On Leo Tolstoy’s early translations in Korea

Abstract

   The article is devoted to the first translations of Leo Tolstoy’s works into Korean. Significant historical events that contributed to the opening of the country to the outside world, the rapid spread of Christianity and the emergence of the enlightenment movement in Korea have given impetus to broad transformations in the country. Communication with foreign countries has opened up the world of Western, Russian and modern Japanese culture and literature to Koreans. Christian missionaries introduce Koreans to religious literature, promote active translation activities, and introduce them to Western values. Educators strive to overcome the backwardness of the country by introducing compatriots to the modern type of education, creating a new culture and forming a national intelligentsia. Two powerful currents significantly affect the changes that have taken place in the spiritual life of Korean society. In this atmosphere, the first translations of foreign authors, including Leo Tolstoy, have appeared. Attention to his works is due not only to the tastes of the translators themselves, but also to the spiritual needs of Korean society. Among translated authors, Leo Tolstoy is undeniably popular, he was the first Russian writer that a Korean reader met. The translations, made by Tolstoy’s first translators, Choi Nam Son and Lee Gwang Soo, showed that they perceived him as their spiritual mentor, teacher and accepted his views as a guide to spiritual improvement, seeing his works from a didactic point of view.