A Brief History of Korea

Overview

North Korea, under a secretive and dictatorial government that is struggling to meet the needs of its people, has increasingly been the focus of media attention due to its escalating tensions with other nations. South Korea, which was separated from the north as the country became independent from Japan at the end of World War II, has prospered over the last few decades and serves as a model democratic regime. Although the geographical and ideological divisions between North and South Korea currently prevent diplomatic relations, the two countries share a long history and a unique culture that cannot be denied.

A Brief History of Korea covers the country's history from the origins of the Korean people in prehistoric times to the economic and political situation in North and South Korea today. Providing a detailed overview of the cultural and historical influences that have shaped Korean society, the author discusses the major periods of Korean history, the foreign invasions Korea has endured, the post-World War II situation that fed to the country's division and the Korean War, and developments in North and South Korea from the end of the Korean War up through the present.

Coverage includes

From Early Settlements to the Silla Unification of Korea

Unified Silla and Koryo

The Early and Middle Choson

Late Choson

The Japanese Colony

Liberation, Division, and the Korean War

South Korea's Long Road to Democracy

North Korea

Basic facts, a chronology, a bibliography, and a list of suggested reading make up the appendixes.