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` This year`s collection is the fifth installment in the annual Korean literature series and features a kasa (Kwandong Byulgok) written by Chong Ch`ol, a sijo by Hwnag Jin-i, and two novels, The Story of Hong Kil-dong and The Story of Ch`unhyang. Sample the joyful spirit and relaxed charm of Korean classical literature this autumn. Kasa--Kwandong Byulgok (Little Odes on the Kwandong Area) The kasa, a narrative song, came into being during the late Koryo period and the early Choson dynasty. It takes the metrical form of four feet in a line and mainly expresses loyalty to the king and the pleasure of the tranquil life of scholar-poets in nature. Kwandong Byulgok is one of the finest examples of the kasa, written by Chong Ch`ol (pen name Songgang) in 1580 during the reign of King Sonjo, after he eight scenic around Mt.Kumgang (Diamond) and the eight scenic wonders in the Kwandong province. In this poem, the poet extols the fascinating beauty of Korea`s landscape. Sijo written by Hwang Jin-i `Alas! How foolish I am! Didn`t I know that I would miss him so?` The favorite classical form of verse in Korea, the sijo was born in the late Koryo period among members of the upper-class. During the late Choson dynasty if spread widely among minstrels and the kisaeng, female entertainers. This particular poem, written during the reign of King Sonjo, details one woman`s longing and sorrow at being separated from her beloved. The author, Hwang Jin-i, is renowned for her versatility in composing poetry and music and is considered an equal to the most revered male scholar- poets. She is remembered as one of the three miracles of Songdo (the capital of Koryo ), along with the Pagyon Fall and Suh Kyong-dok. Novels--The Story of Hong Kil-dong and The Story of Ch`unhyang Developed by the common folk and women, Korean fiction reached its peak during the reigns of King Yongjo and King Chungjo of the Choson dynasty. Ho Kyun`s The Story of Kong Kil-tong, is believed to be Korea`s first vernacular novel written if hangul, the Korean alphabet. A work of sharp social criticism that attacked the class system of Choson society and its discrimination against those of illegitimate birth, the novel ends by describing how the hero establishes a classless utopia. The Story of Ch`unhyang is a romance between the son of a noble family and the daughter of a despised kisaeng. Originally a well-known folk tale, The Story of Ch`unhyang was developed by travelling entertainers into p`ansori (a folk opera genre) and has become Korea`s most enduring and popular novel. `