Bunche Hall, Rm 10383
CAAlthough Chunhyangjeon was initially dismissed by early 20th-century intellectuals as a representative example of outdated "old novel," it was, in fact, the best-selling book in Korea throughout the 19th and even the first half of the 20th centuries.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.

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Sponsor(s): Center for Korean Studies