A Concise History of Modern Korea: From the Late Nineteenth Century to the Present

by Michael J. Seth

Overview

Now in a fully revised and updated edition including new primary sources and illustrations, this comprehensive and balanced history of modern Korea explores the social, economic, and political issues it has faced since being catapulted into the wider world at the end of the nineteenth century. Placing this formerly insular society in a global context, Michael J. Seth describes how this ancient, culturally and ethnically homogeneous society first fell victim to Japanese imperialist expansionism, and then was arbitrarily divided in half after World War II. Seth traces the postwar paths of the two Koreas—with different political and social systems and different geopolitical orientations—as they evolved into sharply contrasting societies. South Korea, after an unpromising start, became one of the few postcolonial developing states to enter the ranks of the first world, with a globally competitive economy, a democratic political system, and a cosmopolitan and dynamic culture. By contrast, North Korea became one of the world's most totalitarian and isolated societies, a nuclear power with an impoverished and famine-stricken population. Considering the radically different and historically unprecedented trajectories of the two Koreas, Seth assesses the insights they offer for understanding not only modern Korea but the broader perspective of world history. All readers looking for a balanced, knowledgeable history will be richly rewarded with this clear and concise book.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781538174609
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	03/12/2024
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	372
File size:	2 MB
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Michael J. Seth is professor of history at James Madison University.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments vii

Introduction 1

1 Korea, 1876-1910 9

2 Colonial Korea, 1910-1945 43

3 Division and War, 1945-1953 83

4 North Korea, 1953-1993 117

5 South Korea from Poverty to Prosperity, 1953-1997 149

6 South Korea-Creating a Democratic Society, 1953-1997 181

7 North Korea in Recent Years 213

8 South Korea in Recent Years 239

Conclusion 271

Annotated Selected Bibliography 277

Index 285

About the Author 295

Editorial Reviews

Whenever I'm asked to recommend a textbook on Korean history, I always put Michael Seth’s A Concise History of Korea at the top of my list. Now in its third edition, the book provides the most up-to-date survey of Korean history, introducing fresh research and interpretations. Seth places Korea clearly within the East Asian world and highlights the unique aspects of Korea’s past. As with the previous edition, Michael Seth succeeds in this history in every way.

Edward Shultz

Michael Seth’s text remains the most accessible overview of Korean history. Going beyond the platitudes about the ‘land of the morning calm’ or the ‘hermit kingdom,’ it is a useful and clear guide to the Korean peninsula’s turbulent past.

John Lie

Michael Seth’s A Concise History of Korea remains the best overview of Korean history in the English language. Both thorough and readable, it is the ideal book to use in undergraduate-level Korean history courses. It is also great for anybody who wants to know more about almost any aspect of Korean history.

Gregg Brazinsky

"Michael Seth's A Concise History of Korea stands as the singular authoritative history of Korea for the undergraduate audience. Seth makes the story of the Korean nation come alive. Comprehensive and engaging, Seth's work is an excellent text for college students new to the subject."

Courtney A. Short

Michael Seth's text remains the most accessible overview of Korean history. Going beyond the platitudes about the 'land of the morning calm' or the 'hermit kingdom, ' it is a useful and clear guide to the Korean peninsula's turbulent past.

Michael Seth's A Concise History of Korea remains the best overview of Korean history in the English language. Both thorough and readable, it is the ideal book to use in undergraduate-level Korean history courses. It is also great for anybody who wants to know more about almost any aspect of Korean history.

Whenever I'm asked to recommend a textbook on Korean history, I always put Michael Seth's A Concise History of Korea at the top of my list. Now in its third edition, the book provides the most up-to-date survey of Korean history, introducing fresh research and interpretations. Seth places Korea clearly within the East Asian world and highlights the unique aspects of Korea's past. As with the previous edition, Michael Seth succeeds in this history in every way.

From the Publisher

Michael Seth's book provides a clear and accessible survey of Korean history, deftly covering all of the key topics that should be included in a course on the subject. I would highly recommend it to anybody looking to gain a stronger understanding of the historical development of Korea.

Gregg A. Brazinsky

Eminently readable. . . . The text does read very smoothly, lacking any trace of academic jargon or other language off-putting to the average freshman or sophomore. . . . Recommended.

CHOICE

Eminently readable. . . . The text does read very smoothly, lacking any trace of academic jargon or other language off-putting to the average freshman or sophomore. . . . Recommended.

CHOICE, June 2010 - T.S. Munson