it combines a thematic and chronological approach to guide readers—from early state formation and the dynastic periods to the complexities of the modern era. Each chapter presents vivid episodic narratives set within their broader historical context, alongside thoughtful analysis of how these events and themes have been interpreted over time and into the present.
By exploring enduring issues such as collective identity, foreign influence, social hierarchy, and gender and family dynamics, the author illuminates the key events, patterns, and debates that have shaped the histories of both North and South Korea over the last 1,500 years.
Ideal for undergraduate and postgraduate students of history, as well as those specializing in Korean or Asian studies, this textbook follows a structure commonly used in Korean history courses: the first half focuses on the pre-20th-century period, while the second half examines the modern era. Accessible and insightful, it is an essential resource for anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of Korea’s rich and complex past.
