Collection
Novel
2026.09.22
A Workplace Novel That Accurately Captures the Feelings of Commuting
Reality of Company, Platform, Emotional Labor, and Livelihood
Workplace novels don’t just take place in conference rooms and offices. Every place surrounding making a living becomes a workplace, from convenience store manuals, university HR structures, and power dynamics in fashion magazines to the competition that drives one to emigrate. Reading this genre reveals that the fatigue initially perceived as a personal issue often stems from organizational rules and evaluation methods.
In this context, we've gathered together the stories of South Korean office workers and self-employed individuals, Japanese convenience store employees, American professors and fashion magazine secretaries, and marginalized figures in Chinese society. Rather than solely anticipating exhilarating exit stories, let’s explore who secures stable positions and who bears the risk. For readers contemplating job changes, it's beneficial to compare not just the characters' choices but also how different the available options were.
In this context, we've gathered together the stories of South Korean office workers and self-employed individuals, Japanese convenience store employees, American professors and fashion magazine secretaries, and marginalized figures in Chinese society. Rather than solely anticipating exhilarating exit stories, let’s explore who secures stable positions and who bears the risk. For readers contemplating job changes, it's beneficial to compare not just the characters' choices but also how different the available options were.
Hating Korea
I Hate Korea
In ‘I Hate Korea,’ what stands out first is the character's process of making choices rather than the events themselves. A summary of the work could be that the protagonist, Gye-na, seeks to try a new life in Australia, escaping Korea's competition and anxiety. In reading ‘I Hate Korea,’ rather than judging the outcome in advance, it allows you to follow the information and relationships that the character has, noticing the moments when the meaning of scenes changes. This work is particularly suitable for readers wanting to explore the emotions of job changes and immigration.
However, keep in mind a caution before reading. It does not generalize personal experiences to represent the entire country. The current edition connected is authored by Jang Kang-myung, published by Minumsa in 2015, and the ISBN is 9788937473074. The revised edition or e-book of ‘I Hate Korea’ may have different covers and formats, so be sure to check the copyright information when purchasing.
However, keep in mind a caution before reading. It does not generalize personal experiences to represent the entire country. The current edition connected is authored by Jang Kang-myung, published by Minumsa in 2015, and the ISBN is 9788937473074. The revised edition or e-book of ‘I Hate Korea’ may have different covers and formats, so be sure to check the copyright information when purchasing.
저자 장강명
출판사 민음사
출간 2015
ISBN 9788937473074
읽기 포인트 계나가 한국의 경쟁과 불안을 떠나 호주에서 새로운 삶을 시험한다
추천 독자 이직과 이민의 감정을 읽을 독자
Let's Go to the Moon
The strength of ‘Let's Go to the Moon’ lies in not closing the familiar material with a simple conclusion. To summarize, it follows three office workers who venture into cryptocurrency investment, dreaming of escaping their labor. In ‘Let's Go to the Moon,’ the narrative by Jang Ryu-jin does not just lay out important information all at once but positions it between the characters' words and actions. This is recommended for readers who wish to explore workplace friendships and the investment craze, and remembering the initial relationships presented makes the subsequent changes clearer.
When selecting this work, consider the following: it is not a book that promotes investment strategies. The connected edition information for ‘Let's Go to the Moon’ is by author Jang Ryu-jin, published by Changbi in 2021, with ISBN 9788936434496. Other editions of ‘Let's Go to the Moon’ may have different sentences and appendices, so it’s wise to also check the preview and table of contents.
When selecting this work, consider the following: it is not a book that promotes investment strategies. The connected edition information for ‘Let's Go to the Moon’ is by author Jang Ryu-jin, published by Changbi in 2021, with ISBN 9788936434496. Other editions of ‘Let's Go to the Moon’ may have different sentences and appendices, so it’s wise to also check the preview and table of contents.
저자 장류진
출판사 창비
출간 2021
ISBN 9788936434496
읽기 포인트 세 직장인이 가상화폐 투자에 뛰어들며 노동 밖의 탈출구를 꿈꾼다
추천 독자 직장 우정과 투자 광풍을 함께 읽을 독자
The Living
In ‘The Living,’ the emotions of people living within the world's rules take precedence over the rules themselves. In a more detailed explanation, it depicts how the logic of survival shapes individuals amid layoffs, redevelopment, and self-employment. Noticing the repetitive imagery and changes in distance between characters in ‘The Living’ naturally reveals the theme. This work is particularly recommended for readers wanting to read realistic segments of labor structure.
Do not overlook the limitations and context of the content. Specific cases should not be applied to all labor environments. The edition used for this text information of ‘The Living’ is authored by Jang Kang-myung, published by Minumsa in 2019, and the ISBN is 9788937441912. Sets and special editions of ‘The Living’ may also appear in searches, so verify if the ISBN matches to avoid confusion with different formats.
Do not overlook the limitations and context of the content. Specific cases should not be applied to all labor environments. The edition used for this text information of ‘The Living’ is authored by Jang Kang-myung, published by Minumsa in 2019, and the ISBN is 9788937441912. Sets and special editions of ‘The Living’ may also appear in searches, so verify if the ISBN matches to avoid confusion with different formats.
저자 장강명
출판사 민음사
출간 2019
ISBN 9788937441912
읽기 포인트 해고와 재개발, 자영업의 현장에서 생존 논리가 사람을 바꾸는 모습을 그린다
추천 독자 노동 구조를 현실적인 단편으로 읽을 독자
Convenience Store Woman
In ‘Convenience Store Woman,’ there are many subtleties that can easily be overlooked when summarizing the plot. Within those subtleties, the woman living according to the convenience store's rules rejects the normalcy demanded by society. By reading the unspoken parts of the character alongside the selectively shown scenes by the narrator, you can understand where the narrative tension in ‘Convenience Store Woman’ arises. This work is suitable for readers who want to view the relationship between labor and identity in a fresh light.
There are some points to know before finishing the read. The narrator’s choices should not be interpreted as mere healing. The connected edition of ‘Convenience Store Woman’ was published by Salim in 2016, authored by Murata Sayaka, with the ISBN 9788952235268. Even if there are films or dramas based on ‘Convenience Store Woman’, they may differ from the original in characters, perspective, and ending, so treat each as independent works.
There are some points to know before finishing the read. The narrator’s choices should not be interpreted as mere healing. The connected edition of ‘Convenience Store Woman’ was published by Salim in 2016, authored by Murata Sayaka, with the ISBN 9788952235268. Even if there are films or dramas based on ‘Convenience Store Woman’, they may differ from the original in characters, perspective, and ending, so treat each as independent works.
저자 무라타 사야카
출판사 살림
출간 2016
ISBN 9788952235268
읽기 포인트 편의점 규칙에 맞춰 사는 여성이 사회가 요구하는 정상성을 거부한다
추천 독자 노동과 정체성의 관계를 낯설게 볼 독자
Stoner
In ‘Stoner,’ what initially stands out is the character’s process of making decisions rather than the events. To summarize the work, it centers around a university professor who navigates a quiet life amid work, marriage, and failures. In reading ‘Stoner,’ rather than assessing the outcome in advance, one can follow the information and relationships that the character has, identifying the moments when the meaning of scenes shifts. This work suits those who want to engage with the nuances of the ordinary life of a professional rather than dramatic successes.
Before reading, be mindful of an aspect. It's important to critically consider the gender dynamics of the era. The current connected edition has the author John Williams, published by RH Korea in 2015, with ISBN 9788925554990. The revised edition or e-book of ‘Stoner’ may have different covers and formats, so make sure to check copyright information when purchasing.
Before reading, be mindful of an aspect. It's important to critically consider the gender dynamics of the era. The current connected edition has the author John Williams, published by RH Korea in 2015, with ISBN 9788925554990. The revised edition or e-book of ‘Stoner’ may have different covers and formats, so make sure to check copyright information when purchasing.
저자 존 윌리엄스
출판사 알에이치코리아
출간 2015
ISBN 9788925554990
읽기 포인트 한 대학 교수가 일과 결혼, 실패 속에서 조용한 생을 살아낸다
추천 독자 극적 성공보다 평범한 직업인의 시간을 읽을 독자
The Devil Wears Prada
The strength of ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ lies in not concluding familiar material with a simple ending. To summarize, it illustrates how a fashion magazine secretary gets entangled in the overwork and power dynamics behind the glamorous industry. In ‘The Devil Wears Prada,’ Lauren Weisberger's narrative arranges significant information between the characters’ words and actions rather than dispelling it all at once. This is recommended for readers desiring workplace satire and popular plots; remembering the relationships introduced at the beginning makes the later changes more evident.
When selecting this work, consider the following: the film adaptation differs in characters and ending. The connected edition information for ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ includes the author Lauren Weisberger, published by Munhakdongne in 2026, with ISBN 9791141614034. Other editions of ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ may alter sentences and appendices, so reviewing the preview and table of contents is advisable.
When selecting this work, consider the following: the film adaptation differs in characters and ending. The connected edition information for ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ includes the author Lauren Weisberger, published by Munhakdongne in 2026, with ISBN 9791141614034. Other editions of ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ may alter sentences and appendices, so reviewing the preview and table of contents is advisable.
저자 로렌 와이스버거
출판사 문학동네
출간 2026
ISBN 9791141614034
읽기 포인트 패션지 비서가 화려한 산업 뒤의 과로와 권력에 휘말린다
추천 독자 직장 풍자와 대중적인 전개를 원하는 독자
Primary Contract
Subcontracting
In ‘Subcontracting’, the emotions of individuals living within the world's rules are prioritized over the rules themselves. To elaborate, it illustrates how urban laborers are shaken within hierarchies surrounding contracts and survival. Observing the repetitive imagery and distance changes among characters in ‘Subcontracting’ naturally reveals the theme. This work is especially recommended for those wanting to read about the structure of labor exploitation in a narrative format.
Don’t overlook the limitations and context of the content either. Consider the social background of China simultaneously. The edition used in this text for ‘Subcontracting’ is by author Yu Hua, published by Pureunsoop in 2022, with ISBN 9791156751298. Sets and special editions of ‘Subcontracting’ may be found together, so confirming the same ISBN can help reduce confusion with different formats.
Don’t overlook the limitations and context of the content either. Consider the social background of China simultaneously. The edition used in this text for ‘Subcontracting’ is by author Yu Hua, published by Pureunsoop in 2022, with ISBN 9791156751298. Sets and special editions of ‘Subcontracting’ may be found together, so confirming the same ISBN can help reduce confusion with different formats.
저자 위화
출판사 푸른숲
출간 2022
ISBN 9791156751298
읽기 포인트 도시 노동자들이 계약과 생존을 둘러싸고 위계 속에서 흔들린다
추천 독자 노동 착취의 구조를 소설로 읽을 독자
Put on Your Pajamas
Wear Your Pajamas
In ‘Wear Your Pajamas,’ there are many subtleties that can easily be missed when summarizing the plot. Within those subtleties, a weary individual reflecting on work and relationships takes another look at old ties and life. Reading the unspoken parts of the character together with what the narrator selectively shows enlightens where the narrative tension in ‘Wear Your Pajamas’ comes from. This work is suitable for readers wanting time for recovery outside of work.
Before finishing the read, it is good to know that the flow of emotion centers more than swift events. The connected edition of ‘Wear Your Pajamas’ was published by Wisdom House in 2015, authored by Lee Do-woo, with ISBN 9788959139781. Even if there are films or dramas based on ‘Wear Your Pajamas’, they may differ from the original in characters, perspective, and ending, thus it is best to appreciate each as an independent work.
Before finishing the read, it is good to know that the flow of emotion centers more than swift events. The connected edition of ‘Wear Your Pajamas’ was published by Wisdom House in 2015, authored by Lee Do-woo, with ISBN 9788959139781. Even if there are films or dramas based on ‘Wear Your Pajamas’, they may differ from the original in characters, perspective, and ending, thus it is best to appreciate each as an independent work.
저자 이도우
출판사 위즈덤하우스
출간 2015
ISBN 9788959139781
읽기 포인트 일과 관계에 지친 인물이 오래된 인연과 생활을 다시 바라본다
추천 독자 직장 밖 회복의 시간을 원하는 독자
After reading workplace novels, let’s divide the characters' day into four sections: ‘Work · Relationships · Rewards · Recovery’. Mark what drained the most energy, and you'll see how perspectives on labor change with each work. Some works frame friendship with colleagues as a means of escape, while others argue that good intentions alone cannot change structures.
The success of investments or emigration depicted in these novels are not realistic financial or career advice. Let’s not generalize based on the experiences of characters from specific countries and professions; consider the era and types of employment as well. On frustrating days, start with humor-filled works; on days when you want to deeply contemplate the structures of labor, begin with collections or full-length novels to adjust the temperature of your reading.
The success of investments or emigration depicted in these novels are not realistic financial or career advice. Let’s not generalize based on the experiences of characters from specific countries and professions; consider the era and types of employment as well. On frustrating days, start with humor-filled works; on days when you want to deeply contemplate the structures of labor, begin with collections or full-length novels to adjust the temperature of your reading.
한눈에 보기
8개
Hating Korea
장강명 · 민음사 · 2015 · 9788937473074 · 계나가 한국의 경쟁과 불안을 떠나 호주에서 새로운 삶을 시험한다 · 이직과 이민의 감정을 읽을 독자
Let's Go to the Moon
장류진 · 창비 · 2021 · 9788936434496 · 세 직장인이 가상화폐 투자에 뛰어들며 노동 밖의 탈출구를 꿈꾼다 · 직장 우정과 투자 광풍을 함께 읽을 독자
The Living
장강명 · 민음사 · 2019 · 9788937441912 · 해고와 재개발, 자영업의 현장에서 생존 논리가 사람을 바꾸는 모습을 그린다 · 노동 구조를 현실적인 단편으로 읽을 독자
Convenience Store Woman
무라타 사야카 · 살림 · 2016 · 9788952235268 · 편의점 규칙에 맞춰 사는 여성이 사회가 요구하는 정상성을 거부한다 · 노동과 정체성의 관계를 낯설게 볼 독자
Stoner
존 윌리엄스 · 알에이치코리아 · 2015 · 9788925554990 · 한 대학 교수가 일과 결혼, 실패 속에서 조용한 생을 살아낸다 · 극적 성공보다 평범한 직업인의 시간을 읽을 독자
The Devil Wears Prada
로렌 와이스버거 · 문학동네 · 2026 · 9791141614034 · 패션지 비서가 화려한 산업 뒤의 과로와 권력에 휘말린다 · 직장 풍자와 대중적인 전개를 원하는 독자
Primary Contract
위화 · 푸른숲 · 2022 · 9791156751298 · 도시 노동자들이 계약과 생존을 둘러싸고 위계 속에서 흔들린다 · 노동 착취의 구조를 소설로 읽을 독자
Put on Your Pajamas
이도우 · 위즈덤하우스 · 2015 · 9788959139781 · 일과 관계에 지친 인물이 오래된 인연과 생활을 다시 바라본다 · 직장 밖 회복의 시간을 원하는 독자
이 포스팅은 쿠팡 파트너스 활동의 일환으로, 이에 따른 일정액의 수수료를 제공받습니다.
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