Experience a Korean Literary Classic, Reimagined for Modern Learners.
Night Driver, Dong-ho is an A2-level Korean graded reader that retells one of Korea's most beloved short stories - set in the rainy streets of modern-day Busan.
About this book
This book is part of the Korean Classic Reader series by Sophora Books. It retells A Lucky Day (운수 좋은 날) by Hyun Jin-geon (1924), reimagined in contemporary Busan.
Instead of the original 1920s rickshaw puller, our protagonist Dong-ho is a late-night designated driver. It's the luckiest night of his life - the calls keep coming, and the money keeps flowing. But back home, his sick wife is waiting. He keeps telling himself, "just one more ride."
So how does the night end?
Inside this book
Part 1
- Introduction, Adaptation Notes, Characters, and Locations (in English)
Part 2
- The Story · 대리운전 기사, 동호 (in Korean)
Chapter 1: Rainy Day (비 오는 날)
Chapter 2: The First Customer (첫 번째 손님)
Chapter 3: Thinking of My Wife (아내 생각)
Chapter 4: The Notification Sound (알림 소리)
Chapter 5: A Strange Feeling (이상한 느낌)
Chapter 6: Neighborhood Brother (동네 형)
Chapter 7: Warm Rice Soup (따뜻한 국밥)
Chapter 8: A Lucky Day (운이 좋은 날)
Appendix
- a complete self-study companion
Study Reference - Language Notes, Key Words & Footnotes, Idiomatic Expressions, Grammar Points, Expressive Words, and ten in-depth Cultural Notes on Busan, 대리운전 night work, 돼지국밥, Korean chives (부추), 24-hour 국밥 shops, and the meaning of rain in Korean literature
Learning from the Story - Grammar drawn from every chapter
After You Read - Words in Focus, chapter-by-chapter Reading Comprehension, True or False, and Who Said It?, plus a Writing Activity - with a complete Answer Key
Further Materials and Other Books
Who is this book for?
The Korean Classic Reader series is designed with a clear learning path so you always know where you are in your journey. This book is A2 Level.
Upper beginner learners (A2 level)
Teens, young adults, and adults
Anyone who wants to experience Korean literature entirely in Korean
What can you get from this book?
Experience a story rooted in real Korean literary tradition - not a textbook scenario
Read natural, everyday Korean at your level with no dictionary needed
Build reading confidence with built-in Key Words, Footnotes, Grammar Points, and Idiomatic Expressions
Deepen your understanding of Korean culture through ten in-depth Cultural Notes
Check your progress with per-chapter comprehension questions and writing activities
What about audio?
Hearing the language is just as important as reading it. Scan the QR code inside the book to access all audio tracks instantly. Listen along as you read to build your pronunciation and reading confidence at the same time.
