The Koreans: Who They Are, What They Want, Where Their Future Lies

A few decades ago, Koreans were an impoverished, agricultural people. In one generation they emerged from the paddy fields to become world-leading producers of state-of-the-art technology. Yet on the eve of the millennium, South Korea reeled and almost collapsed as a result of a weak financial system and heavily indebted conglomerates. More recently, North Korea has been named to the Axis of Evil and flaunts its nuclear weapons program, while tensions mount along the DMZ. Although it is only relatively recently that Korea has been brought to our attention, it is an ancient and complex country with a people to match. As Korea becomes more of a flashpoint for international conflict, the need to understand and appreciate this unique society becomes more and more apparent. Revised and updated for this paperback edition, The Koreans is a fascinating look at the history and culture of a divided people.