The Translation and Study of Korean Literature in English Speaking Countries

한국문학의 영어권에 있어서의 수용 및 연구 현황 - 미국을 중심으로

Up to January 2003, the amount of English translated works of Korean Literature are 399, among which 170 are translated abroad, 189, in Korea, and 40, abroad as well as in Korea at the same time. Like other language speaking countries, the 1980s and the 1990s are peak not only for the translation of Korean Literature but also for its scholarly attention. The statistic analysis of information, accumulated in various databases such as The Harvard Korean Studies Bibliography, Hawaii Korean Studies Bibliography, and MLA International Bibliography, shows that up to February 2004, 33 books, 16 dissertations and one thesis, 200 articles, and 84 reviews are wholly devoted to the study of Korean Literature in English speaking countries. However, why certain works of poets like Kim Sowol, Han Youngun, So Chungju, and novelists like Hwang Sunwon, Han Moosook, Kim Dongri are mostly translated in English speaking countries remain to be analysed in their socio-political details in breadth and depth. Likewise, why the works of So Chungju, Yi Kwangsoo, Kim Manjoong, Han Youngun, Kim Sowol, Chung Jiyoung are mostly taught and studied in English speaking countries are open to further scholarly discussion and debate.