The Transmission of 「Geumgangsan Yugi」 and Lee Kwang-su’s Perception of Reality

Lee Kwang-su’s 1924 travelogue, Geumgangsan Yugi, blends traditional Korean travel writing with modern literary techniques. It reveals how his two visits to Mount Kumgang (1921–1923) expanded the scope of mountain exploration by shifting from selective sightseeing to comprehensive traversal, facilitated by emerging transportation like trains and cars. Unlike previous travelers, Lee emphasized not just natural scenery but also folklore and historical narratives, treating them as sacred elements. His work critiques naming conventions while rediscovering ruins, offering a unique fusion of tradition and modernity. Beyond travel, his journey reflects a response to Korea’s oppressive reality, proposing spiritual and physical renewal through nature. This study deciphers the transmission of Geumgangsan Yugi’s form and Lee’s innovative perception, demonstrating its role in reinterpreting landscapes, history, and human heritage.

Jeong, Y.-m. (2025). The Transmission of 「Geumgangsan Yugi」 and Lee Kwang-su’s Perception of Reality. The Korean Literature and Arts, 54, 55–83. https://doi.org/10.21208/kla.2025.06.54.55