Informative books on Korean History?

Question

I'm really interested in Korean History post 1950's as I am fascinated by Korean culture but know little about the country's experiences during this period.

I'm really not sure where to start looking for good selections, so suggestions are most welcome. Thanks!

Answer 1

A good  beginning would be "Under the Loving Care of the Fatherly Leader: North Korea and the Kim Dynasty" by Bradley K. Martin. A highly informative book, Martin goes behind the personality cult of the late Kim Il-Sung and his son Kim Jong-Il to unveil a sobering portrait of contemporary North Korea. The best book I've read so far on this subject.

A good survey covering both countries is "The Two Koreas: A Contemporary History" by Don Oberdorfer. This and the Martin book are currently in print.

There are many other studies on Korea, old and new, but these two should give you a good start. Don't be daunted by the size of Martin's account; it's so fascinating, you won't be able to put it down.

Answer 2

*This Kind of War: The Classic Korean War History

*Korean Buddhism, History -- Condition -- Art: Three Lectures

*The Korean War in World History

*A History of Korean Art

*The Korean War in History

*Korean Film: History, Resistance, and Democratic Imagination

*Explorations in Korean Literary History

*A Modern History of Korean Philosophy

*A History of Korean Literature

*Views on Korean Social History

There are many many more that you can view if you click on the URL below...

Good luck!