Yes, for intermediate readers ready to try a real novel. Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 is short and written in plain, report-like prose, so it gives you an adult Korean book without the ornate language of much literary fiction.
- Level
- Intermediate
- Format
- Book
- Year
- 2016
Why it works for learners
Cho Nam-joo tells a woman's life in stages, from childhood to work and marriage, in a flat and factual tone. That helps a learner: sentences state what happened, in an order you can follow. You'll build vocabulary around school, job hunting, office life, family duty and childbirth, which are all useful for discussing modern Korea. The book also cites real statistics and footnotes, so you practise reading a little of the language of news and reports.
What makes it hard
Plain does not mean easy. Terms from employment, law and social policy come up, along with data references. The topic of sexism in Korean life can spark strong reactions, and without some background on Korean family customs, a few details may need checking.
How to use it
Read a chapter section each sitting, as the book moves through life stages in order. Make a word list per stage. Use the footnotes as reading practice rather than skipping them. Afterwards, try to summarise one chapter out loud in your own Korean.
More for Korean learners: our Korean guides.
Keep it where you'll see it
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