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1st out of 19 books
—
12 voters
Korea Unmasked
by
Won-bok RHIE
Paperback, 236 pages
Published
January 1st 2002
by Gimm Young International
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Rhi Won Bok's philosophy: If the facts don't add up to support your hypothesis, simply make them up or lie. His Mainland-Peninsula-Island hypothesis is unique, but he goes at great lengths to find other peninsular cultures that are as insular as Korea has historically been. He even goes so far as to compare the Korean "pure-blood" myth that has predominated only since the late 19th and early 20th Century to 20th Century Balkan nationalism.
There is of course little basis for blood-nationalism hy...more
There is of course little basis for blood-nationalism hy...more
Jun 07, 2012
Matthew
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
korea,
graphic-novels
For what it is, it's wonderful. One must take into consideration that this is a non-fiction comic book and as such, it takes some liberties for the sake of brevity. We are talking about summing up a whole culture into less than 250 pages. Comments such as "this book is too general" or "it takes too many liberties" failed to see what this book is intended to be - a general overall for people with virtually no background knowledge of Korea. To that end, this book excels.
I also commend this book in...more
I also commend this book in...more
This is a very easy read. The book is written in a comic style form and is so entertaining. As a second generation immigrant, it really sheds light on why our parents behave they do. I have a much better understanding of my native country.
The author is really clever in addressing the religious, cultural, social, and political aspects of Korea as a country and the its people in a very non-boring, entertaining style. There were many "ah-ha!" and "that's so true!" moments.
This is a must read if you...more
The author is really clever in addressing the religious, cultural, social, and political aspects of Korea as a country and the its people in a very non-boring, entertaining style. There were many "ah-ha!" and "that's so true!" moments.
This is a must read if you...more
It is no more then a collection of opinions and stereo typing views of a single person. There are no facts in this book. Comparisons made between countries don't make sense. You can't compare China with France. There are no similarities between people in the UK and Korea as described in the book. It seems that the author simply didn't bother to dig into european history. This is not a good book because it creates false images of countries in europe and their history. I am not even going to bothe...more
This is the best account I’ve read of what South Korea is really about. This is largely because it is the first account that I’ve read that avoids the tired clichés and stock phrases that are inculcated into most Koreans from birth. Even famous Korean professors who have taught at Harvard (Song, Byung Nak) still repeat tired tropes like “Korean is special because it has four distinct seasons, and this has forced its people to be more adaptable than other nations,” but this book manages to avoid...more
This is a fantastic, easily readable digest of Korean culture and mindset. Unlike other books I've read about understanding Korea, this one puts Koreans in context, giving a short overview of the historical and geographical roots of the Korean mindset. A few of the statements it makes are a bit sweeping--I don't think that all peninsular people are stubborn--but it's pretty spot on about a lot of Korean traits that I have noticed. A great overview for anyone trying to understand Korea a little b...more
Having lived in Korea for almost a year, I wish I'd read this book sooner. This book explains so much of the Korean mindset and how the society functions here. The cartoons do a good job of explaining complex ideas about why the Koreans are so extreme, from church to politics. It fills in some of the history and political situations that have led South Korea to its current situation. It's a little out of date now, but still a very worthwhile read for anyone interested in Korea.
This book would give you sufficient knowledge about Korea, its society and its culture. It comes with funny comics for easy and better understanding why the people behave like that.
For people who have visited Korea before, they would find themselves agreeing to this book a couple of times. And for those who yet to visit the country, this would give them insight about it (plus it would come in handy in case you need more knowledge about North-South stuff! ;D).
For people who have visited Korea before, they would find themselves agreeing to this book a couple of times. And for those who yet to visit the country, this would give them insight about it (plus it would come in handy in case you need more knowledge about North-South stuff! ;D).
This graphic, non-fiction comic book with dynamic and funny illustrations is a fascinating look at different aspects of Korean culture and lifestyle. The author clarifies Korean history and shows how the country’s peninsular shape and mighty neighbours helped to shape its national identity. He tackles Korean language and customs and points out how they are different from those of the neighbouring countries of China and Japan. Politics and the nation's struggle to become a democracy are also disc...more
I don't know whether this is more a good souvenir from Korea or just a good comic book, but it's very enjoyable. Outside of it's own context this book may seem bizarre and even a bit
racist at times. Still, there is not much popular reading that deals with Korean history in such a blunt way.
racist at times. Still, there is not much popular reading that deals with Korean history in such a blunt way.
This book is steadyseller in south korea. Many reads this book.
But, now, isn't. Because there is many books for this topic in south korea.
However, this book is useful in there is not trans edition for the topic. Because this book is funny and easy.
But, now, isn't. Because there is many books for this topic in south korea.
However, this book is useful in there is not trans edition for the topic. Because this book is funny and easy.
This is funny. I think some part of it is a bit out of date compared to today's S. Korea... But still, it gives a lot of information about Korean history, culture, and people...plus, it tells us in funny ways! I really like it! ^^
This graphic novel attempts to explain the Korean mindset, it's history and culture in simple clear terms. No big deal, you can easily cover than in 200+ pages...
Why I started it: Graphic novel, looked easy to read and I'm always interested in learning more about Korea and how Koreans see themselves..
Why I finished it: Written by a Korean, this book not only explains how they see themselves but it opens up and reveals some standard Korean prejudices and culturan historical intepretations. We all...more
Why I started it: Graphic novel, looked easy to read and I'm always interested in learning more about Korea and how Koreans see themselves..
Why I finished it: Written by a Korean, this book not only explains how they see themselves but it opens up and reveals some standard Korean prejudices and culturan historical intepretations. We all...more
Of the books that I've read about Korea, this one is the easiest and most infomative about what the modern outlook and feel of the nation. A super quick read, I would say it's a must read to anyone who is traveling to this part of the world or recomend it to anyone who is intersted in an indepth, yet humorous, look at Korea.
A must read for those who need animation when learning a foreign country's history.
Extremely readable run-down of East Asian cultures by Korean cartoonist. No doubt people will dispute stuff, but it's nice to hear an honest perspective.
A visual way to understanding and learning about Korean history, society, and culture.
Awesome book that explains the history, culture, psyche, and life of Koreans... creatively told through an interesting and unique way. i would highly recommend this to anyone who wants to know more about Korea and its neighboring Asian countries.
If anyone is ever going to visit or live in South Korea this is a must read comic book. Putting the culture in perspective with Korea's history was very informative. You can learn a lot about Korean culture from this very quick read.
A fascinating look at Korean culture and customs and why, perhaps, they developed to be what they are today. This has been helpful for me to understand the country I'm calling home these days. I would recommend this to anyone.
Oct 02, 2008
Jose
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
all
Recommended to Jose by:
Mr. Shin (Tortuga)
A good book written by a Korean for Koreans translated into English. Gives a realistic overview of S. Korean society and their beliefs in unification, education, economy,and a very brief but sufficient cultural background
Découvrir les mentalités et mœurs coréennes en illustré ? Tel est le pari réussi de Korea Unmasked !
I certainly learned a lot more about Korea (both of them). I enjoyed the history and sociology that Professor Rhie includes as the reasons behind what he presents as the Korea temperament.
A piece of pop-sociology crap by Korea's premier clueless pontificating cartoonist. Check out Rhie Won Bok's racist and antisemitic take on America at http://monnarakorea.blogspot.com/
As hard as Korean culture is to understand (fan death? red pens = death?), this book does an excellent job for helping outsiders understand why Koreans tick the way they do.
This book truly helped me start to begin to understand Korea when I first moved here.
A great book, depicting the essence of the Korean struggle and much more.
little outdated for now..
but well-described about who the Koreans are.
but well-described about who the Koreans are.
May 15, 2013
Lena
added it
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