Two posts I see by a new to me, blogger named “eastern writer”..
1) “The Character of Korean Literature” (from www.asianinfo.org)
2) “Private Life of a Nation by Lee Eung-joon” (from koreatimes)
The blogger links them, does not write them
First one ok, second one “nice-uh!”
“The Character of Korean Literature”
I dunno.. it seems to try to cover too much thought and history in too few thoughts and words.
Perhaps another way to think about it is as a Sijo….
Still, it attempts to include influences of religions, countries, and different alphabets, so it is at least worth a look.
I guess once I get past the fact that Shamanism is glossed over in this passage:
Korea’s classical literature developed against the backdrop of traditional folk beliefs of the Korean people; it was also influenced by Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism. Among these, Buddhist influence held the greatest sway, followed by enormous influences from Confucianism – especially Song Confucianism – during the Choson period.
I actually like it?
I’m a fickle bitch
Private Life of a Nation by Lee Eung-joon
A nice review of a book I will have to chase down and read.