Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Yesterday]

I was standing in "Kyobo bookstore" at Lotte Castle today (Jamsil station) - and the book "The Koreans" - in English caught my eye...

I started reading as much as I could - skipping pages but trying to read most of the book....

I spent almost an hour - the book seems pretty much dead-on when it comes to explaing why "Korean people" behave the way they do...

has anyone read the entire book...

is it worth buying to read the entire thing....

if you have read it - what do you think....

I usually decline from buying books - as sometimes they are a waste of money... and sometimes once you've read it - then thats it...

so before I return to maybe purchase it - has anyone already read it?

(**though I thought it would be strange if I bought it and was sitting on a subway train or in the "teachers room" amongst korean teachers etc - reading a book entitled "The KOREANS")** I wonder how my korean co-workers would react??

p.s. - I went there to buy a "large world map" - but backed away from their price of 55,850 won.....

[lostinseoul77777]

I read it. It definitely very informative in understanding the Korean culture. I don't know if it has been updated as of late, but the one I read was current as of late 90's. If you need to buy a book about Korea and its people, this is one of the books I'd recommend.

[zappadelta]

I am reading it now, almost done with it. It's ok, but a little outdated I feel. Some is still relevant, but I am thinking there has to be something better out by now. Not a waste of time though, good read.

[semphoon]

I have read it - it was ..."so-so."

I think a better book is "whats so good about Korea, Maarten?"

[rhinocharge64]

Definitely give it a big thumbs up. The only good thing about the Korea Times is Breen's weekly article which I find very informative. He's British and has been here 30 yrs and, he's married to a Korean. He's a man in the know, however, the book is slightly out-dated, but a lot stands true even today.

[steroidmaximus]

[the saint]

actually a better book which is really on the money is Korea Unmasked by some Korean guy, I forget who cos someone borrowed our copy. FUn to read manga style and really helps you understand why Koreans are the way they do. CHeaper too ain't it

I found Breen too be too political and therefore out of date somewhat. It wasn't a riveting read either really.

[stevemcgarrett]

The best chapter is "Chinese Inventions That Were Really Korean." But it's a little long. Runs to about 80 pages.

[JongnoGuru]

[rhinocharge64]

Well knok me over with a feather...I'll be damned. Just goes to show the know it all I work with doesn't know it all. I'll pass it on to the Korean American I work with. No doubht she'll say your wrong she's always right you know. He is British I take it!!!

[VanIslander]

[Ya-ta Boy]

[jaganath69]

[hogwonguy1979]

yeah it needs to be updated but in its time it was considered to be the best book on Korea. Absolutely required reading for those coming here or just arrived

really wish he would revise it

[CasperTheFriendlyGhost]

Except for anecdotes, there's nothing in it that's really suprising if you've been here for a year.