Korea Studies

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“What are some popular misconceptions about South Korea that are prevalent among the foreign community?”

“Reflections on the Korea 2010 World Cup experience”

Steven’s rating:

The Geography of Thought: How Asians and Westerners Think Differently… and Why
by Richard E. Nisbett

This book seeks to explain the striking differences between Asian and Western thinking. Nisbett looks for the answers to questions such as why the Chinese never excelled at geometry, why Western infants learn nouns more rapidly than verbs and how Asians and Westerns have different ways of understanding objects and surroundings. Many of the lessons are applicable to understanding marketing theory across cultures.

Steven S. Bammel reviewed this book in two parts: Part I, Part II

Steven’s rating:

The Koreans: Who They Are, What they Want, Where Their Future Lies
by Michael Breen

This is not the most scholarly assessment of Korea and Koreans but it is an entertaining book by a journalist who lived in Korea for awhile. The book explains how and why he believes Koreans think and act as they do, and covers some of Korea’s recent history.

Click here to read Steven S. Bammel’s review. Most other reviews at Amazon.com are more positive than Steven’s.

Korea: The Impossible Country
by Daniel Tudor

Long overshadowed by Japan and China, South Korea is a small country that happens to be one of the great national success stories of the postwar period. From a failed state with no democratic tradition, ruined and partitioned by war, and sapped by a half-century of colonial rule, South Korea transformed itself in just fifty years into an economic powerhouse and a democracy that serves as a model for other countries.

Steven’s rating:

Ethnic Nationalism in Korea: Geneology, Politics, and Legacy
by Gi-Wook Shin

Foreigners to Korea are often surprised at how strong nationalistic sentiment is throughout society. This book traces the Korean version of ethnic nationalism during the modern era. This is not light reading but covers its topic thoroughly and carefully.

Click here for Steven S. Bammel’s review.

Steven’s rating:

퍼스트 무버
by Peter Underwood

Read the book review on KBC by Steven S. Bammel

Diamond Dilemma
by Tariq Hussain