Han Kang

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Rankings

Covers

Records

Han Kang's achievements stand as a testament to the power of literature to confront difficult truths. She is the first Asian woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, a distinction that places her among the most celebrated writers in history. Her win for The Vegetarian marked a watershed moment for Korean literature on the global stage. These honors reflect not just commercial success but a profound impact on how readers engage with themes of trauma and resilience.

AwardsHan Kang's accolades represent some of the highest honors in the literary world. She won the Yi Sang Literary Prize in 2002, the International Booker Prize in 2016, the Manhae Prize for Literature in 2016, and the Prix Médicis Étranger in 2017. In 2024, she received the Nobel Prize in Literature, becoming the first Asian woman and first Korean author to do so. Her contributions to literature have been recognized with numerous critic awards in 2026.

Honours & Distinctions

Nobel Prize in Literature

Swedish Academy·2024

First Asian woman and first Korean author to receive the prize.

International Booker Prize

International Booker Foundation·2016

First Korean author to win the award.

Rankings & Lists

Most Influential Writers of the 21st Century

TIME Magazine·2025

Magazine Covers

Vogue

October 2024

Nobel Laureate Interview

Records & Feats

First Asian Woman Nobel Laureate in Literature

Historic First·2024

Became the first woman from Asia to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2024.

First Korean Author to Win International Booker Prize

Awards·2016

Won the 2016 International Booker Prize for The Vegetarian.