Kuunmong

The most famous Korean novel of all: a story of true faith tested by worldly ambition, set in Tang Dynasty China; a love story, and a classic expression of Confucian values in conflict with Buddhist beliefs. Penned by Kim Manjung (1617-1682), a public servant and courtier at the highest level, later a political exile, in seventeenth century Korea. Translated by James S. Gale (1863-1937), one of the most important early figures in the encounter between modern Korea and the English-speaking world.