Books About Korea

The Best Korea Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

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.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Korea

The Kite Fighters
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 · 3,219 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.
Danbi Leads the School Parade
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 · 763 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?
King Sejong Invents an Alphabet
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 Goodreads · 173 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.
I Escaped North Korea!
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 Goodreads · 274 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.
Grandpa Across the Ocean
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 Goodreads · 298 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?
Where's Halmoni?
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 Goodreads · 1,016 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?
Brother's Keeper
Sale price
$1697
Chapter 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. 8.5 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 2,560 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.
The Royal Bee
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 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.
When My Name Was Keoko
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 Goodreads · 7,938 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.
Good-bye, 382 Shin Dang Dong
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 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.
The Bookroo Book Club

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Korea Picture Books

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

Tomorrow Is New Year's Day
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.

The Donkey Egg
Sale price
$1799

The Donkey Egg

Ages 4–7 · 2019

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

The Firekeeper's Son
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.

Pigling (Graphic Novel)
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?

The Turtle Ship
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.

Mommy's Hometown
Sale price
$1799

Mommy's Hometown

Ages 3–7 · 2022

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

The Korean Cinderella
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.

Rice from Heaven
Sale price
$1799

Rice from Heaven

Ages 4–8 · 2018

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

View all korea picture books
Browse by age

Korea Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about korea for developing and independent readers.

A Single Shard
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.

In the Shadow of the Sun
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.

Xoxo
Sale price
$1599

Xoxo

Ages 13–+ · 2021

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

Suee and the Shadow
#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?

SeeSaw Girl
Sale price
$899

SeeSaw Girl

Ages 8–12 · 1999

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

A Spoonful of Time
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.

Damage Control
Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$2732

Damage Control

Ages 9–13 · 2012

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

Forbidden City
#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.

View all korea chapter books
Keep exploring
Books about brothersBooks about kites