The Elephant

Asia Publishers presents some of the very best modern Korean literature to readers worldwide through its new Korean literature series . We are proud and happy to offer it in the most authoritative translation by renowned translators of Korean literature. We hope that this series helps to build solid bridges between citizens of the world and Koreans through a rich in-depth understanding of Korea. When I die, my nose will probably be the first thing to rot. I’ve been inhaling stenches from the day I was born, that’s why. I’m sure the smell of toxic chemicals traveling through my capillary veins to my brain will make me stupid someday. It doesn’t matter, anyways. They say that the more you use your head, the harder it is to live in this world. Father once said, “I used my head and landed in this hell of a place. If only I stayed to raise goats on the mountain or farm in the fields like the other young men... If only I had known to be thankful to the gods for being able to come home to the smell of creamy dahl baht (lentil soup and rice) after washing in the river...”