The author examines the evolution of state-level societies and their relationship to polities in Japan and China.

The Korean Nation was formed over a long period as ethnic groups migrated and interacted with each other in and around Manchuria and the Korean Peninsula. This is why Koreans constitute one of the oldest people in Asia and pride themselves of a long tradition and rich cultural heritage. As a peninsular state, Korea has both continental and oceanic characteristics. Its culture is a unique amalgamation of foreign influences, as its geographical location constantly exposed it to contacts with not only China, but with countries to the north, south and west of China as well. In ancient times, Korea was a power in East Asia and once ruled much of Manchuria. The kingdom of Goguryeo was successful in repelling the aggression of China's Sui Dynasty and Tang Dynasty, while the kingdom of Balhae ruled over a vast territory extending to the north as far as Siberia (Russian Maritime Territory). Throughout history, Korea not only developed a culture that is unique and distinguished from that of China, but also transmitted many elements of its culture to Japan.

The Guidebook for Living in Korea is a comprehensive guidebook for living in Korea, and was published to enable multicultural families and foreign residents to adapt quickly to life in Korea, by providing up-to-date information on Korean laws, Korean institutions and Korean life. Guidebook for Living in Korea: Table of Contents 1. Introduction to the Republic of Korea 2. Foreigner Support Services 3. Residence and Citizenship 4. Korean Culture and Life 5. Pregnancy and Childcare 6. Education of Children 7. Health and Healthcare 8. Social Security Systems 9. Employment and Labor References

South Korea's economic miracle is a well-known story. However, today Korea is confronting a new set of internal and external risks, which may foreshadow the next crisis. The Korean economy has been struggling with the faltering growth momentum and the rise of unprecedented socio-economic problems over recent years well before the pandemic crisis. After abrupt downshifts to markedly slower growth in the early 2000s, economic growth has continued to decelerate. Koreans are grappling with slow income growth, all time-high household debt, high youth unemployment, inequality, and social polarization. Politics is in disarray and is incapable of directing social discourse for the common good. Rapid population aging along with the world's lowest fertility rates stokes fears of Japanification. Simultaneously, disruptive technologies and fast-changing business environment such as the rise of China clash with a range of long-standing structural problems. The contemporary challenges are radically different from those seen in the early stages of industrialization. There are multiple risks that threaten to self-perpetuate low or stagnant growth over the next decade or so, if not an outright financial crisis. Motivated by these latest developments, this book seeks to provide a timely and in-depth analysis of key current issues and foreseeable challenges of the economy, with a provocative reassessment of its future. Based on extensive new empirical works, it examines the underlying causes of the socio-economic problems. In a constructive spirit, it puts in perspective what would constitute critical elements of ideal policy solutions and the direction of the future government's role.