Sinsoseol


Sinsoseol, literally "new novel" or "new fiction," was a type of Korean novel which began and grew during the Korean Empire, in the late 19th and early 20th century. It was sometimes referred to as gaehwagisoseol, or "enlightenment fiction."

Occurrence

The enlightenment changed Korean people's thought greatly. Some writers who wanted to enlighten people also appeared. Publishers imported modern printers so that they could sell many more books.

Contents

Usually, the contents of sinsoseol highlight enlightenment, or modernization. Encouragement of education, exploding old customs and superstitions, and criticism of corrupt officials are common themes of sinsoseol.

Major writers

Sinsoseol was eventually replaced by modern novels.