By Honorary Reporter Kadishi Oliseh from Nigeria
Photos = Kadishi Oliseh

With Han Kang's 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature, bookstores in Nigeria have begun stocking translated Korean works. On Aug. 10, I visited the new bookstore Roveigheight in Ibadan to find such titles.

To my delight, I found four works there. The first was the acclaimed "Human Acts" by Han, translated into English by Deborah Smith. Originally published in Korean in 2014 and English in 2017, the 219-page novel explores the May 18 Gwangju Democratic Uprising in 1980, and was drawn to its powerful portrayal of this pivotal moment in Korean history.

"Human Acts" by Han Kang

Next, I came across "I Want to Die But I Want to Eat Tteokbokki" and its sequel by Baek Sehee (translated by Anton Hur). Blending self-help and nonfiction, both works offer an intimate look into the author's therapy sessions for dysthymia, a persistent depressive disorder. The first book, a runaway bestseller in Korea famously recommended by BTS, has resonated with readers worldwide, and I look forward to exploring its honest reflections on mental health.

These two books by Baek Sehee are part self-help, part nonfiction. 

The fourth book I picked up was "Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop" by Hwang Bo-reum. Published last year, the 307-page novel is a Korean literary sensation, following Yeongju, who leaves her old life behind to start a new one by moving to a new neighborhood and opening a bookshop.

"Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop" by Hwang Bo-reum

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.