Recent books

Korea: The Impossible Country

Daniel Tudor; Tuttle Publishing: 336 pp., $22.95

A foreigner visiting another country very different from his own background is bound to make quick assumptions or judgements: most usually hang on to those lingering first impressions.

But the author of this extremely readable perspective on Korea gives a rare fair treatment of his subject matter as well as showing his deep affection, or the Korean "jeong" (as explained in the book, deep inter-affection) for it.

This book that covers the whole of the country from its history and religions to culture is not a boring narrative of facts lined up in chronological order. Though it is loosely time lined, starting with "foundations," the author finds connecting threads with the past and the present, while mostly focusing on the latter that deserves more through attention from Westerners.

As Tudor notes, most Western publications either focus on Korea’s ancient background (once upon a time, five thousand excruciating years ago) or as a side-note to the countries relationship with its northern communist neighbor. His dynamic narrative richly blends in his interviews with contemporary Koreans and is refreshing.

Absent in his explanation of "woori," (our in English) is that it can be used in a personal level as well to express closeness. Tudor deserves to call Korea, vis-a-vis, "woori nara” (country).

― Cho Mu-hyun

Love means allowing a wound

Cong Jee-young: Polar Books: 408 pp., 14,000 won

This is an anthology of 365 essays on the subject of love by Cong known for popular novels such as "Silenced."

The essays compiled to celebrate her 25 years as a novelist were written as side notes on her leisure or direct quotations from her other works, which deal with her usual themes of love, loss, pain and suffering.

Most of them are extremely personal, such as "I want to write," a piece where she unabashedly says she wants to write prose that "feels like scratching my heart with nails" and "show the hidden side of the world."

Some may be bothered by the Christian overtones as Cong isn't subtle about her faith as well as at times turning meditative essays to all out preaching where she talks of prayer.

The author says she "most of all dedicated the book to herself," and the repetitive theme of love for 365 faiths may be too much for some. This one seems only for the hardcore fans of Cong.

Golden Arrow Planner

IN J’Management; Alki; 252pp., 15,000 won

About 45,000 people in Korea leave their jobs each year whether voluntarily or otherwise. Despite fierce competition in the labor market and anxiety about an uncertain future, those in their 40s to 60s have supported their children without complaint.

IN J’ Management, a local consulting group specializing in human resources, has published “Golden Arrow Planner” for retired people that are contemplating starting their own businesses or entering new job markets.

This ultimate guide for the retired contains various success stories from previous generations and gives advice and future direction based on real-life experiences and know-how. It also features many different tests such as a vocational aptitude test so that the reader understands what they really want to do and if they are suitable for any job they aspire for.

― Rachel Lee

Inside Korea: Discovering the People and Culture

Lee Eung-chel et al; Hollym: 512 pp., 12,800 won

This book, published in association with the Hyundai Motor Group available in both Korean and English versions, aims to help readers better understand Korea.

It covers a wide range of topics about Korea from geography, history, politics, and economics to society, culture, religion, technology and industry. It also deals with the relationship between South and North Korea and cultural differences with other countries.

The book consists of three parts ― a brief introduction to Korea; information about eight categories along with two special commentaries on North-South Korea relations and cultural differences between the East and West; and an appendix.

It will offer general information at a glance in a handy sized book. The publication will continue to be updated and distributed around the world.

― Chung Ah-young