South Korea Books

Frommer's South Korea (Frommer's Complete)

Cecilia Hae-Jin Lee

Amazon Price: $14.15 List Price: $23.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Frommers Amazon Marketplace: 52 new & used starting at $12.45

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

This brand new first edition of Frommer’s South Korea features in-depth coverage of this increasingly popular destination, from the cities of Seoul and Busar to the DMZ border area to Jeju Island, the "Island of the Gods." Our author Cecilia Hae-Jin Lee is a first-generation Korean American who passes along insider's tips and insights into Korean culture, plus a Korean recipe or two (Hae-Jin Lee is also a respected cook and cookbook author). She'll steer you away from the touristy and the inauthentic and show you the real heart of South Korea. Eat a Hanjeongsik (full-course meal) in a neighborhood cafe in Seoul, attend the Busar Film Festival, shop for the country's best fabrics (ramie fabrics) at the markets in Hansan, and hike the Seoraksan Mountains (or just buy the area's famous mushrooms and honey)--plus seek out tea houses, limestone caves, Buddhist temples, hot springs, battlegrounds, and parks throughout the region.

You’ll travel South Korea like a pro with our candid advice and handy Korean-language glossary. Also included are accurate regional and town maps, up-to-date advice on finding the best package deals, a glossary of Korean cuisine, and an online directory that makes trip-planning a snap!

 

Korea Calling: The Essential Handbook for Teaching English and Living in South Korea

Jay W. Freeborne, Allegra J. Specht

Amazon Price: $14.95 List Price: $14.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Woodpecker Press Amazon Marketplace: 7 new & used starting at $13.95

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 19 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Korea Calling 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 3 people found this review helpful.

This book was so helpful and very down-to-earth with real advice rather than irrelevance. Excellent for anyone desiring to go to Korea!

English trumps Esperanto... 4 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

as the "universal" language, with immense benefits to its native speakers. Few countries on earth are as focused on having their citizens learn the language of the world as Korea. Currently the Korean government is undertaking a massive recruitment guide for teachers, so that the Korean families are not split up, as many mothers are now taking their children to a native English speaking country to learn the language. This is an essential guide for anyone considering the wonderful opportunity of a foreign experience while performing a useful social function.

The guide was written 13 years ago, so certain information is certainly out of date. Regrettably, Woodpecker Press does not appear to have a website, which could provide updates to these portions. Fortunately the Internet is much more prevalent than in 1996, so the reader would need to go to the relevant sites to obtain current information on visas, exchange rates, accommodations, and prices. These portions are only 10 % of the book.

The core of the book - the actual methods for teaching ESL (English as a Second Language) remains valid today. There is an "overview", the basics, which is written specifically for Korea, and does emphasize, for example, the greater importance of appearances in that culture. (Read: No nose rings!) Then there are separate chapters on teaching children and adults. One of the real strengths of each chapter is specific curriculum ideas for each category, for example, making a magazine, and keeping a diary for the kids, and cooking and the cultural differences of "ugly American" / "ugly Korean" for adults. There is also another portion on teacher essentials, which is a suggested list of items to bring with you.

There is also a chapter on Korean culture, and the actual aspects of living in the country, injudiciously entitled "Surviving Korea" as though it were Antarctica. Title aside, the information is most useful. In addition, there is a pertinent section is the 10 best things about Korea, and the 10 worse, which gives tangible examples of the actual differences between the cultures.

Finally, although the books suggests going there on a tourist visa, and checking out the particular circumstances of employment first, our daughter did go through an agency, and with the changes in 13 years, and increased emphasis on improved English language training, hopefully she will not be disappointed in Kwang-ju

Editorial Review:

Korea Calling is a convenient guide for potential English teachers in South Korea. Separated in three sections: 1)Getting a Job 2) Teaching English to Koreans; and 3) Surviving Korean Culture, the book is easy to use and very thorough. The Teaching section itself is a "greatest hits" of teaching ideas for the classroom, time-tested methods for teaching English to the Korean Market.

Moon Handbooks South Korea

Robert Nilsen

Amazon Price: $14.93 List Price: $21.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Avalon Travel Publishing Amazon Marketplace: 48 new & used starting at $1.94

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 35 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Moon Handbooks South Korea 3 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

I bought this book before a one-week trip to the university of Pohang, Korea. I was hoping to find an introduction to the country and its culture, and also some information about sightseeing in Seoul and near Pohang.

I found the background information about South Korea a bit lacking. The book begins with a historic overview of Korea and South Korea, which is probably the traditional way of beginning a travel guide, but which is not the most interesting part. There are small pieces of information about South Korean culture here, but this doesn't always agree with what I observe on the roads (e.g. about clothing -- the book sounded as if Korea was very conservative, but people dress almost in Western style), and is also incomplete (e.g. no information about whether and when and what kind of tips to give).

There is no large map of Korea describing which cities are described in what part of the book, so I had to look through all chapters to find Pohang on the maps which begin each chapter.

I didn't find the book very useful. Browsing the web, looking e.g. at the CIA facts and Wikipedia entry about Korea, was almost as informative as this book.

Editorial Review:

South Korea is a marriage of ancient and modern: a shopper's paradise where secluded palaces hide amidst skyscrapers, and Buddhist figurines stand tall along hiking trails. How do you create your own mix of new and old? Moon Handbooks South Korea offers thorough coverage not only of major destinations like modern Seoul and the DMZ border area, but also of the country's 3,000 years of history nestled in its quiet temples, secluded palaces, majestic peaks, and emerald-green islands. Thoroughly revised and updated, this guide is packed with fresh information on sights, recreation, accommodation and dining options that cover a broad range of budgets and personal interests. Complete with detailed maps, fascinating sidebars, a newly expanded phrasebook, and a thorough introduction to the country's political and cultural history, Moon Handbooks South Korea is an intelligent choice for independent travelers wishing to experience everything this fascinating destination has to offer.

Seoul (City Guide)

Martin Robinson

Amazon Price: $13.59 List Price: $19.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Lonely Planet Amazon Marketplace: 48 new & used starting at $5.68

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 15 Average rating: 3.0 of 5

Completely weak 2 out of 5 stars.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful.

This is one of the only travel books on Seoul that is easy to get. I have taken it with me on three trips to Seoul so far, and have found it almost useless. I got a better idea of places to visit from the map I got from the hotel and searching the internet than I did from this guide.

Editorial Review:

Find your own way in Korea's buzzing capital, with Lonely Planet's guide to Seoul. Discover the culture; savour the cuisine; and take your pick of palaces and museums, markets and malls, cafes, bars and clubs. Packed with insider tips, straight-up reviews, comprehensive cultural and historical information, Korean script throughout, grid-referenced maps.

ELIMINATING THE GUESSWORK - opinionated hotel reviews make the decisions easy.

SHOP YOUR SOCKS OFF reviews and tips take you to the city's best traditional markets, glitzy malls, boutiques and galleries.

DISCOVER the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) - we take you on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the formidable and fascinating North-South border.

FEAST LIKE A KING - eating reviews serve up the city's finest Korean fare, from spicy tofu and barbeque to Korean fusion and Hanjeongsik banquets.

Insight Guides South Korea (Insight Guide South Korea)

Amazon Price: $16.29 List Price: $23.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Insight Guides Amazon Marketplace: 30 new & used starting at $15.46

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Editorial Review:

The world's largest visual travel guide series, Insight Guides, in association with Discovery Channel, the world's premier source of nonfiction entertainment, provide more insight than ever. From the most popular resort cities to the most exotic villages, Insight Guides captures the unique character of each culture with an insider's perspective.

Korea: A Walk Through the Land of Miracles

Simon Winchester

Amazon Price: $11.86 List Price: $13.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Harper Perennial Amazon Marketplace: 46 new & used starting at $3.00

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 10 Average rating: 3.0 of 5

A good read, a page turner, an easy, enjoyable book 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 5 people found this review helpful.

I was compelled to write in praise of Winchester's Korea after seeing the other poor reviews. I am enjoying this book thoroughly and am not offended by Winchester's wit or maleness. There is plenty of other perspective and imagery throughout his walk that you may dwell upon if you're looking for a romantic time. It was written in the 80s though, so you'll want to get up to date - after you go and read the Journal of Hamel and his shipwrecked accounts from the mid 17th century!


Winchester's language is smart. His writing structure is a breath of fresh air as someone so smart chooses to write so freely. As a fan of Krakatoa I must highly recommend this book as well.

Editorial Review:

In the late 1980s, New York Times bestselling author Simon Winchester set out on foot to discover the Republic of Korea -- from its southern tip to the North Korean border -- in order to set the record straight about this enigmatic and elusive land.

Fascinating for its vivid presentation of historical and geographic detail, Korea is that rare book that actually defines a nation and its people. Winchester's gift for capturing engaging characters in true, compelling stories provides us with a treasury of enchanting and informed insight on the culture, language, history, and politics of this little-known corner of Asia.

With a new introduction by the author, Korea is a beautiful journey through a mysterious country and a memorable addition to the many adventures of Simon Winchester.

Faces of Korea: The Foreign Experience in the Land of the Morning Calm

Richard Harris

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Recommended reading for those planning on living/working in Korea 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

This is a collection of accounts of a number of people who live, or had lived, in South Korea. The occupations of the people whose stories are relayed in this volume are varied, and range from those working as office workers, those who are students or who are serving in the US military, and of course those working as the obligatory ESL teacher. The nationalities are as diverse as the occupations - as well as people of Korean descent, there are also Americans, Japanese, Filipinos, and New Zealanders, all of whom have interesting stories to tell about various aspects of their lives in Korea.

The book is split into 6 main sections, each dealing with a particular general aspect of life in Korea. One section is about working in Korea, another discusses social relations in Korea. People of Korean descent share their experiences in one section, and students in Korea get another section. A particularly interesting section is dedicated to those people who have formally made Korea their home, including one white US male who renounced his American citizenship to become a Korea. The final section, which I suspect will be the cause of most people's interest in this book is teaching in Korea. This is hardly surprising since ESL teaching is a relatively high profile and popular occupation for many young foreigners in Korea.

All but one of the contributors to the teaching section have taught in Hagwons, the most common employer of ESL teachers in Korea. The sole exception was the contributor who had only taught as an university instructor, although a number of the Hagwon teachers also went on to teach at a university - again hardly surprising, since it is quite a popular gig, usually teaching 15 hours or so a week, for nearly twice the pay of a Hagwon teacher. This section will be of most use to those readers who plan on teaching in Korea, as a number of the contributors discuss the common pitfalls for a novice in this field, and tips to help get by. This isn't to say the other sections aren't of interest. Many of the contributors give interesting insights into life, love, work and play in the Land of the Morning Calm. Recommended reading for those wanting insights into life in modern Korea, as well as those considering teaching in Korea.

Editorial Review:

The first book of its kind to document the lives of foreigners in Korea firsthand, Faces of Korea is a collection of 47 interviews with people from more than 20 countries on five continents. Set up in a narrative format, which makes reading the interviews as enthralling as it does educational, subjects in the book include working in Korea, romantic relations with Koreans, people of Korean descent, teaching in Korea, learning in Korea and people who have made Korea their adopted home.

Chopsticks and French Fries: How and Why to Teach English in South Korea

Samantha D. Amara

Amazon Price: $7.95 List Price: $7.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Good Cheer Pub. Amazon Marketplace: 6 new & used starting at $6.69

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 8 Average rating: 3.0 of 5

Not quite four stars, but a few jewels may make it worth more than three. 3 out of 5 stars.
7 of 7 people found this review helpful.

When this arrived, I couldn't believe it qualified as a book, so I checked out the product pages. Yup, there it was--50 pages. IMHO, that's a fat pamphlet, and at $7.95, somewhat overpriced.

Nonetheless this book contains some practical knowledge. For example, a list of things that aren't readily available, and therefore worth taking; other items that are available, but a lot more expensive. But most important, though no one expects to need it, she includes a list on phone numbers. You can find numbers for embassies easily enough elsewhere, but the true gem is an assortment of phone numbers for Korean government agencies that deal with foreign English language teachers.

So, okay, maybe a lot of the rest of this book could have been found on the internet. Here it's gathered in one place.

Overall, it's worth at least a read at the library even if you have to request an interlibrary loan, if it's not in the bookstore--because it's so short, it won't take long! And if you're short on cash, copy out those phone numbers for the Korean agencies involved with foreign language teachers.

Another book to consider: Korea Calling: The essential handbook for teaching English and living in South Korea. At 173 pages, it has more than triple the coverage of what are mostly the same topics. At $14.95, that's the better value--except for thost phone numbers...

Editorial Review:

If you're thinking of joining the thousands of English-speaking teachers in Korea, this is the book for you. Samantha Amara guides you through the maze of contract and cultural issues that confront the first time teacher. She offers a checklist of things to ask for and to avoid. And she gives you realistic expectations of life halfway around the world.

LUXE Seoul (LUXE City Guides)

LUXE City Guides

Amazon Price: $9.00 List Price: $9.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: LUXE Asia Ltd. Amazon Marketplace: 12 new & used starting at $2.87

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 5 Average rating: 3.0 of 5

THIS WAS A HUGE WASTE OF MONEY 1 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I am a big user of popout maps and lonely planet guides.
This luxe guide may seem compact but its contents are literally full-of-bull. It's as if someone from another planet landed in Seoul and then wrote this guide.
If you were to follow it's recommendations, you would
end up in all the tourist traps and overpriced restaurants. A huge waste of $. I am never purchasing
a Luxe guide again.

Editorial Review:

It may be called the Land of the Morning Calm, but Seoul can drive a person crazy with its useless address system. That said, this city is packed with super-smart hidden treats if you know where to look and of course, now you do

Want to find Seouls hippest fashion designers and best custom leather tailors?
Want to savour the citys finest traditional, modern, or temple-style Korean cuisine?
Want to learn the delicate art of Korean sauna, or find the most luxurious spas?
Want to find a slew of shoe designers selling glamorous made-to-order Carrie Bradshaws?
Want an invaluable 24-hour, 17 language telephone interpreter service?
Want to find only the best shops, restaurants, spas, bars and services and avoid all the rest?

Well, now you can.

Living and Surviving in South Korea: What You Won’t Learn in Lonely Planet for Ethnic Koreans

Stan Y Lee

Amazon Price: $14.35 List Price: $15.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: iUniverse, Inc. Amazon Marketplace: 24 new & used starting at $9.96

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Editorial Review:

Over the years, Koreans all over the world have been visiting and living in their native land. Many travel books have been written about Korea but books written for the overseas Korean audience are far and few between. Finally, here is a book written not only for Koreans who are curious about or want to visit Korea, but one written from a Korean-American point of view. This is important because Koreans who have lived most of their lives outside of Korea are viewed and treated differently from people of other ethnicities who come to Korea. This book will teach you how to live, teach, and survive daily life in Korea written by a person just like you. I welcome anyone, though, Korean or not, to give this a try if you have so much as a passing fancy of life in the land of the morning calm.