Well, 'Moonlight Drawn by Clouds' can be considered a good fantasy Korean novel. It's set in a historical - fantasy world where the female lead disguises herself as a male eunuch and gets involved with the crown prince. There's a lot of political drama, a touch of magic, and of course, a sweet love story. Also, 'The King: Eternal Monarch' is notable. It features parallel worlds and a king traveling between them to save his world, with elements of time - travel and a complex plot.
Another great Korean novel is 'The Vegetarian' by Han Kang. It's a thought - provoking novel that delves into themes of identity and self - discovery. The main character's decision to become a vegetarian has a profound impact on her life and those around her.
One of the best Chinese novels is 'Dream of the Red Chamber'. It's a masterpiece that delves deep into the complex family and social structures of feudal China. It shows the rise and fall of a wealthy family, and the various fates of its members. Another great Chinese novel is 'Journey to the West', which is a fantastical adventure story following the Monkey King and his companions on their journey to obtain Buddhist scriptures. Among Korean novels, 'Please Look After Mom' is quite popular. It tells a heart - wrenching story about a mother's love and the family's realization of her importance after she goes missing.
I really like 'The Poet Who Buys Words'. It's a more unique take on fantasy. The main character's ability to buy words and use them in different ways to influence the world around him is really interesting. The plot unfolds in a very unpredictable way, and it has a touch of Korean cultural elements that give it a special charm. It's a bit of a hidden gem in the world of Korean fantasy novels.
For beginners, 'Solo Leveling' is a popular choice. The story is straightforward in terms of its main goal - the protagonist getting stronger. The world - building is also not overly complicated with dungeons and hunters being the main components. 'The Legend of the Blue Sea' is also very accessible. It combines a modern - day setting with the fantasy of a mermaid, and the love story between the two main characters is easy to follow.
Well, 'Almond' by Sohn Won - pyung is among the best. It tells the story of a boy with alexithymia in a very touching way. Also, 'Pachinko' by Min Jin Lee is a remarkable work. Although it's about Korean - Japanese, it's deeply rooted in Korean culture and history.
Another great one is 'The Tiger in the Trap'. This story is full of moral lessons. It tells about a tiger that gets trapped and how different characters react to it, highlighting human nature and the consequences of actions.
Another great one is 'Pachinko' by Min Jin Lee. This novel spans generations and shows the struggles and triumphs of a Korean family in Japan, which has some connection to the Korean American experience in terms of diaspora and cultural identity. It's a beautifully written epic that gives deep insights into family, love, and the search for a place in the world.
One of the best Korean web novels is 'Solo Leveling'. It has an exciting story about a weak hunter becoming the strongest. The world - building is great, with different levels of dungeons and monsters. Another good one is 'The Legendary Moonlight Sculptor'. It combines gaming elements with a unique story of a player's rise to fame in a virtual world.
'Please Look After Mom' by Kyung - Sook Shin is also great. It tells a very touching story about a family's search for their missing mother. The writing is straightforward and easy to follow, while still being deeply emotional and full of cultural insights.
Characteristics of the best Korean novels include their ability to blend the modern and the traditional. They can incorporate modern themes such as mental health, as seen in 'I'll Be Right There', while still maintaining a connection to traditional Korean storytelling. They also often have rich character development. In 'The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly', the hen's character evolves in a very relatable way. Moreover, the use of symbolism is common. For instance, in 'Snow Flower and the Secret Fan', the fan is a powerful symbol of the relationship between the two female characters.