South Korea has charged ahead to record one of the fastest economic growths in the world over the past few decades, turning it into a vibrant, modern, technological and democratic success story. This compares to North Korea, headed by Kim Jong-il¡¯s son, Jong-un, a barely 30 year old ¡°supreme leader¡± of one of the world¡¯s poorest countries, with a disastrous record for human rights. The numbers of North Korean defectors are growing, and while some are fortunate enough to escape unhurt, others are not. Will South Korea and North Korea be reunited soon? Nobody can answer that question. In the meantime - PEACE is something that is very meaningful to all of the people on the Korean Peninsula - long may it last.
-º»¹® Áß¿¡¼
We cannot deny what really happened in the past. That is the raison d¡¯etre of history. Without that, it would be a waste of time and energy to learn about what took place long ago. - Kim Tae-gyu (author)
This book shows the dramatic changes that took place in Korea during the late 19 and early 20 centuries, culminating in the dark period of Japan¡¯s colonial rule, and in particular, highlights the plight of Korean women used as sex slaves by the Japanese military. - Kevin N. Cawley (author)
-¸Ó¸®¸» Áß¿¡¼
¸ñÂ÷
Part 1: Once upon a time in Far East
1. Korea: in the beginning ¡¦ Dangun — the legendary founder The first kingdom — Gojoseon Southern states
2. Three-Kingdom Era: Koreans bring culture to Japan Goguryeo - expanding Korean territory Baekje — mentor of Japan Silla - smallest state flourishes Korea¡¯s easternmost islets of Dokdo
3. First united kingdom: Unified Silla Struggles against Chinese forces Prince of seas
4. Balhae dominates Manchuria Balhae - Koreans and non-Koreans Farewell to Manchuria
Part 2: Two long-lasting dynasties
5. Goryeo: the dynasty that offered Korea its name Later Three Kingdoms Foundation of newly united country Mongol invasions Contribution to world intellectual history
6. Joseon: Confucian kingdom (1) Confucian kingdom Bloody struggles King Sejong the Great and Korean alphabet Another bloody campaign
7. Joseon: Confucian kingdom (2) Great philosopher and invading neighbors Neo-Confucian synthesis Two great philosophers Japanese invasions - the seven-year war More invasions — the Manchus
8. Joseon: Confucian kingdom (3) The country struggles with modernity and a fast changing world Factional struggles and sage kings Opening the hermit kingdom Assassination of Empress Myeongseong Gojong¡¯s final maneuvers - the end of Joseon * The search for a photograph of Empress Myeongseong
Part 3: Dramatic ups and downs
9. Darkest days Koreans suffer greatly under Japanese colonial rule A period of darkness Tragic times Korea gains independence * Tragedy of a sex slave
10. Korea rising: From rags to riches Division and war 1961 military coup Another military coup Democracy arrives