Books About Korea

The Best Korea Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about korea? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

#1 in Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Korea

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2000

The Kite Fighters

By Linda Sue Park

Two brothers' kite skills catch a king's eye, challenging tradition and family honor.

144 pages· 24,202 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

5.9/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 3,201 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: In 15th-century Korea, brothers Kee-sup and Young-sup share a passion for kites. Kee-sup crafts them with unmatched beauty, while Young-sup flies them with mastery. When the king selects Young-sup to fly the royal kite in a prestigious competition, tradition and family expectations clash. Can Young-sup uphold the family's honor against all odds? This tale of skill, tradition, and sibling bonds unfolds in a world of vibrant kite fighting.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2020

Danbi Leads the School Parade

By Anna Kim

A new girl turns silence into a joyful parade, bridging cultures with imagination.

Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature Honor (2021)

40 pages· 326 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud

5.5/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 761 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Danbi, new to America, faces silence and stares in her classroom. Eager to fit in but unsure of the rules, she struggles to join the fun. Undeterred, Danbi's creativity sparks a new game, leading her classmates in an unforgettable parade. As she navigates her two cultures, Danbi discovers that opening her world to others invites them to do the same. Will her imaginative spirit unite the class and help her find her place?

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2021

King Sejong Invents an Alphabet

By Carol Kim, Cindy Kang (Illustrator)

A king secretly crafts an alphabet to empower his people.

32 pages· 898 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud

4.5/5 Goodreads · 170 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: In 15th-century Korea, King Sejong faces a daunting challenge: the complex Chinese script limits literacy to the elite. Determined to change this, he secretly devises a new alphabet, risking everything to ensure all Koreans can read and write. As he battles tradition and resistance, will his vision of equality prevail? Discover the inspiring tale of a leader's quest for justice and innovation.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2019

I Escaped North Korea!

By Scott Peters, Ellie Crowe · Book #1 in the I Escaped series

A young boy risks everything to escape North Korea's oppression.

110 pages

4.4/5 Goodreads · 267 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Dae, a 14-year-old boy, faces hunger and danger after his father is taken to a labor camp in North Korea. Alone, he dreams of crossing into China to save his family. Can he survive the perilous journey and find freedom? This gripping tale of courage and survival will keep you on the edge of your seat as Dae battles against overwhelming odds. Will he succeed in his daring escape, or will the oppressive regime crush his hopes? Dive into this thrilling adventure to discover Dae's fate.

Sale price

$1597

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2021

Grandpa Across the Ocean

By Hyewon Yum

A child discovers unexpected fun with a distant grandparent.

40 pages

4.3/5 Goodreads · 297 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: A young boy visits his grandpa across the ocean, expecting boredom. Instead, he finds a lively singer, a sandcastle enthusiast, and a fellow troublemaker. Can they bridge their differences and form a special bond despite language and distance?

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 5–9 · 2017

Where's Halmoni?

By Julie Kim

Two siblings enter a magical world to find their missing grandmother.

Cybils Award (2017)

96 pages· 417 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,013 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: When two Korean American siblings find their grandmother missing, they stumble upon a mysterious portal leading to a world of Korean folklore. As they encounter goblins, a tiger, and more, they must solve the mystery of her disappearance. Will they uncover the secrets of their heritage and find their grandmother in this enchanting realm?

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

Brother's Keeper

By Julie Lee

Two siblings must escape war-torn North Korea alone. Can they survive the perilous journey?

314 pages· 62,355 words· Est. 8 hour read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 2,535 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: In December 1950, twelve-year-old Sora and her brother Young face a daunting journey across war-torn Korea. With their family torn apart by bombing, they must navigate 300 miles of treacherous terrain to reach safety in Busan. As they dodge napalm, frostbite, and enemy soldiers, the siblings' resilience is tested. Can they survive the harsh winter and the chaos of war? This gripping tale, inspired by true events, offers a poignant glimpse into a closed nation and the indomitable spirit of two young refugees.

Sale price

$1049

Picture Book · Ages 5–7 · 2000

The Royal Bee

By Frances Park, Ginger Park, Christopher Zhong-Yu Zhang (Illustrator)

A boy defies poverty to pursue education against all odds.

32 pages· 1,755 words· Est. 14 min read-aloud

4.2/5 Goodreads · 156 ratings

$10.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: In a world where only the wealthy can learn, young Song-ho, born into poverty, dreams of education. Drawn by a distant school bell, he ventures into the valley, only to be turned away. Yet, his unwavering determination might just open doors to a new future. Will Song-ho's courage be enough to overcome societal barriers and change his destiny? Discover a tale of resilience and hope set against the backdrop of Korea a century ago, where the rich and poor live worlds apart.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 2002

When My Name Was Keoko

By Linda Sue Park

A brother enlists in the enemy army to protect family secrets during wartime Korea.

Jane Addams Children's Book Honor (2003)

208 pages· 54,951 words· Est. 6 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 7,897 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: In occupied Korea, Sun-hee and her brother Tae-yul face a harrowing choice. As World War II looms, Tae-yul enlists in the Japanese army to shield their uncle, suspected of aiding the resistance. Sun-hee remains, burdened with secrets that could mean life or death for her family. Can they preserve their identity amidst oppression, or will the war tear them apart? This gripping tale of courage and sacrifice explores the depths of loyalty and the fight to maintain one's culture against overwhelming odds.

Sale price

$1597

Picture Book · Ages 3–5 · 2002

Good-bye, 382 Shin Dang Dong

By Frances Park

A young girl faces the challenge of moving from Korea to America.

32 pages· 1,660 words· Est. 13 min read-aloud

4.1/5 Goodreads · 116 ratings

$16.95Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Jangmi, a young Korean girl, dreads leaving her beloved home at 382 Shin Dang Dong for America. As she navigates her new life in Massachusetts, she encounters unfamiliar surroundings and emotions. Will she find comfort and friendship in this strange land, or will the memories of her past home hold her back? Follow Jangmi's journey as she learns to embrace change and discovers the beauty of new beginnings.

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Korea Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about korea for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Sale price

$1899

Tomorrow Is New Year's Day

Ages 4–8 · 2022

A girl shares Korean New Year traditions with her classmates, overcoming her brother's bad mood.

Sale price

$1799

The Donkey Egg

Ages 4–7 · 2019

Bear buys a mysterious egg, but what hatches isn't what he expects.

Sale price

$999

The Firekeeper's Son

Ages 4–7 · 2004

A boy faces a choice: light the signal fire or glimpse the soldiers he dreams of.

Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1099

Pigling (Graphic Novel)

Ages 9–14 · 2008

A young girl faces cruelty from her stepfamily until magical creatures intervene. Will her fate change?

Sale price

$1895

The Turtle Ship

Ages 5–8 · 2018

A boy's dream hinges on designing an unsinkable battleship inspired by his pet turtle.

Sale price

$1599

New Clothes for New Year's Day

Ages 4–7 · 2007

A girl prepares for the Lunar New Year with traditional attire.

Sale price

$1799

Mommy's Hometown

Ages 3–7 · 2022

A boy visits his mother's homeland, discovering unexpected changes and timeless connections.

Sale price

$1799

Tiny Feet Between the Mountains

Ages 4–8 · 2019

A small girl must save her village and a spirit tiger from darkness.

Series

Sale price

$999

The Korean Cinderella

Ages 4–8 · 1993

A young girl faces impossible tasks set by her jealous stepmother, aided by magical creatures.

Sale price

$1799

Rice from Heaven

Ages 4–8 · 2018

A girl defies borders to deliver hope and rice to the hungry.

Sale price

$399

Sim Chung and the River Dragon

Ages 4–8 · 1993

A girl braves a dragon's realm to restore her father's sight.

Series

Sale price

$3132

What You Never Knew About BTS

Ages 9–11 · 2022

Discover BTS beyond the stage in this captivating look at their off-stage lives.

View all korea picture books

Browse by age

Korea Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about korea for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$799

A Single Shard

Ages 10–12 · 2001

An orphan's quest to deliver a potter's masterpiece risks everything for a royal commission.

Sale price

$1799

In the Shadow of the Sun

Ages 8–12 · 2017

Siblings flee North Korea with forbidden photos, risking everything to save their father.

Sale price

$1599

Xoxo

Ages 13–+ · 2021

A cellist risks her dreams for forbidden love with a K-pop idol.

#1 in Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$2199

Suee and the Shadow

Ages 9–12 · 2017

A girl's shadow comes to life, turning classmates into eerie Zeroes. Can she uncover the dark secret before it's too late?

Sale price

$899

SeeSaw Girl

Ages 8–12 · 1999

A curious girl yearns to explore beyond her family's walls in 17th-century Korea.

#12 in Series

Sale price

$699

Mindy Kim and the Fun Family Vacation

Ages 6–9 · 2025

A family vacation to Korea turns unexpectedly challenging.

#10 in Series

Sale price

$699

Mindy Kim and the Mid-Autumn Festival

Ages 6–8 · 2023

A young girl seeks joy in a somber family celebration.

Sale price

$1699

A Spoonful of Time

Ages 8–12 · 2023

A bite of food sends Maya and her grandmother back in time, revealing family secrets.

Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$2732

Damage Control

Ages 9–13 · 2012

Stranded soldiers must rebuild a Jeep from wreckage to escape enemy territory.

Series

Sale price

$1799

Lia Park and the Missing Jewel

Ages 8–12 · 2022

A girl defies rules, unleashing a spirit that kidnaps her parents. Can she save them in an undersea kingdom?

#3 in Series

Sale price

$1999

Forbidden City

Ages 8–12 · 2022

Young spies face a global threat, infiltrating high-stakes arenas to stop a sinister plot.

#2 in Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$2850

Assembling the Avengers #2 (Graphic Novel)

Ages 13–18 · 2017

Iron Man spirals out of control, poisoned and on the brink of death.

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Our 10 Favorite Books About Korea

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