Can anyone recommend any Korean Authors, preferably those whose original books were published in Korean and have since been translated into English? I am interested in more or less any fiction, although I do tend to favor stories that have supernatural undercurrents or a touch of fantasy. I would like to begin reading as a means to better understand Korean Culture via stories that Koreans tell. I am of course learning about K-Life in other ways, but since I am such an avid reader I think that this would be really helpful and can give me things to ask my K-friends about when we are together. While Korean-American authors might be okay if they have a strong connection or focus on Korea, my preference is to read books written by people who were born and raised there.
Straight out, I know no Korean others. However, as you're exploring K-life, you'll be well aware of their fantastic cinema, which of course is often based on literature. A little research that way may pay dividends.
The only Korean author I've read is Hwang Sun-wŏn. He's one of the best short story writers I've ever read. Very subtle, minimal. And definitely check out Korean cinema, particularly the Vengeance trilogy (or anything else by Park Chan-wook and The Chaser by Na Hong-jin.
