Korean Women's Literature 30 Years

From 14 Sep 2012 to 3 Nov 2012, an exhibition of Korean Female authors was held in Young-In Museum of Literature(영인문학관). The exhibition held some personal artifacts of famous Korean female writers. Along with the exhibition, the Young-In Museum of Literature had lectures every Saturday that concerned with the writers.

Due to the belief of 'male chauvinism', women in Korea did not have the chance to pursue their dreams but rather stay at home to do daily chores. However with the start of Na Hye Sok(나혜석) in 1918, Korean women started to break out from the old belief and published works that were hardly praised by others. To commemorate the courageous individuals, the Young In Museum of LIterature not only exhibited the literary works of the writers, but also showed some articles of old newspapers to describe the challenging lives of the Korean female writers.

Who are some female writers of Korea?

1.나혜석 (Na Hye Sok)

Although born in the male-centered society of Joseon, Na Hye Sok acheived her dream to become a writer and a painter. After graduating Jin Myeong Girl's High School with an astonishing score, Na continued her studies at Tokyo Women's Art college in Japan. She became Korea's first female professional painter and the first female feminist wirter in Korea. Na Hye Sok encouraged other females to break out from the traditional roles of women and have ambitions for the things that they desired. With her first work, Kyonghui (경희), which was published in 1918, Na Hye Sok seeked for women's self discovery and the true meaning of a new life for women.

Na Hye Sok

 

Photo Credit: Daum

2.노천명(Noh Chun Myung)

Noh Chun Myung was born in the disordered periods of the Japanese Imperialism. As she graduated Jin Myeong Girl's High School and Iwha Women's University, Noh spent busy times by joining a culture employment reporter at Chosun JoongAng Daily. She also became a culture employment reporter at Chosun Daily. Later in 1940s, she became a reporter in two other departments, Maeil Shinbo and Seoul Shinmun. Noh is famous for her work, "Sa Seum"(사슴) as she described her personal solitude and sadness by picturing deer as 'an animal sad for its long neck'. Unlike other fellow writers, Noh did not show interest in political movements but rather put her effort in giving lectures at her old school.

Literary works of Noh

3.박경리(Park Kyung Li)

Park Kyung Li was also born during the Japanese Imperialism when the limitation on women's roles was most strict. After studying at Jinju Girls' High school (진주고등여학교), Park made her literary debut in 1955 with 'Gyesan' (Calculations). However, Park is most well-known for her 16-volume novel, 'Toji' which clearly depicts the turbulent history of Korea between the 19th and 20th century. This highly praised novel was later adapted to other forms of art, such as television series and operas. By criticizing traditions, Park described the importance of human dignity in all her works.

Park Kyung Li

The exhibition had a great meaning its visitors. Visitors could appreciate the works of female writers who had suffered a great pressure under the society and recognize the importance of their existence. Young visitors showed a great interest in the female writers because of the well-known works and they showed regret to the hardships the writers had faced in their lives.

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