Korean folk tales : Imps, ghosts and fairies

These thirteen tales open a window onto Korea’s old world, where Taoist mysticism, Buddhist calm and Confucian order intertwine with the everyday hardships of the seventeenth‑century. Translated from a rare manuscript, the stories are vivid and sometimes stark, painting the lived realities of scholars, officials and common folk alike. Each piece carries a quiet humor and a hint of the uncanny, giving listeners a flavor of a culture both distant and oddly familiar.

One of the most memorable entries follows a celebrated dancing girl named Charan and a prodigious sixteen‑year‑old scholar called Keydong. Set during the reign of King Sung‑jong, their first encounter blossoms into an enchanting partnership that dazzles a banquet of officials and musicians. Their friendship, rooted in shared intellect and artistic grace, hints at deeper feelings that challenge the conventions of their time, inviting listeners to wonder how love and duty will navigate the court’s intricate expectations.