When I tell people I’ve studied Korean history, they’re usually surprised, interested, and then curious to know more. after moving to korea, the reaction i got the most was, ‘you’re so lucky. I’d love to study that.’ In case you haven’t read my post on how you can study that, just click here. Unfortunately, not all of us have the resources and time to go back to academia. but what’s one thing your friends and family are always complaining they should do more of…? read. there is actually a fair amount written on Korean history available for English readers; I know it can be overwhelming to choose where to start. obviously, if you have a niche of interest like fashion, shamanism, pop music, etc., you can focus on those specifically. However, for a more general understanding, I have compiled a list of my Top 10 English Content Books on Korean History. some of these are primary sources and novels, while others are more rooted in analysis. I hope it can motivate you to start your self-directed journey, and if ever there was a book that inspired you enough to reach its peak. 10, leave a comment below! keep learning!
1. korean history cards
“These books have a perfect balance of text and images that make them easy to read, interesting and informative. In addition, the voice in the writing makes the content easy to understand. They do a great job of telling the history of Korea, starting from the Neolithic era, as well as narrating the stories of the various Korean dynasties in a clear and organized way. a very welcome change from the Eurocentric history classes taught at my high school. I highly recommend it!” -amethy k
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2. an anthology of modern Korean literature
This book is a collection of samples of the main genres of poetry and prose written around AD 600. (modern people!) until the end of the 19th century. You’ll read myths and legends, historical essays, romantic stories, stunning poetry, satirical pieces, and adventure tales from some of Korea’s greatest writers, as well as doodles from the quieter, more rural sides of life.
3. anthology of traditional Korean literature
One of my favorite things about this book is its divided sections. you can choose from one of four: verse, prose, fiction, and oral literature. oral literature is particularly attractive, as it is made up of famous pansori narratives, shaman songs, and love poems from goryo legends. when we think of literature we think of something read, not heard, but this book makes sure to value both.
4. old and new korea: a story
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“I was looking for a quick introduction that would give me an insight into the history of Korea and its relationship with Japan. this is the best i have found so far. readable, full of facts, without fat. Published simultaneously in 1990 by Ilchokak Publishing House and Harvard University’s Korea Institute, written by a team of Korean and Western scholars, it provides insight into an inadequately documented culture. extremely relevant today.”-hawks gull
5. korea’s place in the sun
While I could talk about ancient Korean history forever, modern Korean history is what captures most of the world’s attention. Korea’s 20th century was not entirely sunny. between colonization, the cold war, the korean war and the economic crisis, the positive moments are often overlooked. Yet despite these difficult times, South Korea continues to rise as an economic powerhouse and cultural icon, attracting the attention of fans and historians around the world.
6. Korean art from the 19th century to the present
written by my academic mentor in london, dr. charlotte horylck concisely and eloquently sums up the korean art scene during arguably its most dynamic time. With a growing interest in contemporary Korean artwork around the world, this book is a fantastic resource for those with a more creative bent. dr horlyck explores a wide range of art forms, from traditional ink paintings to early korean oil painters and more recent video art. is fascinating reading for both old and new historians, as well as those who are interested in the arts in general.
7. lady hyegyong’s memories
Have you ever heard of the sado prince? there is a fantastic movie called the crown to get a quick overview of his tragic life. In short, the sado was described as a kind of masochist who brutally assaulted and abused members of the court and those close to him. his life ended by the choice of his father, who locked him in a rice chest until his eventual death from starvation three days later. one of the most fascinating figures in Korean history is seen here from the point of view of his wife through her diaries. this review puts it simply: “a fascinating insight into the intrigues and constraints of 18th-century Korean court life. The crown princess has a strong voice, but she has to tread carefully when she talks about the problems of the Korean royal family that she married at the age of nine. she wrote 4 memoirs and only in the last one from 1805, written for her grandson when she was 70 years old, she feels able to speak in depth about her husband’s mental illness and her subsequent death at the hands of her father hers, the king. the elegant prose of the crown princess is very powerful, and I found it unexpectedly engaging and unsettling.“- l a (review)
8. Korean stories for language learners
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A great way to learn about a different culture is through its folktales, stories, and songs. Furthermore, if you are reading this list, there is a good chance that you are also interested in learning the Korean language. why not attack two birds with one stone? Korean Stories for Language Learners are compiled from 42 traditional Korean folktales with detailed notes and exercises aimed at beginners. As you admire the book’s beautiful illustrations, you can study vocabulary and become familiar with famous aspects of Korean culture. Don’t worry if your level is a bit higher: the stories increase in difficulty as the book progresses.
9. nothing to envy: ordinary lives in north korea
“excellent new book is one of the few that have made full use of the testimony of north korean refugees and defectors. a charming and easy-to-read work of literary nonfiction, it humanizes an oppressed and suffering people whose individual lives, hopes, and dreams are so little known abroad that North Koreans are often compared to robots. . . . the story of star-crossed lovers jun-sang and mi-ran is so enchanting that it has inspired reports that could interest hollywood.”- san francisco chronicle (review)
10. human acts
although it is a work of fiction, human acts focuses on the gwangju uprising of 1980. a devastating loss to korea’s freedom and democracy, this event is a terrible reminder of how we should be better as human beings. With his shocking and slightly disturbing writing style, Han Kang is able to capture the horror of these events through the eyes of various people trapped in the city at the time. while he can be unsettling at points, the elegance of his prose is capable of capturing all the intense and harrowing emotions that surround this event.
Have you already added any of these books to your Amazon basket? I hope you have found this list useful; stay tuned to our blog for many more historical articles, travel destinations and itineraries.
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