나쓰메 소세키 문학의 한국어 번역과수용 양상

Abstract

This paper examine the acceptance of Natsume Soseki’s literature in Korea in terms of the publication status of translated versions. The first Korean translation version of Natsume Soseki’s work is “Botchan”, translated by Jong-yeol Lee and published in 1960. Since then, most works of Natsume Soseki such as novels, critiques, essays, letters, etc. except for “Literary Theory”, “Literary Criticism”, Haiku, and Chinese poetry have been translated into Korean. Also, “Botchan”, “I am a Cat”, and “Kokoro” have been translated multiple times by different translators. In addition to these three works, “Sorekara”, “Michikusa”, “Yume Juya”, etc. have been included in the “Complete Series of World Literature” in Korea. Korean translations of Natsume Soseki’s works have increased after the 2000s. It was influenced by the fact that “Botchan” was evaluated as a so-called “classic” in the 1990s and was included as a book for youths’ preparation for discourse; it is also because Natsume Soseki was introduced in Korea as ‘Shakespeare’ of Japan, ‘nation’s author’, and ‘Obverse of a 1984 series 1000 Japanese yen banknote’, widely spreading the awareness among Korean readers that he is the most representative author in Japan. Going along with this atmosphere, all 14 books were translated into the Korean version of “Natsume Soseki’s Novel Collection” for 3 years from 2013 to 2016. It is clear that the publication of these completed works was achieved not because study on Natsume Soseki made progress in Korea but rather due to the expansion of Korean readers of Natsume Soseki’s literature. Natsume Soseki’s literature has secured awareness as must-read works in this era. Presently, Natsume Soseki’s literature has become ‘goods’ and ‘classics’ in Korea.