Jeong Chanju
Korean novelist and essayist whose work returns again and again to Buddhist practice, historical memory, and the lives of people who keep faith with their inner calling.
Biography
Born during the Korean War in Boseong, Jeollanam-do, South Korea, Jeong Chanju made his literary debut in 1983 with the New Writer’s Award from Korean Literature. Ever since, he has steadfastly pursued his distinctive literary vision. He built Ibuljae (耳佛齋), a mountain retreat at the foot of Gyedang Mountain, where he now devotes himself to writing. He has published some 150 books with a particular interest in bringing fresh perspectives to figures from Korean history in novels such as The Son of Dangun, Sword and Wine, Song of the Boseong River, The Human Way, and A Great Man’s Dream.
His other novels include Ashoka the Great (three volumes), Celadon: Light of Enlightenment (two volumes), Gwangju Arirang (two volumes), Yi Sun-sin’s Seven Years (seven volumes), The Buddha of Gayasan’s Practice (two volumes), The Novel of Non-Possession, The Moon Reflected in a Thousand Rivers, and Dasan’s Love. His essay collections include The Path to the Hermitage (three volumes), Venerable Beopjeong’s Songs of Encouragement for Life, and Jeong Chanju’s Tea Travelogues. His honors include the Haengwon Literary Award, Dongguk Literature Prize, Hwajaeng Cultural Grand Prize, Ryu Juhyeon Literary Award, and Yusim Literary Award.