Korean History in Maps

by Michael D. Shin (Editor), Owen Miller, Park Jinhoon

Korean History in Maps is a beautifully presented, full-color atlas covering all periods of Korean history from prehistoric times to the present day. It is the first atlas of its kind to be specifically designed for students in English-speaking countries. There is a map for each era in Korean history, showing every major kingdom or polity that existed on the Korean peninsula, and maps are also included for topics of additional historical interest, including each major war that took place. In addition, the atlas contains chronologies, lists of monarchs, and overviews of the politics, economy, society, and culture for each era which are complemented by numerous photos and full color images of artifacts, paintings, and architectural structures. This fascinating historical atlas is a complete reference work and unique teaching tool for all scholars and students of Korean and East Asian history.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Asia

210 pages, Paperback

First published November 30, 2014

Reviews

[Sharon Barrow Wilfong · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the illustrations and photographs in this book. The time periods were broken down according to dynasty and the relevant leaders, both political and cultural of each time.

The 20th century part was the most interesting to me, simply because I'm more familiar with it and curious about the breaking of north and south and their global relationship.

The one thing that surprised and disappointed me was the comment about North Korea's constitution guaranteeing religious freedom for Christians and Buddhists. That's an outright lie.

Also, there was no mention of North Korea's prisons and gulags that make up a significant percentage of the population and provide a slave labor class with a high mortality rate.

Other than that serious flaw. I found the book worth reading.

[Jung]

[NR] A reference book of Korean ancient and modern history told through a geographical lens. It figured it would be centered mostly on war, politics, and shifting borders, so it met my expectations. I learned a lot I hadn’t known but because I don’t have a lot to compare it too, am leaving it unrated. Reads like a museum walk, highlighting maps, timelines, and pictures rather than long paragraphs of prose. I wish there had been more (anything, really) on Jeju Island (if you know good nonfiction / history on this, please recommend).

Goodreads Challenge: 21/60
Popsugar Reading Challenge: set somewhere you want to visit
Bookriot Read Harder Challenge: about a non-Western world leader
Nonfiction Reading Challenge: about wartime experiences

[Peter A · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent and concise resource for individuals wanting to know the “what happened” in Korean history and have a desire to see where in Korea the events transpired.

The book covers pre-history through roughly 2014, when first released as a hardcover book. Each section/time period has very brief text on each of Society, Culture, Economy, and Politics. In addition, each section has a chronology of what happened, leaders, and later in the modern period, statistics on population or economy. Each section also contains pictures of artifact or events of that epoch.

I was surprised by the extend of Korean penetration into and beyond Manchuria during the Balhae kingdom (roughly 598 to 926 CE).

Later in the book, we see maps of Seoul during the Joseon period, starting 1392.

Conciseness comes at a cost. The Gabo Peasant’s War of 1894 is mentioned in a few sentences. The sites of the Gabo conflict are shown on a map, and the chronology is given on a page. But the whys of the conflict are not mentioned.

Nonetheless, this is a handy reference to locate key events in time and space, filled with maps, illustrations, and pictures. A valuable addition to a collection of Korean history, society, culture, and political systems.

FB. An excellent and concise resource on Korean history, society, culture, and political systems, to locate key events in time and space, filled with maps, illustrations, and pictures, from pre-history to the 2010s.

[Ronald Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Korean History in Maps: From Prehistory to the Twenty-First Century is a beautifully illustrated book with a map included for each period in Korean history. The book is written in the English language. First published in 2014 and reprinted in 2016.
The Atlas includes color and black and white photographs showing landmarks and the locations of the National Treasures of Korea along with photos of artifacts.
I believe it's more than an Atlas. Not only for use in classrooms.
It's well worth to keep in your home library too.
Korean History in Maps is a fantastic guide for anyone interested in Korean history or traveling to Korea.
You might say, It's the Time Travelers Guide to Korea.

A must for history buffs.

[Jonah Hammond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent (and not too long) history of Korea for visual learners!

[Jasmijn Poel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it!!! Perfect introduction to the global history on the korean peninsula with also a lot in depth information with maps of movements of the wars and such!

[Humbledaisy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I re-read this book periodically when political and historical events on the Korean peninsula pop up in the news. It's very clear with well drawn maps, well researched information and photographs of relicts from Gojoseon all the way to modern day Republic of Korea and North Korea (officially the Democratic People's Republic of Korea) - a big help!

On a lighter note, it is hugely helpful when watching Korean historical dramas as the authors did a very good job outlining how various kingdoms and rulers affected the growing boundaries of the Korean peninsula. I highly recommend it.