Recs if you like White Chrysanthemum...

Haenyeo (also spelled haenyo) (Hangul: 해녀; lit. "sea women") are female divers in the South Korean province of Jeju, whose livelihood consists of harvesting a variety of mollusks, seaweed, and other sea life from the ocean. Known for their independent spirit, iron will and determination, haenyeo are representative of the semi-matriarchal family structure of Jeju. (Wikipedia)

Non-fiction or fiction stories based on historically accurate happenings in Korea (will update when find more - have not read all books added, but a bunch of them)

The Dayton Literary Peace Prize, inaugurated in 2006, is the first and only annual U.S. literary award recognizing the power of the written word to promote peace. The Dayton Literary Peace Prize invites nominations in adult fiction and nonfiction books published within the past year that have led readers to a better understanding of other cultures, peoples, religions, and political points of view.

fiction edition finalists

books that i feel are underrated but i think everyone should try for one reason or another. mostly books with important discussions that i rarely hear spoken about in (younger—late 90s onwards) community spaces, but also deeply loved books in general that i think are underrated