4 Korean Fantasy Books to Read

From steampunk artists to modern-day Gumihos, these 4 books are all written by Korean authors who use Korean-inspired mythology, worlds, or history. These are either YA or adult fantasy novels, all originally written in English. They deal with various themes of magic, romance, and revolution. I strongly recommend these books to those who love fantasy!

1. The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh

Deadly storms have ravaged Mina's homeland for generations. In an attempt to appease the Sea God, a young woman is thrown into the sea each year. When Shim Cheong, the most beautiful girl in the village—and the beloved of Mina’s older brother Joon, is chosen, Joon wishes to follow her out into the sea, even though this is a death wish. To save her brother, Mina throws herself into the water in Cheong’s stead. Now, she must face the challenges of the Spirit Realm and what it means to be the Sea God’s bride.

This YA book is based off of the retelling of the classic Korean folktale, The Tale of Shim Cheong. I have to say, my favorite part of the read—besides the magical atmosphere and lyrical writing, was the different themes that were woven within the story. While romance was indeed a large role, ideas of fate, platonic relationships, sacrifice, and familial love were also very important. Ultimately, “The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea” focuses on Mina finding herself, following a fate she stumbled into, and deciding her own path. It was a classic heroine story that kept me constantly rooting for her. 

I recommend this read to lovers of retellings, fairytales, and Spirited Away. If you’re also a classic tropes lover like myself, definitely give “The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea '' a chance.

2. Wicked Fox by Kat Cho

Eighteen-year-old Gu Miyoung is part Gumiho- a nine-tailed fox who survives by consuming the gi of men. Her and her mother move to Seoul, where Miyoung meets Jihoon, a charming yet troubled boy, when she saves him from a goblin attack in the woods. Not only does she reveal her true nature, but she also loses her fox bead which contains her soul. As Jihoon and Miyoung grow closer, Miyoung’s efforts to restore her fox bead sparks an old feud that puts the both of them in danger.

This addictive urban fantasy is set in modern day Seoul, which immediately grabbed my attention. If you’re a fan of urban fantasy, this is one of the best books I’ve recently read. The YA duology is full of Korean folklore, with shamans and demons and historical elements. Anyone who enjoys these characteristics in their books will fall for “Wicked Fox” as I did. 

I highly recommend this book to people who love Korean dramas and mythology! The modern day spin on these mythical elements is refreshing and exciting all at once. 

3. Phoenix Extravagant by Yoon Ha Lee

This book is a steampunk folktale set in Hwaguk, a fantasy country inspired by Korea under Japanese occupation. Gyen Jebi, a citizen of Hwaguk, only wants to paint, and soon finds themselves hired by the occupying government’s Ministry of Armor. Their job is to paint magical sigils that then animate automaten soldiers and creatures. Once Jebi proves themselves, the Ministry recruits them to fix the great automata dragon and train it. 

The entire story is firmly about art. Our main character is an artist, and is one-track minded when it comes to their passion. Even the occupying government uses art and paintings in horrifying ways to further their expansion. “Phoenix Extravagant” deals with colonialism, reluctant revolutionaries, war, cultural erasure, non-binary characters, and the destruction of art and literary works. It’s more political than action-packed, but I enjoyed the pacing. 

I recommend this to anyone who is a fan of The Machineries of Empire series and other steampunk fantasy reads. 

4. Off With Their Heads by Zoe Hana Mikuta

A YA Korean-inspired sapphic Alice in Wonderland retelling that follows two girls who are bound together. Caro and Icca are young magic users who are accused of a crime they didn’t commit. Together, they are banished to the Woods where they must hunt and kill Saints– the once saviors of the world. The two become intertwined in betrayal and sacrifice, breaking each other’s hearts in the process. This story jumps around in both timelines and perspectives, and has an unreliable narrator as well. 

A fever-dream of a book that captures both fantasy and horror in the best way. The worldbuilding is incredibly done, and the characters are gritty, real, and messed-up. If you’re a fan of books with amazing world building, deliciously confusing plot lines, and weird fantasy, “Off With Their Heads” is for you. I also recommend it to those who are fans of the Locked Tomb series. 

“Off With Their Heads” comes out April 2024, please give it a lot of love!