Way Back into Korea

Preface and Acknowledgment
Introduction

1. The Korean Ethos
The Korean spirit of ppalli ppalli
Historical circumstance and the Korean ethos
The paradox of the Korean ethos

2. Ethnic Origins of Koreans
The Early History of Korea
The Three Kingdoms period
The Goryeo dynasty
The Joseon dynasty

3. Foreign Invasions and Korean Endurance
Intrusions and invasions by hostile neighbors
Threat from the West and Japanese colonization
Japanese colonization and the independence movement
Mobilization of Korean women for sexual slavery for Japanese soldiers

4. A Long Road Toward Democracy
Emotional burden of the memories on post-WWII atrocities and the Korean War
The post-war power vacuum
The general election and the birth of the Republic of Korea
The Korean War
The struggle for democracy

5. Marriage, Family and Kinship
Wild geese fathers, penguin fathers, and eagle fathers
Kinship
Marriage
Family
Kin group organization and kinship system

6. Urbanization and a Balanced National Development Plan
Villages as the center of social life in rural Korea
Transformation of rural villages
The changing paradigm of rural villages and their future prospects

7. Religions and Beliefs of Koreans
Inclusiveness and syncretism
Korean native beliefs
Foreign-born religions and new religions in Korea

8. The Yangban Legacy and Education for Upward Mobility
A historical survey of Korean social class
Education for upward mobility
Obsession with education in contemporary Korea
New challenges for Korean education

9. Korea’s Economic Miracle: From Foreign Aid Recipient to Donor
Miraculous economic growth and rapid industrialization
Economic maturity
Becoming a donor of foreign aid

10. Cultural Paradox
The myth of ethnic nationalism and the emergence of multiculturalism
Korean characteristic of inwardness versus outward-oriented activities
Environmental conservation and restoration
Persistent Confucianism and a female president

Postscript

References Cited
List of Abbreviations
Index