The Korean Book of Happiness

From the very first moment she set foot in South Korea, Barbara Zitwer, literary agent to some of the most celebrated Korean authors, fell head-over-heels in love, rediscovering a vitality for life.

In this fascinating book, Zitwer shares all that she has learnt about this vibrant country forged by the philosophies of han, heung and jeong: resilience, joy and the art of giving. She takes us from the buzzing capital of Seoul to Buddhist mountain temples, from the bizarre theme park within the Demilitarised Zone to the island of Jeju to meet haenyeo, a remarkable sisterhood of free-divers. Along the way, Zitwer recounts magical moments of understanding and connection, as well as top travel tips and local recipes.

The Korean Book of Happiness invites you to explore a beguiling culture and learn how the Korean way can make your life happier and more fulfilled.

'Someone finally writes about Korean happiness! And who better than Barbara Zitwer, our de facto global ambassador for Korean literature, to give the outside world an account of the joyful aspects of Korean life?' Anton Hur

'This eclectic and informative book is equal parts memoir, travelogue, guidebook, and cultural commentary with a bonus of authentic, delicious recipes. Delightfully energetic and upbeat, The Korean Book of Happiness has something for every reader.' Heinz Insu Fenkl, author of Skull Water

'This book is an invitation to adventure into every corner of this wondrous country and find happiness and peace.' J.M. Lee, best-selling author of Broken Summer and The Investigation

'This eclectic and informative book is equal parts memoir, travelogue, guidebook, and cultural commentary with a bonus of authentically delicious recipes. Delightfully energetic and engaging, The Korean Book of Happiness has something for every reader.' -- Heinz Insu Fenkl, author of 'Skull Water'
'This book is an invitation to adventure into every corner of this wondrous country and find happiness and peace. If you are going to Korea, this book is crucial. But this book is worth reading even more when you can't go to Korea.' -- J.M. Lee, bestselling author of 'Broken Summer' and 'The Investigation'
Someone finally writes about Korean happiness! And who better to do it than Barbara Zitwer, our de facto global ambassador for Korean literature, to give the outside world an account of the joyful aspects of Korean life? Anton Hur

Barbara J. Zitwer, is an international literary agent and author of the novel, The J.M. Barrie Ladies' Swimming Society (2012). As an agent, she specialises in Korean literature and has launched the international careers of some of the most celebrated, prize-winning Korean authors, including: Booker Prize winner, Han Kang, author of The Vegetarian and Man Asian Prize winner, Kyung-sook Shin, author of New York Times bestseller, Please Look After Mom.

She lives in New York City with her husband and their two dogs.

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