A state think tank said Monday it has published an English-language compilation of primary resources that would aid non-Korean speakers studying Korean history, literature and society.
These "Sourcebooks" compile English translations of policy documents, presidents' speeches and letters, and civic groups' statements, such as in response to policy changes, from 20th century Korea, the Academy of Korean Studies (AKS) said.
Only those deemed to be useful for research have been included, with explanations for context provided in each chapter, the Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province-based institute said.
So far, only four volumes in the series have been published. They cover the Saemaul Movement -- a policy launched by former President Park Chung-hee to modernize rural Korea -- Korean labor, education and family.
Six other volumes are about to be published, with topics covering democratization, North Korea, religion, economic development, women's issues and "hallyu," or the worldwide popularity of Korean culture.
Three volumes are being compiled, with another at the planning stage.
The books should assist not only graduate students in Korean studies but also undergraduates and international organizations trying to understand Korean economy and society.
They may be ordered directly from AKS by phone at +82-31-709-8111. (Yonhap)