"Bonobo" book discussion - The Korean Literature Club

OUR GROUP

The Korean Literature Club (active since 2012) is an in-person, English-language discussion group dealing with Korean literature-in-translation. We are active in Seoul (and occasionally outside it.

We hold regular gatherings to discuss works of Korean literature(-in-translation). We are a 100% English-language group. All discussion is in Engliush only. We also host or are involved in many other special events and occasional excursions (as with our recent day-trip to Paju Book City).

We think of ourselves as a nexus for people interested in Korea(n literature) and exploring it. We believe we are the leading such group in existence anywhere.

We have an open-door policy. We have newcomers or guests at every major event we host. Feel free to be among them! If you have any level of interst in Korean literature in English translation, you are welcome to join us.

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THIS EVENT

On Thursday, October 22, 2026, we are hosting a discussion of "Bonobo," a novel by You-jeong Jeong. The author is one of the most popular Korean novelists active today.

The time and location are as usual (arrival welcome starting 6:30pm; main-event starts 7:30pm. See below for time and location particulars if you are new.

Bonobo was released in English translation this very month (Oct 2026, by publisher Honford Star, of whom we are big fans).

The translator for "Bonobo" is Brother Anthony of Taize (a.k.a. An Sonjae or "An Seon Jae").

A few general discussion questions on "Bonobo" will be forthcoming and published here by about October 15.

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SPECIAL GUEST!

• The translator, Brother Anthony of Taize, will be joining us for the session as special guest!

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REQUIREMENTS

• Read the novel Bonobo, by You-jeong Jeong (tr. Brother Anthony of Taize / An Sonjae / "An Seon Jae"). This is an English-language group and the published English-translation versions always take precedence.
• Be able and willing to discuss the novel in English and respectful of other participants.
• (Discussion questions, forthcoming.)

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LOCATION & HOW TO FIND US

• "The North Terrace Building," Jongno, Seoul. Find us in the basement. You will not miss us.
• Inputting the name "North Terrace Bulding" in your map app should be sufficient to find our venue. The address is also listed elsewhere on this Eventbrite page. The name in Hangul is "노스테라스빌딩."
• Walking directions: The venue is about 7 minutes walk north of Jongno-3ga Exit 7. It is also accessible from Anguk Station and very near bus stops near Changdeok Palace (창덕궁 / 돈화문국앋당).
• To find the North Terrace Building venue at night (dark) can be difficult for a newcomer. As of summer 2026, right across from the venue a new boutique hotel is operating with a garishy bright-white-neon sign saying UNPLUG ANGUK. If you see this sign, you will find us just across.
• North Terrace Building leases some of its space to Trevari. Trevari runs the 1F cafe. (We are not related to Trevari.) If you see a sign for Trevari on the 1F, you are in the right place. Find your way down to the basement.

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DATE & TIMES

• Date: Thursday, October 22, 2026.
• Encouraged arrival time: 6:30pm is when you are welcome to arrive. We have substantial pre-event activities, light snacks and drinks provided, and people can get to know each other, or look through our venue's extensive English-book collection.
• Latest arrival time: 7:30pm is when discussion begins and the main-event begins. (If at all possible, arrive before this time.)
• Discussion ends at 9:00pm. At this time, book signings with the translator begin. We still have the venue; participants who wish to continue with post-event socializing.
• Post-event ("2nd round"): By about 9:30pm or soon after, those remaining and interested depart to a venue nearby Jongno-3ga Station. Our 2nd Round event breaks up by or before 11:15pm (last trains). See next section for more on this.

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"2nd Round" particulars

• 2nd Round venue: We will be changing our 2nd-round venue for Oct 22 ("Bonobo" session) due to expected high attendance and other reasons. The Oct 22 venue will be reservation-based and quieter than our usual, "walk-in" basement place.
• The group wishing to join the 2nd round will depart North Terrace together at, or soon after, 9:30pm. (Stragglers, those leaving and re-joining, or those with other special circumstances preventing them going with the group, please get in touch as you will not find us at the usual place.)
• Participation fee in 2nd round: All wishing to join us for this post-event, off-venue socializing (we expect the translator will join us), should pre-pay 8000 KRW to our Club Treasurer. This will get you one drink of your choice (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), and a share of the collectively ordered food and snacks.
• (Please note: Experience has taught us that a "pre-paid, all-must-pay, low flat-rate" system is the way to make the 2nd round work for this group. No exceptions. If you want to join but do not want to eat or drink, we still ask that you still pay @ 8000 KRW. Thanks for your understanding!)

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NOTE on arrival time::

• Interest in the Oct 22 "Bonobo" session is high. We expect a full house!
• Arrive when you can; leave when you need to or want (at 9:00pm or after)...
• BUT we do encourage you to arrive early, well before 7:30pm, if you can!.
• This especially applies to first-time newcomers. We are friendly and welcome all readers of good-will. Come early and meet people! Don't get stuck in any possible "standing-room only" situation.

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QUESTIONS:

Use the 'Contact' button here at Eventbrite; or use any other method you know of to reach us.

• KoreanLiteratureClub.com ;
• Instagram: @Ras_Korea_Lit ;
• GoodReads ;
• KakaoTalk (find ID at our GoodReads main page).

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Thanks! See you on October 22.

-- Peter J. (coordinator), on behalf of the KLC Organziers.