Korean Poetry in Translation

A collection of contemporary Korean poetry in translation

Translated by Chae-Pyong Song

Photography by Lee Sang-youp

Lake by Jung Ji-yong

A face
I can surely block
with my two palms,

but my heart of longing,
big like a lake, and
I cannot help but close my eyes.

호수/ 정지용

얼골 하나 야
손바닥 둘 로
푹 가리지 만,

보고 싶은 마음
湖水 만 하니
눈 감을 밖에.

박성미 on April 1, 2012 at 10:19 pm said:

I cannot help but close my eyes.
– I like this.

Reply ↓
- Chae-Pyong Song on April 2, 2012 at 12:17 am said:
  
  Thanks!
  
  Reply ↓
Cam on May 18, 2014 at 8:48 pm said:

Thank you so much! I’m reviewing this poem in my Korean class and I really needed a good translation!

Reply ↓
Nanika on November 27, 2019 at 4:29 am said:

I like this poem, Thank you

Reply ↓