Korean classics for readers everywhere.
Even if Korean history and culture are new to you, you can start with a single classic. We offer a way into these stories in English and Korean.
Discovering Korean Culture through Stories
We pair Korean and English retellings with explanations of characters' relationships, historical and cultural background, and unfamiliar words. Our aim is to help readers follow the events and ask why a character made a particular choice, even without prior knowledge of Korean culture.
The Original and the Newly Written Text
The works currently featured by Park Ji-won and Heo Gyun were written by Korean authors in Classical Chinese. We provide those originals alongside Korean and English retellings. The original texts and sources listed for each work guide you toward the basis of the story. This library's modern retellings rewrite sentences and organize material for ease of reading. If you need a complete translation rendering every sentence of the original, consult the relevant edition together with formal translation resources.
The commentary distinguishes facts presented in the work from perspectives on how to read a scene. Works that developed multiple versions in transmission may differ in their characters or events. When you encounter different accounts, begin by comparing their sources.
A Library at Your Own Pace
You can bookmark works you like and adjust the reading settings. No registration is required. Bookmarks and settings are stored in the browser you are using, so they do not transfer automatically to another device and may be deleted when you clear site data.
How the Texts Are Made
The modern retellings and commentary are newly written after examining the events and expressions of the original. Our editorial standards call for marking the boundary between original source material and the site's newly written sentences, and for providing sources that readers can check. The detailed standards are available in our Editorial Policy.
Making the Library More Accurate Together
If you notice a typo, an explanation that does not fit the story, or a question about sources or rights, please consult Sources and Corrections. You can contact us at hello@mekorean.com.