1938–1956 | Early Life and First Publication
1938
Born in Benxi, Manchuria.
1945
Evacuated to Pyongyang, his parents’ hometown, following Korea’s liberation.
1947
Moved south to Seoul after the division of Korea.
1953 (Age 15)
Made his debut during the Korean War with the 16-page comic Jwidori.
At the time, Korean comics were distributed as short, serialized pamphlets known as ttegi manhwa, a format born out of material shortages and limited purchasing power in postwar Korea.
1957–1966 | Loss, Transition, and Growth
1958 (Age 20)Graduated from Dongsung High School.
Both of his older brothers—who had studied fine arts at Seoul National University—passed away suddenly in the same year.
Joined Manhwa Student magazine and published works such as The Demon Prince and Yi Tae-baek.
Continued the series Dr. Jjanggu, originally created by his brother, under the pen name “Chudongseong.”
1960 (Age 22)Married Park In-hee.
Published Azzange and Princess Aechiru.
1962–1965
Released a series of narrative works including Flower of Tears, The Last Life, Ssanga Rura, and Empire of the Earth Mask.
1967–1974 | Expansion into Mass Media
1967 (Age 29)
Appointed the inaugural Art Director of the monthly children’s magazine Eokkaedongmu.
1972 (Age 34)
Began serializing Im Kkeok-jeong in Ilgan Sports.
This marked the first adult serialized comic published in a Korean daily newspaper, redefining comics as a form of literature for adult readers.
1973 (Age 35)
Serialized Water Margin.
This work marked the beginning of his distinctive reinterpretations of classical Chinese literature, blending satire, humor, and eroticism.
1974 (Age 36)
Serialized Haedong Ilryong.
1975 (Age 37)
Serialized Iljimae.
A wholly original historical graphic narrative, later selected as one of “100 Books from Korea” at the 2005 Frankfurt Book Fair.
1978 (Age 40)
Began serializing Romance of the Three Kingdoms.
Running for three years in Ilgan Sports, the series became a cultural phenomenon.
A complete unabridged edition was republished in 2002 and remains a bestseller.
1980–1986
Serialized major works including Journey to the West, Chronicles of the Eastern Zhou Kingdoms, Chu–Han Contention, and Black Turban.
Traveled extensively in the United States and Europe for research and inspiration.
1987 (Age 49)
Launched the Korean Classical Graphic Narrative series, including Garujigi, Nolbu’s Tale, King Yeonsan, and others.
These works reinterpreted oral and literary traditions with contemporary sensibility.
1988 (Age 50)
Directed the film adaptation of Garujigi.
Served as President of the Korea Cartoonists Association.
1990–1996
Lost vision in his left eye and later returned to work amid illness.
Serialized Tonggamtu, Stories of Joseon, and the political cartoon series Gosogeum.
1998 (Age 60)
Received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Korea Publishing Awards.
2002–2003
Regained sight in his left eye after surgery in the United States.
Underwent cancer treatment.
Received the SICAF (Seoul International Cartoon & Animation Festival) Lifetime Achievement Award.
2005
Passed away on April 25.
Posthumously awarded the Order of Cultural Merit (Silver Crown).
2006–2015
Major retrospectives held at the Hankook Ilbo Gallery and the Korea Manhwa Museum.
Autobiography The Child in the Clouds published.
Iljimae and other works republished.
2023
Establishment of Go Woo-young Co., Ltd.
Development of the “Go Woo-young” typeface.
2024–2025
Major revival projects including reprints of Chronicles of the Eastern Zhou Kingdoms and Journey to the West.
20th anniversary memorial exhibition, Go Woo-young: Storyteller of Our Time.