A History Of Korean Literature -

For centuries, literature was the domain of the yangban (aristocratic class) and was primarily written in Classical Chinese characters ( Hanja ).

In 1443, King Sejong the Great created Hangul to increase literacy among commoners. This eventually allowed for the "New Fiction" of the late Joseon era, including the famous social satire The Tale of Hong Gildong . 2. Modern Literature (Early 20th Century – 1945) A history of Korean literature

Short, rhythmic poems often reflecting on nature or loyalty. For centuries, literature was the domain of the

Korean literature is a vast tapestry that reflects the peninsula’s long history, from ancient oral traditions to its current global "K-Lit" boom. The story of Korean writing is often viewed in two major phases: , dominated by elite poetry and Chinese characters, and Modern Literature , characterized by the rise of the Hangul alphabet and themes of national identity. 1. Classical Literature (Ancient Times – 19th Century) The story of Korean writing is often viewed

Longer narrative verses that moved from elite moral instruction to commoners' accounts of travel and hardship.

Many works were written in code or focused on the "suffering of intellectuals" to bypass strict Japanese censorship. 3. Contemporary Literature (1945 – Present)

Under Japanese occupation (1910–1945), writers like Yi Kwang-su (author of the first modern novel, The Heartless ) and the modernist poet Yi Sang used literature as a tool for self-discovery and national resistance.