Korea Essentials Series

• Korea’s Natural Wonders: Exploring Korea’s Landscapes

  Not your typical tourist guide, this book offers a fascinating and indepth portrait of Korea’s natural environment. Go for a walk along the Hangang River, a symbol of coexistence between city and nature. Take a jouney to the most notable mountains of Korea; the very different beaches that line the three coasts of the peninsula; the West Sea tidal flats and Ramsar-registered wetlands, natural treasures with internationally recognized preservation value; and Jejudo, a volcanic island with an environment that is truly a gift of nature.

• Religion in Korea: Harmony and Coexistencce

  This book delves into the different religions that exist side by side in contemporary Korea. It offers a treasure trove of information on the country’s different faiths and philosophies, from such mainstream beliefs as Christianity, Buddhism, and Confucianism to the mediums and rituals of shamanism and the large number of indigenous faiths. Foreign readers can also find useful tips on temple stays and some of the most interesting clan museums.

• Korean Ceramics: The Beauty of Natural Forms

  Oustanding elegance, exquisite coloring – Goryeo celadon remains today as a beautiful illustration of the kingdom’s aristocratic culture and flowering of Buddhist culture. Joseon white porcelain’s beauty lies in its concision and simplicity, perhaps a reflection of the scholastic and bureaucratic focus of the day’s Confucian values. This book examines the history of Korea’s traditional pottery and the processes that shaped the values it embodies.

• Korean Architecture: Breathing with Nature

  The defining characteristic of Korean architecture is its harmony with nature. Its traditional approach is rooted in the principle of creating comfortable and efficient living spaces by making the most of the natural materials of wood and stone, with a firm understanding of the surrounding environment. This book highlights ten of Korea’s best-known and most significant traditional buildings, ranging from Buddhist temples to royal palaces.