The Korean Peninsula, which has been divided into North Korea (also known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea) and South Korea since 1945, has a fascinating and complex history. It has witnessed the rise and fall of dynasties, devastating wars and colonisation, and a division that remains tense today. However, Korea is also home to a unique and rich culture that blends tradition and modernity, persevering for centuries despite all of the turmoil. In the Book of Korea, you’ll discover the spirit of a country like no other – from its history, delicious cuisine and traditional dress to its distinctive customs and etiquette, the vibrant world of Hallyu and the landscapes and landmarks that you absolutely must visit.
WELCOME
KOREA • COUNTRY MAP
THE THREE KINGDOMS OF KOREA • As China crumbled into a series of petty kingdoms, three powers emerged across the Korean Peninsula, ready to overthrow the imperial yoke and seize power for themselves
THE GOGURYEO TOMBS • While all three kingdoms had curious burial practices, Goguryeo royals and nobles began their journeys into the afterlife in the most spectacular fashion of all
HISTORY OF JOSEON KOREA
SEJONG THE GREAT • The philosopher king who rewrote his nation’s history with a modern outlook
JOSEON KOREANS • From kings to poets, meet ten of the dynasty’s most fascinating figures
GYEONGBOKGUNG PALACE • Seoul, South Korea, 1395 – Present
THE COLONISATION OF KOREA • For 35 years, the colonial Japanese government decimated and oppressed Korea’s culture and people
THE RENAMING OF KOREA • After annexation, Japan quickly renamed Korea to fit its assimilation narrative
THE KOREAN WAR AND NORTH KOREA • Short, tense and exceptionally brutal, the Korean War has had a profound impact on the peninsula
HOW NORTH KOREA GOT ITS NAME • The name of the secretive state has its own secret history
NORTH KOREA AND THE WAR • Exploring the DPRK’s journey in the decades after the armistice
THE MAKING OF MODERN-DAY KOREA • How one of the most powerful countries in East Asia went from post-war failure to flourishing in just four decades
DEMOCRACY AT LAST • The fight for fair elections is finally won
WORLD SPORT HITS SEOUL • How the 1988 Olympics changed Korea forever
A CRASH COURSE IN THE KOREAN LANGUAGE • Find out why, despite its mysterious origin and giant vocabulary, Korean is now the second-fastest growing language in the world
A TASTE OF SOUTH KOREA • Take a walk through the mouth-watering world of Korean food, known as ‘hansik’
DRINK UP • Take your Korean dining experience to the next level with the right refreshments
SOME MUST-TRY DISHES • Take your first steps in the world of Korean cuisine with these…
KIMCHI • A treasured national dish, Korea, c.1st century BCE – present
BUDAE-JJIGAE • The fusion army stew, South Korea, 1953 – present
BIBIMBAP • As a symphony of colours, a bibimbap might just be the most appetising yet healthy comfort food you’ll ever try!
HANBOK: TRADITIONAL KOREAN CLOTHING • Discover the fascinating history of Korea’s vibrant and colourful traditional clothing
KOREAN MAGIC SOCKS • Now one of Korea’s most popular souvenirs, beoseon are more than just socks
EXPLORING KOREAN ART • Learn all about Korea’s long and varied artistic tradition, incorporating painting, pottery, music and dance
DANSAEKHWA • The modernist Korean art movement that rose from the ashes of the war
A GUIDE TO SOUTH KOREAN ETIQUETTE • Use this as your guide to Korean etiquette, cultural norms, and behaviour so you can travel stress-free!
ESSENTIAL KOREAN PHRASES • Make your visit to coffee shops, restaurants,...