20 Best Books About Korea (2026 Update)

"i am most grateful for two things: that i was born in north korea, and that i escaped from north korea." yeonmi park has told the harrowing story of her escape from north korea as a child many times, but never before has she revealed the most intimate and devastating details of the repressive society she was raised in and the enormous price she paid to escape. park's family was loving and close-knit, but life in north korea was brutal, practically medieval. park would regularly go without food and was made to believe that, kim jong il, the country's dictator, could read her mind. after her father was imprisoned and tortured by the regime for trading on the black-market, a risk he took in order to provide for his wife and two young daughters, yeonmi and her family were branded as criminals and forced to the cruel margins of north korean society. with thirteen-year-old park suffering from a botched appendectomy and weighing a mere sixty pounds, she and her mother were smuggled across the border into china.i wasn't dreaming of freedom when i escaped from north korea. i didn't even know what it meant to be free. the hunger had become unbearable; i was willing to risk my life for the promise of a bowl of rice. but there was more to our journey than our own survival. my mother and i were searching for my older sister, eunmi, who had left for china a few days earlier and had not been heard from since. park knew the journey would be difficult, but could not have imagined the extent of the hardship to come. those years in china cost park her childhood, and nearly her life. by the time she and her mother made their way to south korea two years later, her father was dead and her sister was still missing. before now, only her mother knew what really happened between the time they crossed the yalu river into china and when they followed the stars through the frigid gobi desert to freedom. as she writes, "i convinced myself that a lot of what i had experienced never happened. i taught myself to forget the rest." in in order to live, park shines a light not just into the darkest corners of life in north korea, describing the deprivation and deception she endured and which millions of north korean people continue to endure to this day, but also onto her own most painful and difficult memories. she tells with bravery and dignity for the first time the story of how she and her mother were betrayed and sold into sexual slavery in china and forced to suffer terrible psychological and physical hardship before they finally made their way to seoul, south korea–and to freedom. still in her early twenties, yeonmi park has lived through experiences that few people of any age will ever know–and most people would never recover from. park confronts her past with a startling resilience, refusing to be defeated or defined by the circumstances of her former life in north korea and china. in spite of everything, she has never stopped being proud of where she is from, and never stopped striving for a better life. indeed, today she is a human rights activist working determinedly to bring attention to the oppression taking place in her home country. park's testimony is rare, edifying, and terribly important, and the story she tells in in order to live is heartbreaking and unimaginable, but never without hope. her voice is riveting and dignified. this is the human spirit at its most indomitable.

An acclaimed history of the korean peninsula from world war ii to the present day north korea is an impoverished, famine-ridden nation, but it is also a nuclear power whose dictator kim jong-un regularly threatens his neighbors and adversaries, the united states in particular, with destruction. even though kim and president donald trump's responses to him dominate the daily headlines, the idea that north korea is a menace is not a new one. indeed, ever since korea was first divided at the end of world war ii, the tension between its northern and southern halves has riveted-and threatened to embroil–the rest of the world. in this landmark history, veteran journalist don oberdorfer and korea expert robert carlin grippingly describe how a historically homogenous people became locked in a perpetual struggle for supremacy–and how other nations including the united states have tried, and failed, to broker a lasting peace.

Dynamic and meticulously researched, a history of korea continues to be one of the leading introductory textbooks on korean history. assuming no prior knowledge, hwang guides readers from early state formation and the dynastic eras to the modern experience in both north and south korea. structured around episodic accounts, each chapter begins by discussing a defining moment in korean history in context, with an extensive examination of how the events and themes under consideration have been viewed up to the present day. by engaging with recurring themes such as collective identity, external influence, social hierarchy, family and gender, the author introduces the major historical events, patterns and debates that have shaped both north and south korea over the past 1500 years. this textbook is essential reading for undergraduate and postgraduate students of korean or asian history. the first half of the book covers pre-20th century history, and the second half the modern era, making it ideal for survey courses

Exploring korean history from its ancient roots to the present day, a brief history of korea is the story of a people with a rich and united culture that has become two koreas in modern times–one isolated and secretive and the other among the world's most successful economies. korean culture developed on a 600-mile-long peninsula, bordered on the north by mountains and three sides by the sea, set apart from the asian mainland. korea was one of the last countries in asia to be visited by westerners and its borders have remained largely unchanged since it was unified in the seventh century. though it is one of the world's oldest and most ethnically homogeneous states, korea was not born in a vacuum. geographically isolated, the country was heavily influenced by powerful china and was often used as a bridge to the mainland by japan. calling themselves as "a shrimp among whales," koreans borrowed elements of government, culture and religion all the while fiercely fighting to maintain independence from powerful neighbors. this fascinating book tells the story of korean domestic dynasties, empires and states, as well as foreign conquest, occupation and division. today, the two koreas are starkly different–north korea a nation closed to the world and south korea an economic powerhouse and center of asian democracy. chronicling significant events right up through 2018's singapore summit, author michael j. seth presents a relevant, interesting and important history of korea within a larger global context. korea's history is a turbulent one, but ultimately the story of a resistant and resourceful people in search of lasting peace.

Although it has been largely neglected, the korean war served as the backdrop for many firsts in military history: the first extensive use of the helicopter, the first battles between jet aircraft, and the first time two world powers – the united states and china – met on a battlefield since world war ii. a 1953 armistice halted the fighting, yet the war technically continues today, as north and south korea remain divided.

South korea's amazing transformation into an economic powerhouse and a thriving democracy within a generation now serves as a model for many other developing nations. how were korean's able to achieve their "asian miracle" despite half a century of colonial rule, a ruinous war, and no earlier democratic tradition? and having accomplished it, what comes next? will korea become a rich but aging society, stagnant and lacking momentum? or will the dynamism of korean society–and the opportunity to welcome outsiders–enable it to experience another miracle to propel it into the ranks of the leading countries of the world in terms of human development and wealth? daniel tudor is a journalist who has lived in korea for a decade, and seeks the answers to these questions in interviews with scores of high-powered korean business leaders, politicians, religious leaders, sports legends, poets, rock stars and academics. in this fascinating and uncoventional book he examines korea's cultural foundations; the korean family character; the public sphere in politics, business, the workplace; the korean family and how koreans unwind including food, music, and cinema; and social issues crucial to korea's future–including their interactions with outsiders. in doing so, he touches on topics as diverse as shamanism, clan-ism, the dilemma posed by north korea (brother or enemy?), myths about doing business in korea, and why the country's infatuation with learning english is causing huge social problems. this new edition has been updated with additional materials on recent events including the park impeachment and the sewol ferry incident.

2 continues building on the fundamentals taught in book 1; teaching students an even greater level of understanding and mastery of the korean language. series is a fun, innovative, and integrated course for truly learning the korean language.

Simple rice cakes drenched in a spicy sauce. bulgogi sliders. a scallion pancake (pajeon) the new york times calls “the essential taste of korean cuisine.” for years hooni kim’s food has earned him raves, including a michelin star—the first ever awarded to a korean restaurant—for danji. his background in world-class french and japanese kitchens seamlessly combines with his knowledge of the techniques of traditional korean cuisine to create uniquely flavorful dishes. my korea, his long-awaited debut cookbook, introduces home cooks to the korean culinary trinity: doenjang, ganjang, and gochujang (fermented soybean paste, soy sauce, and fermented red chili paste). these key ingredients add a savory depth and flavor to the 90 recipes that follow, from banchan to robust stews. his kimchis call upon the best ingredients and balance a meal with a salty, sour, and spicy kick. elevated classics include one-bowl meals like dolsot bibimbap (sizzling-hot stone bowl bibimbap), haemul sundubu jjigae (spicy soft tofu stew with seafood), and mul naengmyeon (buckwheat noodles in chilled broth). dishes meant for sharing pair well with soju or makgeolli, an unfiltered rice beer, and include budae jjigae (spicy dmz stew) and fried chicken wings. complete with thoughtful notes on techniques and sourcing and gorgeous photography from across korea, this cookbook will be an essential resource for home cooks, a celebration of the deliciousness of korean food by a master chef.

"passionate, cantankerous, and fascinating. rather like korea itself."–nicholas d. kristof, new york times book review korea has endured a "fractured, shattered twentieth century," and this updated edition brings bruce cumings's leading history of the modern era into the present. the small country, overshadowed in the imperial era, crammed against great powers during the cold war, and divided and decimated by the korean war, has recently seen the first real hints of reunification. but positive movements forward are tempered by frustrating steps backward. in the late 1990s south korea survived its most severe economic crisis since the korean war, forcing a successful restructuring of its political economy. suffering through floods, droughts, and a famine that cost the lives of millions of people, north korea has been labeled part of an "axis of evil" by the george w. bush administration and has renewed its nuclear threats. on both sides korea seems poised to continue its fractured existence on into the new century, with potential ramifications for the rest of the world.

The korean-born author, who later became a doctor in the united states, documents his life giving insights into korea's culture and an intimate portriat of the korean war from his perspective as a soldier. out of love, the youthful chung promises his mother to return from the war in three days. the war that separated his family and his country kept the vow from being realized for more than three decades. he expresses desire for reunion with his mother, reunification for korea, and recognition for all veterans of this "forgotten war."

The korean-born author, who later became a doctor in the united states, documents his life giving insights into korea's culture and an intimate portriat of the korean war from his perspective as a soldier. out of love, the youthful chung promises his mother to return from the war in three days. the war that separated his family and his country kept the vow from being realized for more than three decades. he expresses desire for reunion with his mother, reunification for korea, and recognition for all veterans of this "forgotten war."

Don oberdorfer has written a gripping narrative history of korea's travails and triumphs over the past three decades. the two koreas places the tensions between north and south within a historical context, with a special emphasis on the involvement of outside powers.

Don oberdorfer has written a gripping narrative history of korea's travails and triumphs over the past three decades. the two koreas places the tensions between north and south within a historical context, with a special emphasis on the involvement of outside powers.

No matter your age, you can learn how to read, write, speak and understand korean. learn more about korean grammar, culture, history, holidays, and even idioms. learn over 1,000 new vocabulary words and phrases through 20 in-depth and fun lessons, filled with plenty of examples. additionally, practice sections with answer keys are built into every chapter. this book also contains advanced level notes for more skilled korean speakers looking for a review, as well as an appendix dedicated to additional reading practice in korean. continue your exciting journey into the korean language today. let's learn korean!

If you want to discover the captivating history of korea, then keep reading… the korean peninsula today is divided into two, but there was a time when this peninsula was divided into many states. over the course of time, and besieged by expansive transient dynasties outside of this modest piece of land, many clans and tribes overran their lands. of all those malicious and greedy potential overlords, none managed to prevail. the soil is rich with the blood of the people who made korea happen, and it is the korean people who rose victorious among the maelstrom of dead empires led by hated tyrants and wars fought by people in lands far beyond their own. the koreans are survivors, known for their persistence and courage. in history of korea: a captivating guide to korean history, including events such as the mongol invasions, the split into north and south, and the korean war, you will discover topics such as land of the bear the dragon of the east sea dynasties rise and fall the joseon dynasty of goryeo foreign invasions merchants, farmers, and foreigners from independence to annexation korea at war north korea south korea and much, much more so if you want to learn more about the history of korea, scroll up and click the "add to cart" button

This book is a historical text that covers korean history from its foundation to the modern era. it especially deals with pre-modern societies of korea in detail. despite its long history, life in its society and its culture are rarely spoken of outsides the peninsula. rather than arranging the historical events chronologically, this book focuses more on the details of the historical events by questioning how the diverse experiences that koreans had affected their life and culture and what influences that culture had on constructing korean history. readers could realize what koreans have endured and how it lead to their position in the world today. it also mentions their moral values and what they believe is right or wrong.

Appreciate the understated glamour and traditional comfort in this collection of the most excellent examples of timeless korean architecture.hanok: the korean house provides new insights on the stylish traditional korean homes that are experiencing a resurgence of popularity in seoul today. while the exteriors of these houses are indistinguishable from traditional hanok built decades ago, the insides have entirely changed and adapted with the times. korea is a nation that has radically transformed itself in recent decades, yet amidst the glass-and-steel skyscrapers and luxury apartments, the korean design of the hanok still survives and plays a surprisingly important role. this book showcases 12 very special hanok that have been selected to reflect the korea of today.the original hanok design has not changed. traditional craftsman-made materials of stone, wood, and clay are still the only components used in these houses. they also incorporate natural elements such as wind and sunlight, and baesanimsu (better known in its chinese form as feng shui) is used to position the hanok in harmony with the natural forces and geographical features of the site. each hanok has a unique story to tell, and this book studies the personality of each house from the point of view of its owners, many of whom are talented devotees of korean architecture themselves. each of the korean homes in hanok: the korean house was thoughtfully researched and photographed with the intention of giving the reader a feel for a culture reconciling its modern tendencies with its traditional roots.

Whether you want to hike in bukhansan national park, sing k-pop in a karaoke room, or eat korean street food at gwangjang market, the local fodor's travel experts in seoul are here to help! fodor's seoul guidebook is packed with maps, carefully curated recommendations, and everything else you need to simplify your trip-planning process and make the most of your time. this new edition has been fully-redesigned with an easy-to-read layout, fresh information, and beautiful color photos. fodor's seoul travel guide includes: an illustrated ultimate experiences guide to the top things to see and do multiple itineraries to effectively organize your days and maximize your time more than 25 detailed maps to help you navigate confidently color photos throughout to spark your wanderlust! honest recommendations from locals on the best sights, restaurants, hotels, nightlife, shopping, performing arts, activities, side-trips, and more photo-filled "best of" features on "seoul's historic sites" "k-drama filming sites" and more trip-planning tools and practical tips including when to go, getting around, beating the crowds, and saving time and money historical and cultural insights providing rich context on the local people, politics, cuisine, music, geography and more special features on "what to watch and read before you visit," "what to buy in seoul," and "what to eat and drink" local writers to help you find the under-the-radar gems korean language primer with useful words and essential phrases up-to-date coverage on: seoul neighborhoods including gwanghwamun, jongno gu, myeongdong, jung gu, dongdaemun, hongdae, yeouido, itaewon, yongsan gu, gangnam, and jamsil, plus the best of korea, including busan, daegu, jeju, paju, suwon, nami island, incheon, and more. planning on visiting asia? *important note for digital editions: the digital edition of this guide does not contain all the images or text included in the physical edition. about fodor's authors: each fodor's travel guide is researched and written by local experts. fodor's has been offering expert advice for all tastes and budgets for over 80 years.

** china's leading psychological counseling platform, lemon psychology (author), park youngran (translator) psychology class for those who lose by acting together so that their feelings don't become attitudes 집에서, 회사에서, 인간관계에서 후회가 사라지고 오해가 줄어드는 기분 사용법. “나는 왜 기분이 안 좋으면 다른 사람이 될까?” – 내 기분이 내 맘대로 되지 않는 이유는 감정을 제대로 다루지 못하기 때문이다. 중국의 대표적인 심리상담 플랫폼 ‘레몬심리’가 알려주는 수시로 기분에 무너지는 사람들을 위한 명쾌한 처방. 사무실의 분위기를 크게 좌우하는 한 사람이 있다. 출근하면서부터 ‘나 오늘 건드리면 가만 안 둬…’ 경고를 온몸으로 뿜어낸다. 다른 직원들은 슬금슬금 눈치를 보고, 이 사람의 오늘 기분에 따라 사무실은 온탕과 냉탕을 오간다. 왜 자기 선에서 감정을 추스르지 못하고 안 좋은 기분으로 남에게 민폐를 끼치는 걸까? 하지만 그 사람의 마음도 편치는 않다. 이러면 안 된다는 걸 알면서도 밖으로 드러나는 감정을 참을 도리가 없다. 프로다운 모습을 보여야 할 일터에서도 감정 기복을 그대로 보여주면 스스로 손해를 볼 뿐이다. 회사에서뿐만 아니라, 우리는 가족에게나 친구에게 안 좋은 기분을 티 내며 소중한 사람을 질리게 만들어버리고 후회하기도 한다. 이 책은 기분을 잘 다스리지 못해 기어이 못난 태도를 보여주고 마는 사람들을 위해 쓰였다. 기분에 조종당하고 감정에 휘둘리는 이들이 꼭 알아야 하는 심리에 대해 주로 이야기한다. 우리는 왜 그리 감정에 흔들리는지, 어떻게 해야 감정이 나에게 미치는 영향을 줄일 수 있는지 명쾌한 처방을 받을 수 있다. 저자 레몬심리는 “감정을 통제해야 인생을 통제할 수 있다”고 말한다. 감정에 끌려 다니는 노예가 아니라 주인으로 바로 서는 방법을 배워야 당신의 인생이 달라질 것이다.

Contemporary north and south korea are nations of radical contrasts: one a bellicose totalitarian state with a failing economy; the other a peaceful democracy with a strong economy. yet their people share a common history that extends back more than 3,000 years. in this comprehensive new history of korea from the prehistoric era to the present day, jinwung kim recounts the rich and fascinating story of the political, social, cultural, economic, and diplomatic developments in korea's long march to the present. he provides a detailed account of the origins of the korean people and language and the founding of the first walled-town states, along with the advanced civilization that existed in the ancient land of "unified silla." clarifying the often complex history of the three kingdoms period, kim chronicles the five-century long history of the choson dynasty, which left a deep impression on korean culture. from the beginning, china has loomed large in the history of korea, from the earliest times when the tribes that would eventually make up the korean nation roamed the vast plains of manchuria and against whom korea would soon define itself. japan, too, has played an important role in korean history, particularly in the 20th century; kim tells this story as well, including the conflicts that led to the current divided state. the first detailed overview of korean history in nearly a quarter century, this volume will enlighten a new generation of students eager to understand this contested region of asia.