Describes the history and culture of South Korea, looks at points of interest in each region, and recommends hotels and restaurants

South Korea is a marriage of ancient and modern: a shopper's paradise where secluded palaces hide amidst skyscrapers, and Buddhist figurines stand tall along hiking trails. How do you create your own mix of new and old? Moon Handbooks South Korea offers thorough coverage not only of major destinations like modern Seoul and the DMZ border area, but also of the country's 3,000 years of history nestled in its quiet temples, secluded palaces, majestic peaks, and emerald-green islands. Thoroughly revised and updated, this guide is packed with fresh information on sights, recreation, accommodation and dining options that cover a broad range of budgets and personal interests. Complete with detailed maps, fascinating sidebars, a newly expanded phrasebook, and a thorough introduction to the country's political and cultural history, Moon Handbooks South Korea is an intelligent choice for independent travelers wishing to experience everything this fascinating destination has to offer.

Journalist and Bangkok resident Suzanne Nam shares the many ways to experience Thailand, from diving in the clear azure waters off the Andaman coast to exploring 13th-century Buddhist temples in Chiang Mai. Nam offers one-of-a-kind trip strategies—including Touring the Temples and Five Stars at Two-Star Prices—for travelers of all interests and budgets. Complete with expert advice on shopping at Bangkok's vibrant street markets, island-hopping around Koh Samui, and visiting the country's striking national parks, Moon Thailand gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.

Journalist Jonathan Hopfner gives travelers the benefit of his firsthand experience as a Seoul resident, providing honest insight into the many sides of this bustling city. Hopfner outlines entertaining travel strategies for exploring Seoul, including A Walk Through History, Nature in the City Limits, and Seoul with Children. From where to find the best-tasting and most affordable Korean barbecue to which areas are best for shopping and people-watching, Moon Seoul gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.

"The social structure of contemporary Korea contains strong echoes of the hierarchical principles and patterns governing stratification in the Chosŏn dynasty (1392–1910): namely, birth and one’s position in the bureaucracy. At the beginning of Korea’s modern era, the bureaucracy continued to exert great influence, but developments undermined, instead of reinforced, aristocratic dominance. Furthermore, these changes elevated the secondary status groups of the Chosŏn dynasty, those who had belonged to hereditary, endogamous tiers of government and society between the aristocracy and the commoners: specialists in foreign languages, law, medicine, and accounting; the clerks who ran local administrative districts; the children and descendants of concubines; the local elites of the northern provinces; and military officials. These groups had languished in subordinate positions in both the bureaucratic and social hierarchies for hundreds of years under an ethos and organization that, based predominantly on family lineage, consigned them to a permanent place below the Chosŏn aristocracy. As the author shows, the political disruptions of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, however, rewarded talent instead of birth. In turn, these groups’ newfound standing as part of the governing elite allowed them to break into, and often dominate, the cultural, literary, and artistic spheres as well as politics, education, and business."

"An explanation for Korea's economic success"--

This book is a complete guide for people who want to learn the Korean language, starting from the very beginning, and learn the alphabet and the correct sounds of vowels, consonants, and diphthongs. It was written for people who want an easy but systematic approach to the language. The writer is a non-native speaker who started learning the language from ZERO, just like you and spent years in Korea trying to reach a better level of proficiency in Korean. After a few weeks of study, you will study to recognize words, make sentences, and have simple (but miraculous) conversations with other Korean speakers!

"Heartfelt and at times heart-rending, SEAWEED AND SHAMANS details Brenda Paik Sunoo's journey through grief into solace. Written with courage and generosity, her collection of essays traverses personal memory and Korean-American history, as well as the thoughts and drawings garnered from diary entries of the child she lost. A testimony to the endurance of faith and art, life and love. SEAWEED AND SHAMANS is a gift of healing.

A History of the Korean Language is the first book on the subject ever published in English. It traces the origin, formation, and various historical stages through which the language has passed, from Old Korean through to the present day. Each chapter begins with an account of the historical and cultural background. A comprehensive list of the literature of each period is then provided and the textual record described, along with the script or scripts used to write it. Finally, each stage of the language is analyzed, offering new details supplementing what is known about its phonology, morphology, syntax, and lexicon. The extraordinary alphabetic materials of the 15th and 16th centuries are given special attention, and are used to shed light on earlier, pre-alphabetic periods.

Jonathan Hopfner has made the move to South Korea—twice. His experience as a journalist, investor, and homeowner has taught Jonathan the ins and outs of living in South Korea—from the banking and business realities, to the immigration and business procedures. It is this firsthand experience and advice that Jonathan brings to Moon Living Abroad in South Korea. Moon Living Abroad in South Korea is packed with essential information and must-have details on setting up daily life, including obtaining visas, arranging finances, and gaining employment. You'll get practical advice on education, health care, and how to rent or buy a home that fits your needs. The book also includes color and black and white photos, illustrations, and maps—making the moving and transition process easy for businesspeople, students, teachers, retirees, and professionals.