A Review of Korean History Vol.1 Ancient/Goryeo Era

A Review of Korean History

by Han Young Woo (Writer), Hahm Chaibong (Translator)

“A Rview of Korean History” is over 30 million copies sold in Korea and is one of the most famous from the history books. “A Rview of Korean History” (Volumes 1-3), a new English-language series, has been published by Kyongsaewon Publishing Company in the Republic of Korea. Featuring a comprehensive overview of Korea’s history, from ancient times to today’s contemporary era, this series was originally published in Korean in 1997, after which it has enjoyed steady sales in Korea. Complete with full-color printings throughout, this book offers a welcome and undaunting introduction into Korean History. With this English edition being made available to readers abroad, the volumes will serve as a useful information resource for those with an interest in Korean Studies and contribute to a better understanding of Korea’s historical developments among the global community.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

381 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Earl Grey Tea · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading A Korean History for International Readers, this book is a nice next step for those of you who want learn more about the history of Korea. While A Korean History for International Readers covers virtually all of Korean history, Volume 1 of this series focuses on prehistoric times up 1392 AD, the fall of the Kingdom of Goryeo (고려). I was able to learn quite a bit more about Korean history without being overwhelmed since this book covers a shorter time period while going into more detail. This would be a nice stepping stone towards a book like Historical Origins of Korean Politics which is akin to a college textbook.

I was a little bit worried about the translation when I was reading the introduction because of all of the errors. However, after reading the first chapter, I realized that the main translator (probably) didn't translate the introduction. Overall, the book was easy to understand from a translation standpoint though the writing could be a bit formulaic at times.

Compare to Historical Origins of Korean Politics (which was extremely critical of Korean history), most everything was portrayed in a positive light. While I didn't feel like I was reading an elementary school history textbook, I do feel that it could have been written with a bit more objectivity from time to time. One underlying theme (that wasn't overly prominent) was how Korea influenced Japanese culture. I'm pretty sure this stems from some the remaining amnesty towards Japan in modern Korea from the living memory of Japanese occupation of the Korean peninsula. While it is important to know this information, the discussion could have been more of a two way street.

[Natalie · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you get past the ethnocentric "we're the best" slant, take with a grain of salt the author's insistence that Korea influenced Japan without Japan having ANY influence on Korea, and pass over the endless lists of unimportant details, the book does offer a basic overview of the first dynasties for those who know nothing of Korean history.

[Destornillador Sonriente · Rating 4 out of 5]

This volume covers the most important topics of ancient Korean history up to Koryo dynasty in a more detailed way than other general histories like the well known "Korea old and new" (specially considering that some general histories of Korea tend to pass by ancient history faster). It does not deal very deep with every topic but its chronologial organisation and bibliographic references can be useful for further inquiries or research on an specific chapter. In my opinion is a very good start for readers willing to know more about ancient Korean history and it is presented in a illustrated format that can make it more entertaining and understandable, specially when the geopraphical descriptions come together with a proper map.

[Smiley]

I bought this informative book from the YB Books bookstore in Seoul, South Korea on August 8, 2010 as part of our five-day trip in the NPRU group tour. I think this is a must for anyone interested in knowing & understanding more on Korea, her history and success acclaimed as a "European country in Asia."