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The Original Form of Chunhyangjeon

Lecture in Korean

The Original Form of Chunhyangjeon

Cover illustration of Chunhyangjeon (<춘향전> 표지 그림: National Hangeul Museum 국립한글박물관, https://archives.hangeul.go.kr), cropped

Kilsoo Chung, Professor, Korean Language and Literature, Seoul National University


Wednesday, January 14, 2026
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Bunche Hall, Rm 10383

Although Chunhyangjeon was initially dismissed by early 20th-century intellectuals as a representative example of outdated "old novel," it was, in fact, the best-selling book in Korea throughout the 19th and even the first half of the 20th centuries. Due to its persistent popular appeal and numerous adaptations, Chunhyangjeon exists in over 140 different versions. While the core plot remains largely consistent, the continuous process of adaptation has introduced subtle variations in the characterizations of Chunhyang, Lee Mongryong, and supporting figures, along with changes in certain settings, ultimately altering the overall tone of the work. Currently, Namwon-Gosa (Old Tales of Namwon), which was created between the 1820s and 1860s, is considered the closest existing form to the original version of Chunhyangjeon. This study aims to explore the original form of Chunhyangjeon by analyzing Namwon-Gosa.

Special Instructions
Event is exclusive to CKS Visiting Scholars, graduate/undergraduate students, and faculty



Sponsor(s): Center for Korean Studies

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