An essay (隨筆) is a prose literary form in which the writer freely unfolds their individuality, experiences, thoughts, and emotions without any fixed format, meaning “writing as the brush moves.” It is divided into light essays, which deal with everyday experiences, and serious essays, which address social and philosophical themes. Its defining feature is that it contains the writer’s sincere life and reflections, giving readers both emotional impact and empathy.
Main Characteristics
Free form: It is organized freely according to the topic and content, without a predetermined structure.
Personal and confessional: The writer’s own experiences, thoughts, and feelings are honestly revealed, and the voice of “I” takes center stage.
Everyday life and living: Even if not a special event, impressions from daily life, trivial experiences, and reflections can all become subject matter.
Light essays and serious essays:
Light essay (輕隨筆): Deals with light, everyday topics; writing in the style of personal miscellany.
Serious essay (重隨筆): Deals with weighty subjects such as society and philosophy through deep reflection and logic; the essay in the modern sense belongs here.
Diary: Focuses on recording the facts and emotions of each day.
Essay: Based on facts (experience), it assigns deeper thought and meaning, then reconstructs them with literary technique.
Healing and comfort: A time to look back on one’s life and be comforted, while also gaining comfort by empathizing with the lives of others.
Communication and empathy: The writer’s sincere story deeply resonates with readers and serves as a channel for sharing wisdom about life.
Major essayists
In Korea, various forms of essays have continued since the Goryeo period, including works such as Doksa Supil (Park Ji-won).
In modern times, essayists have been active through various literary awards (such as the Dongseo Literary Award and the Korean Essay Literature Award).