Introduction to Korean History and Culture

by Andrew C. Nahm

"Simple, brief, yet comprehensive and interpretive" history of Korea for the general reader.

The purpose of this book is to present the history and culture of Korea to meet the needs of the general reader. While providing essential historical and cultural background of the Korean people, emphasis is given to the process of transformation of the ancient Korean society into an aristocratic/feudalistic state first, and then into a modern nation.

Unlike other Korean history books, this includes various aspects of radical changes that took place under the Communist rule after 1945 in the northern half of Korea. As for the southern half, the aspects of struggle for democracy, economic and cultural development, and social modernization have been given particular attention.

16 maps and 87 photos.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

352 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 1993

Reviews

[A. Sacit · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brief summary of nearly two millennium of Korean history, where a highly stratified/hereditary society existed before the modernity. Some questions remain unanswered, such as: who were the slaves before the abolition of slavery? A good introductory read overall.

[Léa Silhol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Date un peu, mais néanmoins (ce bémol pris en compte) une très bonne introduction.

[Lena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really interesting! I love reading and learning about Korean history!

[James Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it was a very interesting and good read. Taught me a lot particularly about recent north and south Korean history which I didn't know. a good introduction

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good read about Korea, but it wasn't a great one. I know it's an introduction and not going to go into a striking amount of detail, but I did expect a bit more than two paragraphs per a number of subjects.

I did like how much it focused on North Korea, because let's face it- all we really hear is how evil, despicable, etc they are. An apparently unbiased and factual account of them was great to read.

[Bob Finch · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent introduction to Korea. Succinctly written and a quick read, the author does a fine job of surveying a long, fascinating history of one of the oldest cultures in the world. I visit the country occasionally, and grow to appreciate it more each time. This book is a great resource for anyone interested in the country and its people.