Preface | Notes | Korea at a Glance01 GeographyThis chapter looks at Korea's location, climate, topography, plants and animals administrative districts, population, and cities, which greatly affected the country and Koreans' life for so long.Introduction | 1. Location & Territory | 2. Climate & Topography | 3. Plants & Animals | 4. Population5. Settlements | Conclusion02 HistoryThis chapter briefly describes the history of Korea from the early Paleolithic Age to the establishment of current government.Introduction | 1. The Dawn of Korean History | 2. The Three Kingdoms, Unified Silla, and Balhae3. Goryeo: Land of Empire | 4. Joseon, the Confucian State | 5. Modernization: Exertion & Frustration6. Japanese Colonial Rule & the Independence Movement | 7. Establishment & Development of the Republicof Korea03 PoliticsThis chapter introduces Korea's political system and diplomatic relations with neighboring countries.1. Constitution | 2. The Presidential System | 3. National Assembly | 4. Diplomacy5. Symbols of Korea (Republic of Korea, Aegukga, Taegeukgi, Mugunghwa)[Special Feature] Understanding of North-South RelationsThis chapter examines the background behind the national division, the Korean War, and North-South relations after the war to help international community gain a greater understanding of the two Koreas.04 EconomyIn this chapter, the history of Korea's economic growth and the strategies that make it happen are briefly reviewed. In addition, the causes of the current economic problems are examined in detail.Introduction | 1. Economic Strategies and Achievements after the War2. Heavy Industry Strategy, the Depression of 1980 and Beyond3. Economic Democracy and Banking Liberalization after 19864. The Financial Crisis of 1997 and Solution | 5. The Korean Economy after the Asian Financial Crisis05 SocietyIn this chapter, the dynamic transformation of Korean society and its people are examined.Introduction | 1. Compressed Modernization: The Key to Understanding Modern Korean Society2. Population, Households, and Dwellings | 3. Family, Marriage, and Women4. International Marriages and a Multicultural Society | 5. Education6. Employment and Welfare | 7. Religion and Leisure Time06 CultureThis chapter reviews some cultural elements which are a part of the everyday life of Koreans, such as clothing, food, housing, and popular culture.Introduction | 1. Korean and the Korean Alphabet | 2. Rites of Passage | 3. Clothes4. Dwellings | 5. Food | 6. Fine Arts and Pop Culture | Conclusion[Special Feature] Comparison of Eastern and Western CultureThis chapter focuses on a comparison between Korean and US culture to help people from other countries gain a better understanding of Korea and its culture.07 Religion and Religious CultureThis chapter describes various features associated with religions in Korea as well as cultural traditions that have been influenced by religions.Introduction | 1. Christianity | 2. Buddhism | 3. Confucianism | 4. Shamanism | Conclusion08 Scientific Technology and IndustryThis chapter looks at the background of Korea's stunning economic growth and the process of industrial development after 1960.Introduction | 1. Construction Industry | 2. Steel Industry | 3. Shipbuilding Industry | 4. Automotive Industry5. IT Industry | 6. Development and Dissemination of Science and Technology | ConclusionBibliography | Appendix