The Making of Korea in East Asia

Book excerpt: The Making of Korea in East Asia: A Korean History provides students with a comprehensive exploration of the history of Korea from its origins to present day. The text is organized into eight chapters. The opening chapters discuss the geography and prehistory of Korea, the rise of Koguryŏ and Paekche, the success of the Silla Kingdom, and the Koryŏ Dynasty. Additional chapters examine the Confucian state of Chosŏn, Japanese invasions and the War of East Asia, and early encounters with the West. Students read about Western influence in Korea, the great Han Empire, Korea under Japanese rule, and Korean liberation. The final chapters explore the divergence of Korea into north and south, the anti-government and anti-American movement of the 1980s, the inter-Korea summit of 2000, ongoing tensions between the north and the south, and more. Featuring highly focused and accessible content, The Making of Korea in East Asia is an ideal resource for courses in Asian studies and Asian history, especially those with emphasis on Korean history.