Human Acts

by

Han Kang

Gimbap

Gimbap (sometimes anglicized as kimbap) is a popular Korean snack. Usually consisting of rice, carrots, pickled radish, cucumber, and tuna or ham, gimbap are rolled in seaweed to form sushi-shaped bites. Because of their size… read analysis of Gimbap

Hanok

The word hanok refers to a traditional Korean architectural style. Hanoks in Gwangju were often L-shaped, with a central courtyard and a small annex. In the novel, Dong-ho’s family buys a hanok from theread analysis of Hanok

Provincial Office

The Old Jeonnam Provincial Office (sometimes also known as the South Jeolla Provincial Office) was the seat of the Gwangju municipal government. In the 1980 uprising, the Provincial Office became the center of student-led protests… read analysis of Provincial Office

Taegukgi

Since 1948, the Taegukgi (also anglicized as the Taegeuk) has been the national flag of South Korea. The flag’s white background represents the land South Korea sits on, while the blue and red circle at… read analysis of Taegukgi

5:18

Because Chun Doo-hwan’s military government officially came to power on May 17, 1980, the anti-Chun Doo-hwan protests in Gwangju were often collectively known as the May 18 uprising. Under Chun Doo-hwan’s reign, the phrase… read analysis of 5:18
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