Once Ko Mani dreamt of becoming a professional gymnast. Life, however, had other plans for her. Today she has an office job and lives with her parents in the same house and poor part of Seoul in which she grew up. When she unexpectedly finds herself out of work, however, her old ambitions resurface. At … [Read More]
Archives: Books
Here is a listing of all the books in the LKL Book DataBase, in the order we happen to have uploaded them (most recent first). For listings in order of publication, visit the DataBase home page which will take you to individual subject listings.
Korean Dragons: 대한용
Korea’s Dragon Traditions and their Yong-wang Monarchs: the ONLY comprehensive work on this topic; there is nothing like it even in the Korean language! There is not even any complete book like this about Chinese dragons, in Chinese. 973 pages — 87,200 words — 2540 color photos. E-book (PDF) only; it is too big to … [Read More]
Sublimation [forthcoming]
When you emigrate, you leave a version of yourself behind. Literally. One instance crosses the border; the other instance stays trapped behind it. Some instances keep in touch, call each other daily, synchronize their lives and minds in the hopes of reintegrating and resuming a life as one person. Other instances, like Soyoung Rose Kang, … [Read More]
South Korea’s Soft Power: The Korean Wave
Since Korean cultural products and entertainers have gained global popularity – the so-called Korean Wave – many studies have regarded the Korean Wave as Korea’s soft power. However, the concept of soft power remains contested in the political science literature, particularly because it is difficult to clearly distinguish it from hard power. This Element, therefore, … [Read More]
Contemporary Buddhist Movements and Alternatives in Korea: Legacy of Tongbulgyo [forthcoming]
This book provides a comprehensive exploration on the history and practices of native Buddhist movements in contemporary Korea. It begins with a historical emergence of Korean Buddhism, followed by the colonial transmission of Japanese Buddhism in East Asia. The study critically analyses the development of five distinct Buddhist sects and two alternative movements from the … [Read More]
Contemporary Korean Culture from the Edge: Transgression, Innovation, and Intimacy
This book is for any reader seeking to understand and engage with contemporary South Korean culture. Inspired by the term “edge”, which in Korean refers to attitudes and ideas that are new, gripping and transgressive, each chapter provides a new perspective on today’s Korea. Drawing from a range perspectives, Contemporary Korean Culture from the Edge: Transgression, Innovation, … [Read More]
Korean Cocktails: From Traditional Spirits to Modern Drinks [forthcoming]
More than 75 recipes from the mixologist behind Momofuku’s iconic cocktails, the K-Margarita and the Sesame Manhattan. In Korean Cocktails, bartender Haera Shin invites readers into the world of sool — Korea’s vibrant family of traditional alcohols. From the smooth clarity of soju to the tangy effervescence of makgeolli, each bottle carries centuries of craft, … [Read More]
Those Who Prepare the Way (The Bird that Drinks Tears vol 2) [forthcoming]
In the breathtaking sequel to Lee Young-do’s acclaimed fantasy series that started with The Heart of the Nhaga, an unlikely leader must bridge the divide between duty and destiny. Available for the first time in English by award-winning translator Anton Hur. In a world teetering on the brink of another devastating war, old hatreds run … [Read More]
The Hyehwa-Dong Grandma’s Lunchbox Kitchen [forthcoming]
Meet Madam Jeong Geum-nam, affectionately known as “Hyehwa-dong Grandma”, a self-proclaimed “cool senior”. Her dosirak are the best in town (much better than from Heja Lunchbox, thank you!) but there is something else that makes her restaurant special: Grandma’s warm notes wrapped in silver foil and hidden under the rice, like fortune cookies. Notes that … [Read More]
My Father’s Liberation [forthcoming]
Over the course of a three-day funeral, a woman discovers new sides to her deceased father in this hilarious and heart-tugging masterwork from one of Korea’s most fearless writers. So, Father died. Slammed his head into a telephone pole. A very serious man had seriously come to the end of a seriously lived life by … [Read More]
My Perfect Deserted Island [forthcoming]
A tender and heartwarming novel about the rejuvenating power of island life, for fans of The Healing Season of Pottery and Hakuda Photo Studio. SLOW DOWN. SOMETIMES THE BRAVEST ACT IS STARTING OVER. Jian Cha thought she had her life mapped out – until the weight of endless deadlines and the relentless pace of her … [Read More]
The Gourmet Detective [forthcoming]
Heo Gyun is a detective of a different flavour: a “gourmet detective.” With an exceptional palate, he can taste a dish once and immediately reconstruct the recipe in his mind. He understands how seasonings pair, the properties of ingredients, and how food interacts with the human body. Exiled to the rural village of Hamyeol, accused … [Read More]
When We Look at Each Other [forthcoming]
An ode to the realities of aging, this is an honest but tender look at the challenges of caring for a relative with dementia, of how our role within the family unit evolves, and a celebration of spending precious time with those we love. Written in warm and reflective prose, it explores the author’s relationship … [Read More]
The Bookshop of Illusions [forthcoming]
Step into a dark and magical world where fairytales hold all the answers. After yet another rejection from a publishing house, and with her dreams of becoming a children’s book author shattered for good, Yeon-seo decides to go for a hike in the mountains to clear her head and relax. Lost in her thoughts, she … [Read More]
The Rogue Moon Goddess [forthcoming]
In a world where ancient deities linger lurk the shadows, Boreum, a descendant of the Moon Goddess, is cast down to Earth from the Moon. She wakes up in a mystical lake on a mountain which is the domain of the long-lost goddess Mago, only to be accused for the Goddess’ mysterious disappearance by her … [Read More]
Allergic to Love [forthcoming]
With outstanding beauty and a sharp, no-nonsense personality, she appears perfectly fine on the outside, but in truth she’s someone who avoids relationships, unable to trust either herself or others. Fleeing from a breakup with her boyfriend and family conflict, she escapes abroad to study. While searching for housing due to a dorm issue, Hwihyun … [Read More]