My Favorite Books about North and South Korea
Ranked #6,334 in Books, Poetry & Writing, #229,081 overall
Are you interested in reading books about Korea?
"The Koreans" Michael Breen
This is a book that focuses mostly on the South, but does have a little bit to say about North Korea as well. Michael Breen covers a wide range of topics including history, culture, and business. As I read the book, I found myself nodding my head in agreement at every page, as he is an astute observer of Korean culture and understands its intricacies extremely well. This book is worth a read if you're considering coming to Korea because you'll be much the wiser upon your arrival. And if you're already in Korea and haven't read it yet, well what are you waiting for? Buy The Koreans online
The Koreans: Who They Are, What They Want, Where Their Future Lies
Amazon Price: $4.00 (as of 06/01/2012)
The best book I've read to help me understand Korean culture
Chang-Rae Lee "Native Speaker"
One of my new favorite authors is a Korean-American named Chang-Rae Lee. I've read a couple of his books, "Aloft" and "Native Speaker" and thoroughly enjoyed both of them."Native Speaker" portrays the life of Korean-American Henry Park who floats through life, caught between 2 cultures, an illegal alien, traveling through life as an observer. It is poignant and heart-breaking.
More books by Chang-Rae Lee
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The Portable Library of Korean Literature
This is a series of short Korean stories that have been translated into English. The series is filled with stories of heartbreak and war and family separation. These books offer an amazing insight into Korean culture and how a Korean would think about a situation. They are easy, quick reads and leave you wanting more. Hong Gildong
Hong Gildong
Amazon Price: $7.00 (as of 06/01/2012)
A story of tragedy and heroism....it's well-worth a read.
Korean short stories translated into English
"Under the Loving Care of the Fatherly Leader: North Korea and the Kim Dynasty" Bradley K. Martin
The current state of affairs was particularly shocking as Martin vividly portrays things such as lack of food, or harsh treatment for political dissonance that you hear fleetingly in the news. This should be the first book you go to for North Korea information.
Under the Loving Care of the Fatherly Leader
Under the Loving Care of the Fatherly Leader: North Korea and the Kim Dynasty
Amazon Price: $11.31 (as of 06/01/2012)
A must read for those interested in North Korea and the Kim's rise to power.
Nothing to Envy by Barbara Demick
Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea
Amazon Price: $7.74 (as of 06/01/2012)
This recent book portrays the life of average North Koreans, based on extensive interviews conducted with defectors. It is gripping and hard to put down.
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"The Aquariums of Pyongyang: Ten Years in the North Korean Gulag" Chol-Hwan Kang
Aquariums of Pyongyang
The Aquariums of Pyongyang: Ten Years in the North Korean Gulag
Amazon Price: $7.53 (as of 06/01/2012)
A sad, tragic tale of triumph over evil.
South Korea on Twitter
"Brother One Cell" Cullen Thomas
Brother One Cell by Cullen Thomas
Brother One Cell
Amazon Price: $5.64 (as of 06/01/2012)
A fascinating glimpse into the world of a Korean prison.
Books about North Korea
Korea Guidebooks
There are plenty of guidebooks out there for South Korea, but there are only two that I'd recommend. The first one if from the trusted series, "Lonely Planet." This book gives an excellent overview and the key logistical information. It's an excellent starting place to get a broad overview. Then, you can go to the internet for more detailed information.The other one that I like is "Moon's Handbook." While not having as much logistical information as the Lonely Planet, it has a lot more of the historical background of sites you'll see, for those that are interested in that sort of thing.
Guidebooks for your Korea Trip
Current news from South Korea
- South Korea Exports Fall 0.4% in May for Third Monthly Drop
- South Korea's exports declined for a third month in May, adding pressure on the central bank to hold off from raising interest rates at a meeting next week. Overseas sales fell 0.4 percent in May from a year earlier, after a revised 4.8 percent decline ...
- 2 Arrested in South Korea for Allegedly Spying for the North
- Thursday, 31 May 2012 2 Arrested in South Korea for Allegedly Spying for the North Steve Herman | Seoul South Korean police Thursday revealed they arrested two men this month for alleged espionage activities on behalf of North Korea.
- Torres scores as Spain eases to 4-1 victory over South Korea in Euro 2012 warm ...
- GALLEN, Switzerland ? Fernando Torres scored as Spain eased to a 4-1 victory over South Korea on Wednesday for a second straight friendly victory for the defending champions ahead of the European Championship. Torres showed his class in the 11th ...
- S Korean Car Makers' May Sales Up 8.9%; Hyundai Reports Strong Sales In Europe
- The combined sales of South Korea's five car makers rose 8.9% in May from a year earlier, as Hyundai Motor group reported strong sales in Europe despite the region's debt troubles. Hyundai Motor Co. (005380.SE), Kia Motors Corp. (000270.
"Korea: A Walk Through the Land of Miracles" by Simon Winchester
Simon Winchester's "Korea"
North Korea: Another Country by Bruce Cumings
North Korea: Another Country
Amazon Price: $4.09 (as of 06/01/2012)
An incisive look into North Korea and why they are the way they are. He gives a fair and accurate portrayal of the country.
More Korea related sites
Korea-Culture Smart!
Korea - Culture Smart!: the essential guide to customs & culture
Amazon Price: $4.39 (as of 06/01/2012)
If you're traveling to South Korea, this is an essential book. Did you know that you should never pour your own drink, and that it's rude to try to pick up the dinner bill if you're out with someone older. And that when you enter any house, you should always take off your shoes and put on slippers? This book will let you know all the details so you won't make that serious faux pas.
North of the DMZ: Essays on Daily Life in Korea
North of the DMZ: Essays on Daily Life in North Korea
Amazon Price: $35.00 (as of 06/01/2012)
This books uncovers some much sought after information about the daily lives of those in North Korea. Since it's such a closed society, these details are not readily known. This book is all-encompassing, covering a vast array of topics that will interest almost anybody.
Korea stuff on Ebay
About this Korean Book Reader
Which book about Korea have you read?
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Bookworm25
Sep 2, 2011 @ 12:08 pm | delete
- There are some fascinating books on here and it is lovely to see the personal touch you have added. I have put this in my library under travel as I think if someone read only a small amount of them they would have an excellent insight into Korea before they vistited. Beautifully written page.
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Chris-H
Jul 15, 2011 @ 2:02 pm | delete
- I have not read any of these but you recommended at least a few that I will definitely check out. I too love Korean culture and have entertained teaching English as a second language there. (Going to have a look at your lens on that very subject next!)
The Korean martial art Hapkido is one of my personal favorites. I studied Hapkido for about two years and can't wait for the opportunity to continue my studies.
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jentaylorsc
Jul 14, 2011 @ 10:07 am | delete
- You do a great job of providing information on each book about Korea. As a person who was a history major this is very fascinating since information on Korea (especially North) can be hard to come by.
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by jackiebolen
I'm an English teacher in Korea and find it a fascinating place. I try to keep learning more about my adopted home by reading as many books about North... more »
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The New Korea
The New Korea: An Inside Look at South Korea's Economic Rise
Amazon Price: $6.13 (as of 06/01/2012)
This is an excellent read for anyone interested in South Korea's astounding economic miracle. They basically went from a third world country after the Korean war to one of the top 10 economies in the world by the late 1990's.
Lonely Planet Korea
Lonely Planet Korea (Country Travel Guide)
Amazon Price: $16.34 (as of 06/01/2012)
The best in guidebooks from the trusted Lonely Planet.
Culture Shock: Korea!
CultureShock! Korea: A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette (Cultureshock Korea: A Survival Guide to Customs & Etiquette)
Amazon Price: $11.64 (as of 06/01/2012)
The perfect choice for business travelers to brush up on their Korean etiquette before the trip.
