This book introduces the culture and traditions of Korea, from ancient times to the present.

Contemporary North and South Korea are nations of radical contrasts: one a bellicose totalitarian state with a failing economy; the other a peaceful democracy with a strong economy. Yet their people share a common history that extends back more than 3,000 years. In this comprehensive new history of Korea from the prehistoric era to the present day, Jinwung Kim recounts the rich and fascinating story of the political, social, cultural, economic, and diplomatic developments in Korea's long march to the present. He provides a detailed account of the origins of the Korean people and language and the founding of the first walled-town states, along with the advanced civilization that existed in the ancient land of "Unified Silla." Clarifying the often complex history of the Three Kingdoms Period, Kim chronicles the five-century long history of the Choson dynasty, which left a deep impression on Korean culture. From the beginning, China has loomed large in the history of Korea, from the earliest times when the tribes that would eventually make up the Korean nation roamed the vast plains of Manchuria and against whom Korea would soon define itself. Japan, too, has played an important role in Korean history, particularly in the 20th century; Kim tells this story as well, including the conflicts that led to the current divided state. The first detailed overview of Korean history in nearly a quarter century, this volume will enlighten a new generation of students eager to understand this contested region of Asia.

Kim explores themes and ideas that are of importance to Koreans around the world, such as the current standoff between South and North Korea. By reading these poems, the reader will be able to see into the soul of Koreans.

The Second Edition of Comparative Health Systems: A Global Perspective offers new perspectives in health administration, public health, and public policy that address evidence-based approaches to health system improvement; systems thinking at the policy level; integrated information management; macro and micro innovation, and systems sustainability. Part I offers introduces foundational concepts including health and disease; and policy and economics. Two new chapters explore innovation and sustainability; and the role and contributions of non-governmental organizations. In Part II, the health systems of 19 countries are each examined in their own chapter, that carefully explores the country’s geography and culture, the history of its health system, followed by a detailed evaluation of cost, quality, access and innovation.

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.