The History of Korea (The Greenwood Histories of the Modern Nations)

The Koreas are two of the few countries in the East Asian world to successfully maintain political and cultural independence from China. Originated by the Han-Ye-Maek people who had migrated from North China to Manchuria and the Korean peninsula since 2000 BCE, three Korean dynasties—Great Silla, Koryo, and Choson—kept peace and prosperity in the country since the 7th century, nurturing a civilization based on Buddhism, Confucianism and the East Asian world-system. Korea, despite experiencing Japanese dominion and the nation's division, now looks forward to enjoying its prosperity as a member of the global community and to seeing a unified Korea. This volume provides a comprehensive review of Korea's history, from its roots in Neolithic civilization, and the tradition and evolution of nation-building in the traditional East Asian world system, through Korea's global setting in modern times. Also included are a biographical section highlighting famous figures in Korean history, a timeline of important historical events, a glossary of Korean terms, and a bibliographical essay with suggestions for further reading.The historical origin of Korean identity in the East Asian world, Korea's failure to adapt to a changing East Asian world-system, as well as the political division Korea suffered in the second half of the 20th century are discussed. Readers will benefit from the inclusion of direct translations from original classical Chinese and Korean sources by the author. Excellent as a reference tool for students and general readers interested in the history of this unique nation. The Koreas are two of the few countries in the East Asian world to successfully maintain political and cultural independence from China. Originated by the Han-Ye-Maek people who had migrated from North China to Manchuria and the Korean peninsula since 2000 BCE, three Korean dynastiesGreat Silla, Koryo, and Chosonkept peace and prosperity in the country since the 7th century, nurturing a civilization based on Buddhism, Confucianism and the East Asian world-system. Korea, despite experiencing Japanese dominion and the nation's division, now looks forward to enjoying its prosperity as a member of the global community and to seeing a unified Korea. This volume provides a comprehensive review of Korea's history, from its roots in Neolithic civilization, and the tradition and evolution of nation-building in the traditional East Asian world system, through Korea's global setting in modern times. Also included are a biographical section highlighting famous figures in Korean history, a timeline of important historical events, a glossary of Korean terms, and a bibliographical essay with suggestions for further reading. The historical origin of Korean identity in the East Asian world, Korea's failure to adapt to a changing East Asian world-system, as well as the political division Korea suffered in the second half of the 20th century are discussed. Readers will benefit from the inclusion of direct translations from original classical Chinese and Korean sources by the author. Excellent as a reference tool for students and general readers interested in the history of this unique nation. Contents......Page 6 Series Foreword......Page 8 Preface......Page 12 Timeline of Historical Events......Page 16 1 Introduction......Page 24 2 Early History......Page 36 3 Korean Identity......Page 56 4 Medieval Korea......Page 74 5 Korean Tradition......Page 92 6 Modernization......Page 122 7 Japanese Dominion......Page 142 8 House Divided......Page 164 Notable People in the History of Korea......Page 204 C......Page 212 P......Page 213 T......Page 214 Y......Page 215 Bibliographic Essay......Page 216 C......Page 220 G......Page 222 J......Page 223 K......Page 224 M......Page 225 O......Page 226 R......Page 227 S......Page 228 T......Page 229 Y......Page 230 Z......Page 231

this Book Provides A Review Of Korea's History, From Its Roots In Neolithic Civilization And The Tradition And Evolution Of Nation Building In The Traditional East Asian World System, Through Korea's Global Setting In Modern Times. A Timeline Is Followed By Chapters On Early History, Korea Identity, Medieval Korea, Korean Tradition And Modernization, And Japanese Dominion. A Biographical Section Highlighting Famous Figures In Korea, A Glossary Of Selected Terms, And A Bibliographical Essay Are Also Included. Annotation ©2005 Book News, Inc., Portland, Or

Chronicles the history of Korea, from prehistoric and medieval times through its conflicts with Japan and the twentieth-century creation of a North and South Korea. The world is largely unacquainted with Korean history.