A Brief History of Korea

by Hyoung Sik Shin

A sweeping overview of the history of Korea, this book not only covers the past (the birth and development of the ancient kingdoms, the emergence of a united State, Joseon Dynasty, Modern society), but deals the contemporary Korea in which the north - south division and confrontation still persist. The book provides a well-balanced view and lucid reading for all important facts and episodes of Korean history.

Genres: History

148 pages, Hardcover

First published March 31, 2005

Reviews

[Smiley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This condensed, 141-page history of Korea bought from the YB Books in a department store in Seoul, South Korea interested me at first sight. It's the first volume in the Spirit of Korean Cultural Roots series written by Prof. Shin Hyong Sik in Korean, translated by Lee Jean Young into English and published by Ewha Womans University Press. According to our lady guide, this university reserved for female students only has been founded since 130 years ago,'Ewha' was the last Queen executed by the Japanese army.

This handsome, compact book is readable with many colorful photos. However, one should understand or appreciate more if he/she knew Korean since there're many transcribed Korean terms. I've to confess they're Greek to me, therefore, I'm content with all of the translated English equivalent. As for the country's name, it's my knowledge to learn that 'Korea' has been originated from 'Goryeo', but I still wonder since when. Some readers may share this information with me, thanks.


I finished reading it today (Aug. 19) with some new ideas on Korea as follows: 1) We need to learn more from this unique country, I read somewhere, she's never invaded other countries, 2) I admire Korean nationalism and scholarship since she's long initiated and developed advanced culture and ways in learning and has thus become prosperous due to hard work via Korean style of discipline, and 3) Korean economic and environmental success should be studied and adopted worldwide as the Korean model.

I'd like you to read this sentence (p. 141) from this book: Koreans never abandoned their strong belief in education and work discipline, which is why Koreans are one of the most economically successful minority communities in any country they live.

Dear Korean people, you deserve respect, admiration and appreciation from those people and I who used to visit your country because you've done your good job within merely six decades.

[mkm · Rating 2 out of 5]

This textbook read as nationalistic propaganda rather than a scientific text of historical accounts.

[Jonathan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I pretty much started from scratch with my knowledge of Korea, and this certainly gave me a primer, covering an enormous amount of ground in a compact volume. It is certainly brief!
It is also, however, somewhat disjointed and feels like it’s trying too hard to prove or argue something. What that something is is lost on me, probably because I’m an American with virtually no preexisting knowledge of Korean history or current or recent political history.
Worth a read if you’re looking for the most top level of top level understandings; don’t expect details or objectivity.

[Jaime Capell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book if you are looking for a very brief history of Korea. No very detailed, but that's what I was looking for.

[Scott Worden · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although a bit overly ethnocentric, this a good quick way to learn some information about Korea.