The Tree Way Travern

poetry by Ko Un

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July 21, 2026

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"The Tree Way Tavern" is a collection of poetry by the prolific South Korean poet Ko Un. Ko Un's work is often informed by his experiences with political activism in Korea and a broader concern for humanity. His poetry is known for being demotic, passionate, and down-to-earth, often focusing on everyday people and occurrences. He drew inspiration from Korean traditions, Zen Buddhism, and his personal struggles, including imprisonment and suicide attempts. The collection, published in 2006, showcases his distinctive style, which can range from epic narratives to simple, Zen-infused imagery.1

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Ko Un
…the Ten Thousand Lives project; The Tree Way Tavern (2006); and First Person Sorrowful (2012). Ko’s work drew the attention of prominent American poets, including Allen Ginsberg, Robert Hass, and Gary Snyder, all of whom contributed forewords to these books. Ko also published novels, drama, and literary criticism.
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…the Ten Thousand Lives project; The Tree Way Tavern (2006); and First Person Sorrowful (2012). Ko’s work drew the attention of prominent American poets, including Allen Ginsberg, Robert Hass, and Gary Snyder, all of whom contributed forewords to these books. Ko also published novels, drama, and literary criticism.
Read More