Korea Old and New: A History [Paperback]

This book offers a good overview of the stretch of Korean history with a strong narrative balanced by detailed descriptions of local life and culture during the different periods. There is a lively discussion of consequences and the organization of the book leads us to be able to draw pertinent parallels to what has happened in latter periods of history.

After reading this - what did I gain?
1) I was able to gain a sense of the tradition of Korean history - and further understand the resonances of words such as Silla, Paekchae, Chosun - (in the same way I finally understood how Germany, Allemand and Deutschland could all refer to the same country - these being different tribes who lived in the area)

2)A sense that whatever hardships Koreans have suffered in this century they have seen before - whether it is in the form of Chinese incursions, or the mad rampage of the warlord Hideyoshi in the 16th century. Korea has been divided before.

3) A better sense of Korea as unique cultural entity - with its own centers of excellence, such as celadon, hangul, etc.

My only reservation with the book is that it dwells too much on latter day history from Japanese colonial occupation until the 1980s. Obviouly the sources are better but it left me feeling that pacing changed from that of grand narrative into detailed analysis (This may have been because this book is a combination of two books) But all in all it gave me a better sense of where everything fits than Bruce Cumings' book "Korea's Place in the Sun" - which should be read in conjuction with this book.

This book is pieced together from two earlier efforts (hence the old and new of the title). Although the second part, containing the latter history of Korea from the mid-19th century to 1990, is more detailed and analytical, the entire book is the best text around. This text has spawned new specialist histories of Choson, Buddhism, and Confucian studies. It is also better edited for typographical and linguistic errors than previous histories.

However, some questions remain, mostly related to the question of Korean nationalism. The authors address the peculiar problem Korea faces: cultural chauvinism combined with dependence on foreign markets, notably Japan and the United States. The authors admirably and courageously document the role of the Japanese and American policies in Korean development, the nature of Pak Chung Hee's regime, and the fortuitous nature of Korean economic recovery, but still cling to cultural nationalist baggage about the cultural, linguistic, and racial unity of the Korean nation, downplaying the numerous historical political entities on the Korean peninsula and significant regional differences.

As Korea becomes more pluralistic and its economy more open, information about the last 5 decades will continue to filter through, but, increasingly this liberalness is purchased with a racial and linguistic chauvinism that threatens to keep studies of Joseon and Koryo wrapped in inviolate sacrality. Although the authors final note of a turn to more participatory evolution of Korean politics, the bigotry and exclusivity of the Korean market is left intact.

One way this is manifested in the book is the separation of political and economic sections, as in the nineteenth and twentieth chapters. The way the Pak regime operated directly impacts how Korea's economy developed. Separating the two discussions, leaves open the fallacy that Korea can continue to develop without political liberalization. It is almost a disguised tribute to Pak and his Japanese mentors. An end to mindless adulation of the supposed "Korean Miracle" is a prerequisite for continued Korean development and development of Korean studies.

The book also needs to be updated for the 1990's, particularly the troubles of the two Kim administrations, because the author's concerns have important policy implications. In Korea, history is immediately played out in the contemporary arena.

This book is the best place for laymen and beginning students to start. it is a model, both in its honesty and authorial collaboration, for future Korean studies.