Recent Korean Literature Quiz

Recent Korean Literature

• Hang Gang (한강): A prominent South Korean novelist, internationally known for The Vegetarian, which won the Man Booker International Prize in 2016.

• Born in 1970 in Gwangju, South Korea to a literary family.

• Studied Korean literature at Yonsei University.

• Explores themes of trauma, human violence, identity, and the body in her writing.

• The Vegetarian tells a haunting story of a woman's decision to stop eating meat and its profound effects on her family.

• Other works, like Human Acts, delve into political violence and societal suffering.

• Her work has been translated into multiple languages, impacting a global audience.

• Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2024, the first South Korean to achieve this honor.

• The Swedish Academy recognized her for her intense poetic prose.

• Kim Joo-hye (김주혜): Received the prestigious Tolstoy Literary Award in 2024 for The Beasts of a Small Land.

• The novel explores the resilience and struggles of Koreans during the Japanese occupation.

• The award recognizes her significant contribution to literature.

• Her work is compared to Russian authors like Anton Chekhov and Boris Pasternak.

• Kim Hyesoon (김혜순): An acclaimed South Korean poet.

• Won the National Book Critics Circle (NBCC) Award, the first Korean to do so.

• Known for her translated poetry collection Phantom Pain Wings.

• Her work is influential in Korean poetry and is recognized for its universal appeal.

Korean Religions in the 21st Century

• Most Religiously Diverse Country: South Korea boasts a highly competitive religious landscape, with significant growth in major religious communities over recent decades.
• By 2014, about half of South Koreans had no religious affiliation.
• The major religions—Buddhism, Protestantism, and Catholicism—have comparable membership percentages.
• Religions frequently align with ethnicity, but there's a growing fluidity in South Korea's faith.

Historic Background of Religions

• Historical Competition: Buddhism arrived in the 4th century, initially with an advantage, but Protestantism quickly surpassed Catholicism due to missionaries.
• By the early 20th century, Protestantism significantly outnumbered both Catholicism and Buddhism.
• Post-war dominance and religious adaptation: Christianity's influence changed Korean religion by focusing on doctrines, exclusivity, participation and proselytizing.
• These changes have influenced public religious branding, attracting people, even with actual religious practices relatively stable.

The Rise in Religious Affiliation

• Increased percentage of Koreans identifying with specific religions rose from 4% in 1940 to 12% in 1964, exceeding the majority by the mid-1990s.
• More worship spaces (churches, temples, and shrines) were built.
• The number of religious leaders, especially Protestant clergy, increased dramatically.

Urbanization and Religious Affiliation

• Rapid urbanization has led Koreans to seek new communities outside traditional village life.
• Religious groups fill this void, offering belonging and support.
• Christianity, viewed as modern, influenced the adoption of formal religious identities

Folk Religion in Contemporary Korea

• Animism: A prominent aspect of Korean folk religion, dealing with natural objects.
• Sacred Trees: Often found near small pavilions, used for rituals and ceremonies.
• Rituals performed for family well-being, as well as honoring the deceased and for good luck.
• Fortune-telling (Saju): The practice of consulting shamans for major decisions and life events. The practice is still widespread with urban professionals and the political elite.
• Shamanism: often a "folk custom" rather than a religion. Often viewed as important spiritual heritage.
• Often excluded from official religious counts but is now revived in Korean media, art and academia.
• Often associated with Korean society and identity, and modern media frequently reflects this.
• Mudang: While most Korean shamans are considered female, this does not exclude male practice. This is a significant and unique gender dynamic.

Buddhism

• Core Doctrines: Impermanence, karma, and reincarnation are foundational concepts.
• Meditative vs. Devotional: Some practitioners focus on calming the mind to observe change, but some practice devotion with prayers, chants, and offerings.
• Temple Practices: Modern Korean temples often blend meditation, prayers, sutras, and sermons. Some also incorporate modern elements.
• Presence in Society: Large temples attract large crowds for services. Urban areas display shops and offerings showcasing its presence in contemporary Korean culture.
• Important Temples: Bongeunsa Temple in Gangnam and Jogyesa Temple, the central hub in Seoul, are major examples.

Christianity

• Historical Context: Other faith traditions were present in Korea for centuries. Christianity arrived later.
• Catholic Martyrdom: Significant persecution during the early history.
• Worship Practices: Koreanized services adapting mass and services to include Korean language.
• Evangelical Protestantism: A prevalent modern aspect.
• Notable Figures and Mega-Churches: Prominent figures such as Cho Yonggi and Yoido Full Gospel Church.

Test your knowledge on recent prominent Korean authors like Han Kang and Kim Joo-hye. Explore their themes and significant works that have garnered international acclaim. This quiz covers aspects of their literary achievements and contributions to contemporary literature.