From the Late Nineteenth Century to the Present
This revised edition offers a thorough exploration of modern Korea's history, delving into the significant social, economic, and political challenges the country has encountered since the late nineteenth century. It provides a balanced perspective, making it an essential resource for understanding Korea's evolution and its dynamic role in the global context.
This revised edition offers a thorough exploration of Korean history, spanning from Neolithic times to the present. It provides readers with a balanced and insightful overview, making it an invaluable resource for anyone seeking a clear and concise understanding of Korea's past.
In this key textbook, Michael J. Seth offers an excellent synthesis of existing scholarship, including a thorough examination of contemporary sources. Seth masterfully traces how North Korea gradually transformed itself from a Soviet-style socialist state to an ultra-nationalist, dynastic one, illuminating this journey with an engaging understanding of the political, ideological, economic and social forces at play. Throughout, Seth adds a rich dimension by placing North Korean history into broader global perspective and considering the implications for the future of the country. With a helpful glossary and an exhaustive bibliography, this clear and accessible overview is an ideal text for students of North Korean history, and for anyone with an interest in the evolution of this uncommon nation.
The transformation of South Korea from a rural, impoverished nation to a prosperous, democratic society post-1945 is intricately linked to its educational evolution. The country's remarkable rise in literacy and educational attainment stems from a deep societal obsession with education, termed "education fever." Michael Seth investigates this phenomenon through interviews and extensive research, revealing the societal pressures and challenges within the Korean educational system, including an overemphasis on entrance exams, competition, financial burdens of private tutoring, and political manipulation of education.
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
Korea, long in the shadows of its neighbours China and Japan, is now the object of considerable interest. This book focuses on answering several historical questions: what does it mean to be Korean? How did this nation evolve into today's sharply contrasting societies? And how does Korea fit into the larger narrative of world history?
From the Late Nineteenth Century to the Present, Volume 2, Third Edition
The book offers a comprehensive examination of modern Korea's history, highlighting its transformation from an insular society into a significant player on the global stage. It details the impact of Japanese imperialism and the subsequent division after World War II, leading to the contrasting developments of North and South Korea. South Korea's emergence as a democratic and economically successful nation is juxtaposed with North Korea's isolation and totalitarian regime. Through this lens, the author provides insights into broader historical themes relevant to both Korea and world history.
The examination focuses on de facto states, which are entities that operate like countries but lack international recognition as sovereign nations. The book delves into the unique political, social, and legal challenges these regions face, exploring their governance, identity, and the implications of their status on global relations. It highlights the complexities surrounding their existence and the dynamics of power and legitimacy in the international arena.
From Antiquity through the Nineteenth Century
Offering a comprehensive overview of Korea's history, this revised edition traces the region's development from early human settlement to the late nineteenth century. It presents a balanced narrative that enriches readers' understanding of Korea's past, making it an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the country's historical context. The text is designed to be accessible and informative, ensuring that both novices and those familiar with Korean history will find it rewarding.
Now in a fully revised and updated edition, this engaging text provides a concise history of Korea from the beginning of human settlement in the region through the late nineteenth century. All readers looking for a balanced, knowledgeable history will be richly rewarded with this clear and concise book.