About
Han Kang is a highly acclaimed South Korean writer known for her evocative and thought-provoking novels and short stories. She taught creative writing at the Seoul Institute of the Arts for over a decade. Han Kang achieved international recognition with her novel *The Vegetarian*, which won the International Booker Prize in 2016, marking the first time a Korean language novel received this prestigious award. Her work often explores themes of trauma, violence, and the complexities of the human condition.
Career Timeline
Literary Debut with Poetry
Han Kang's poems were published in the magazine Literature and Society, marking her entry into the Korean literary scene. This debut established her as an emerging voice in contemporary Korean literature.
The Vegetarian Published
Han Kang published The Vegetarian in Korean, a haunting novella exploring violence, trauma, and bodily autonomy. While well-received in Korea, it had not yet reached international audiences.
Seoul Institute of Arts Professor
Han Kang took a teaching position at the Seoul Institute of the Arts, where she mentored creative writing students. This stable academic role provided income while she continued her literary work.
International Booker Prize Winner
The English translation of The Vegetarian won the International Booker Prize, making Han Kang the first Korean author to win this prestigious award. This catapulted her to global literary fame and dramatically increased book sales worldwide.
Human Acts International Success
Her novel Human Acts gained widespread international acclaim following The Vegetarian's success, with translations in over 20 languages. Han Kang solidified her reputation as one of the most important contemporary writers.
Nobel Prize in Literature
Han Kang was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, becoming the first Korean woman to receive this honor. This achievement represents the pinnacle of literary recognition and significantly increased her global profile.
Acclaimed Literary Figure
Han Kang continues writing while enjoying international recognition as a Nobel laureate. While highly respected in literary circles and well-known in Korea, she remains a specialized cultural figure rather than a mainstream global icon—a celebrated artist within her field.
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Last updated: February 23, 2026