Written by one of the leading experts on Korea, A Brief History of Korea covers the history of Korea from the origins of the Korean people in prehistoric times to the economic and political situation in North and South Korea today. Providing a detailed overview of the cultural and historical influences that have shaped Korean society.

Table of Contents

• List of Illustrations
• List of Maps
• Introduction
• 1 From Early Settlements to the Silla Unification of Korea (Prehistory-668)
• 2 Unified Silla (668-935) and Koryo (918-1392)
• 3 The Early and Middle Choson (1392-1636)
• 4 Late Choson (1636-1910)
• 5 The Japanese Colony (1910-1945)
• 6 Liberation, Division, and the Korean War (1945-1953)
• 7 South Korea's Long Road to Democracy (1953-2009)
• 8 North Korea (1945-2009)
• Conclusion
• Appendixes
• 1 Basic Facts: North Korea
• 2 Basic Facts: South Korea
• 3 Chronology
• 4 Bibliography
• 5 Suggested Reading