Diary of a Vagabond

by Yong Song, Jason Park (Translator)

Song Yong is not one of the more celebrated writers in Korea but more of an outsider looking in on the mainstream writing establishment in Korea. His work has never seen commercial success, nor is it well known in Korea, although he is respected among prominent literary critics. The lack of interest in Korean literature in North America makes it difficult to find a publishing venue for “out-of-the ordinary” fiction such as Song Yong’s…

Genres: Fiction

189 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Laur · Rating 4 out of 5]

unconnected snippets in lives of marginalized men, a worthwhile read but critical and bleak

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

An anthology of short stories, the book shines the light on the unscrupulous facet of Korean culture that has mostly remained unwritten even in contemporary times (much to the dismay of Korean Studies scholars). Quirky, unconventional, and intriguing, Yong's stories will allow one to gain a much deeper (although darker) understanding of Korea beyond the bright lights of Kdramas and Kpop.