This is a comprehensive narrative history of Korean literature. It provides a wealth of information for scholars, students and lovers of literature. Combining both history and criticism the study reflects the latest scholarship and offers a systematic account of the development of all genres. Consisting of twenty-five chapters, it covers twentieth-century poetry, fiction by women and the literature of North Korea. This is a major contribution to the field and a study that will stand for many years as the primary resource for studying Korean literature.

A translation of the contents of the manual used for the masked dance of Korea. Readers will delight in the wit and liveliness of these dramas that depict human errors as well as the redeeming virtues of social bonds."...a pioneering collection of Korean mask-dance and puppet plays... a fine introduction to the traditional vernacular Korean theater..."--Choice

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the historical background, genres, and performers of the traditional performing arts of Korea, such as puppet plays, mask dramas, and Pansori, a uniquely Korean form of narrative song, which originated from the singing and dancing traditions of the ancient Korean people. It offers a detailed introduction to a variety of Korea's traditional performing arts. The book also provides references on related research sources in Korean, Japanese, and Chinese, about Korea's traditional performing arts, for those with an interest in conducting in-depth research, along with featuring some 70 photographs to highlight the noteworthy characteristics of Korean performing arts.

Korea is a fascinating country located in East Asia, divided into two distinct regions: North Korea and South Korea. Korea has a long and complex history, with its civilization starting around 1392 when the Joseon Dynasty was founded. For several centuries, Korea's strategic location has made it the sight of several invasions and colonization attempts, including Japan's colonial rule over Korea from 1910 to 1945. The Korean War, which took place from 1950 to 1953, also impacted the Korean people, resulting in separation of North and South Korea. Despite a challenging past and political differences, South Korea has become a significant economic powerhouse and an entertainment hub, while North Korea remains a secretive and repressive state. South Korea, also known as the Republic of Korea (ROK), is a dynamic and modern country that is home to numerous corporations, including Samsung and LG. South Korea has undergone significant economic growth, and it has become one of the world's leading economies. Yet despite its economic success, South Korea is also home to some of the most unique cultures, including distinctive cuisine, traditional music, and festivals. South Korea is also famous for its entertainment industry, including music (K-pop), television dramas (K-dramas), and movies. North Korea is an enigma, rarely seen or heard about beyond government propaganda. It is led by the Kim dynasty and maintains strict control over its citizens. Over the years, North Korea has become famous for its nuclear program and human rights abuses, making it a topic of international concern. Despite their differences, both North and South Korea have an intricate and fascinating history and culture that continues to captivate the world.