. The country's writers have engaged with its history, geography, and social realities in ways that have found readers far beyond its borders, and its place in world literature is secure.

#1
Cover of Human Acts
historical-fiction

Human Acts

Han Kang· 2014
Kirkus Reviews
Editorial Score43/100
#2
Cover of The White Book
literary-fiction

The White Book

Han Kang· 2016
Kirkus Reviews
Editorial Score43/100
#3
Cover of The Vegetarian
literary-fiction

The Vegetarian

Han Kang· 2007
Kirkus Reviews
Editorial Score37/100
#4
Cover of Please Look After Mom
literary-fiction

Please Look After Mom

Kyung-Sook Shin· 2008
Kirkus Reviews
Editorial Score10/100
Happy Employees
The Management Companion
Happy Employees
What Evolution Tells You About Leading People
Lead with human nature, and your team won’t just perform — they’ll thrive.
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Genres

Literary Fiction4Historical Fiction1Poetry1

Notable Authors

Han Kang3 booksKyung-Sook Shin1 book

South Korea Literature — FAQ

What are the best books from South Korea?

The top-ranked books from South Korea include Human Acts, The White Book, The Vegetarian — all highly scored by international editorial consensus.

Which South Korea authors have won the Nobel Prize in Literature?

South Korea has produced several Nobel Prize laureates. Our rankings highlight these winners alongside other critically acclaimed authors from the country.

How many books from South Korea are ranked on 50 Best Books?

We currently rank 4 books from South Korea, spanning fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and more.

What literary traditions is South Korea known for?

South Korea's literary tradition includes Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction, Poetry — genres where the country has produced world-class authors.

Where can I read more about South Korea literature?

Explore our dedicated guide at /best-books-in/south-korea for a comprehensive overview of South Korea's literary landscape, key authors, and recommended reading order.