Korea’s most prized literary masterpiece: a Buddhist journey questioning the illusions of human life—presented in a vivid new translation by PEN/Hemingway finalist Heinz Insu Fenkl Often considered the highest achievement in Korean fiction, The Nine Cloud Dream poses the question: Will the life we dream of truly make us happy? Written in 17th-century Korea, this classic novel’s wondrous story begins when a young monk living on a sacred Lotus Peak… Read More

Begin 2019 with renowned Buddhist teacher and writer Haemin Sunim. Born in Korea and educated in the United States, he has more than a million Twitter and Facebook followers. His books The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down--published in thirty languages--and Love For Imperfect Things have sold more than four million copies. Join Haemin Sunim for an hour of insightful conversation and reflection. Love for Imperfect Things:… Read More

In celebration of EunJoo Lee’s 40-year career as a photographer, the Society invites members to enjoy photos and personal stories from her book, Eunjoo Lee’s Photo ODYSSEY, featuring Korea’s leading artists and cultural figures, including world renowned virtuosos. O-young Lee, Chairman of The Northern Asia Institute of Comparative Cultural Studies, expressed “the images and stories in this book are refreshing and touching, having passed through the warm filters of Eunjoo… Read More

Against the backdrop of China’s mounting influence and North Korea’s growing nuclear capability and expanding missile arsenal, South Korea faces a set of strategic choices that will shape its economic prospects and national security. In South Korea at the Crossroads, Scott A. Snyder examines the trajectory of fifty years of South Korean foreign policy and offers predictions—and a prescription—for the future. Pairing a historical perspective with a shrewd understanding of… Read More

Best-selling author and former Washington Post Northeast Asia bureau chief Blaine Harden discusses his riveting King of Spies on its date of release. His third work on Korea recounts the untold story of one of the most powerful spies in US history working on the Peninsula during the Korean War. Books are available for purchase and signing. King of Spies with author Blaine Harden with Blaine Harden Join our membership… Read More

Leap from satire to Korean drama and other works by a mid-century master. Delve into a China raw, volatile and often uncontrollable in a novel equal parts muckraking, a transnational love story, and panoramic social critique. Two of America’s premier translators of Korean literature, the Fultons reflect on two recent releases: Sunset, a first ever English-language compilation of the works of the great midcentury writer Ch’ae, known widely for his… Read More

Award-winning author Krys Lee speaks to the release of her debut novel, How I Became a North Korean, at this first cultural event at the Korea Society’s new location at 350 Madison Avenue at 45th Street. A Yonsei University assistant professor of creative writing, Krys Lee is a recipient of the Rome Prize and finalist for the BBC International Short Story Award. This captivating new release tells the story of… Read More

Dr. Laurel Kendall, Chair of the Division of Anthropology and Curator of Asian Ethnographic Collections at the American Museum of Natural History, Adjunct Professor of Anthropology at Columbia University, and president–elect of the Association for Asian Studies, explores the divine nature of Korean shaman paintings in her new book, God Pictures in Korean Contexts: The Ownership and Meaning of Shaman Paintings, co-authored by Jongsung Yang, Director of the Museum of… Read More

Yeonmi Park, the 21-year-old North Korean defector and human rights activist, discussed her new book, In Order to Live: A North Korean Girl's Journey to Freedom, with moderator David Hawk from the Committee for Human Rights in North Korea. Yeonmi Park: A North Korean Girl’s Journey to Freedom Members: Free with registration Nonmembers: $10 Join our membership program here! E-News sign-up If you have any questions, please contact Jamie Tyberg… Read More

Three Korean authors, Seongmin Ahn, Christina Kang, and Katie Bomi Son, shared their respective experiences as an artist, an art advisor/consultant, and art-event organizer, as well as the inspirations behind writing books on New York’s art scene. New York Insiders by Korean Outsiders withSeongmin Ahn, Katie Bomi Son, and Christina Kang Members: FREE | Nonmembers: $10 If you have any questions, please contact Jamie Tyberg or (212) 759-7525, ext. 321.… Read More