Now in a fully revised and updated edition including new primary sources and illustrations, this engaging text provides a concise history of Korea from the beginning of human settlement in the region through the late nineteenth century. Michael J. Seths thorough chronological narrative equally emphasizes social, cultural, and political history. Students will be especially drawn to descriptions of everyday life for both elite and nonelite members of society during various historical periods. The book emphasizes how Korean history can be understood as part of an interactive sphere that includes three basic areas: China, Japan, and the Manchurian/Central Asian region. Throughout, Seth draws comparisons between developments in Korea and those in neighboring regions. All readers looking for a balanced, knowledgeable history will be richly rewarded with this clear and cogent book.

Michael J. Seth is professor of history at James Madison University.

Contents Primary Source Readings Preface to the Second Edition Acknowledgments Maps Introduction 1 The Origins The Koreans Early Inhabitants The Age of Rice Farming Begins Sources for Early Korea Choson The Chinese Commanderies Chinese Commanderies and Their Neighbors: The Northern Peoples Chinese Commanderies and Their Neighbors: The Southern Peoples Politics of the Third Century Korea in Global Perspective: 5,000 Years of History Notes 2 The Period of the Three Kingdoms, Fourth Century to 676 The Emergence of the Three Kingdoms The Wa and Mimana Korea and Northeast Asia in the Fourth and Fifth Centuries Culture and Society of the Three Kingdoms The Bone-Ranks, the Hwabaek, and the Hwarang The Changing Environment of the Late Sixth and Seventh Centuries The Unification of Korea under Silla Korea in Global Perspective: State Formation Notes 3 Late Silla, 676 to 935 The Peninsular Kingdom Consolidation of Central Monarchical Rule under Silla, 676-780 Silla and the Chinese Model Supporting the Silla State Silla Society Religion and Aristocratic Culture Silla and Its Neighbors Parhae The Decline of Silla The Later Three Kingdoms Korea in Global Perspective: Sillas Rise and Fall Notes 4 Koryo, 935 to 1170 The New Koryo State Koryo in East Asia Internal Politics, 935-1170 Koryo Culture The Samguk Sagi Koryo Society Korea in Global Perspective: Koryos Examination System Notes 5 Military Rulers and Mongol Invaders, 1170 to 1392 Military Rule Son Buddhism Korea, Japan, and Feudal Europe The Mongol Invasions The Legacy of the Mongol Period Late Koryo Society The End of the Koryo Late Koryo Culture The Rise of Neo-Confucianism Korea in Global Perspective: The Mongols and Korea Notes 6 The Neo-Confucian Revolution and the Choson State, 1392 to the Eighteenth Century Establishing the Yi Dynasty The Neo-Confucianist Project The Choson State The Censorate and the Classics Mat Historians The Examination System Education Agricultural Improvements and the State Military and Foreign Affairs The Japanese and Manchu Invasions Competition for Power among the Elite Choson Politics in Perspective Korea in Global Perspective: Choson as an Ideologically Driven State Notes 7 Choson Society The Family Women During the Yi Dynasty Social Structure Slaves and Outcastes Crime and Punishment Religious Beliefs and Practices Philosophy Arts, Literature, and Science Technology and Inventions Korea in Global Perspective: Women in Korea Korea in Global Perspective: Chosons Social Hierarchy Notes 8 Late Choson, Early Eighteenth Century to 1876 The Politics of Late Choson Late Choson and the Confucian World Order Korean Travelers to China and Japan Taxation and Reform Agriculture Commerce and Trade Cultural Flowering of Late Choson Sirhak Everyday Life Korea in Global Perspective: Koreas Place in the Early Modern World Notes 9 Korea in the Nineteenth Century Korea in the Nineteenth Century: The "Hermit Kingdom" Internal Problems in the Nineteenth Century Early Contacts with the West External Threats and "Western Learning" The Opening of Korea The Legacy of Traditional Korea Korea in Global Perspective: The Hermit Kingdom? Notes Appendix: Romanization Glossary of Korean Words Annotated Selected Bibliography Index About the Author

Michael Seth’s text remains the most accessible overview of Korean history. Going beyond the platitudes about the ‘land of the morning calm’ or the ‘hermit kingdom,’ it is a useful and clear guide to the Korean peninsula’s turbulent past.
— John Lie, University of California, Berkeley

Whenever Im asked to recommend a textbook on Korean history, I always put Michael Seth’s A Concise History of Korea at the top of my list. Now in its third edition, the book provides the most up-to-date survey of Korean history, introducing fresh research and interpretations. Seth places Korea clearly within the East Asian world and highlights the unique aspects of Korea’s past. As with the previous edition, Michael Seth succeeds in this history in every way.
— Edward Shultz, emeritus, University of Hawaii at Manoa

Michael Seth’s A Concise History of Korea remains the best overview of Korean history in the English language. Both thorough and readable, it is the ideal book to use in undergraduate-level Korean history courses. It is also great for anybody who wants to know more about almost any aspect of Korean history.
— Gregg Brazinsky, The George Washington University