Ten Stories of Korea s Birth(영문판)(Korean Culture History Series)

Ten Stories of Korea's Birth marks the second volume in the Korean Culture & History Series, through which we hope to inform our readers about the charm and value inherent in Korean history and culture. The first book in the series, entitled Ten Most Treasured Korean Classics, is a collection of Korea's ten classical tales, intended for an international audience. In this second book, we introduce foundational myths of various countries that Korean people had established throughout its long history.

Recently, Korea has been rapidly gaining international recogition. From its semiconductors and automobiles to its food culture, this small land of the Korean peninsula is attracting worldwide attention. At the same time, people all over the world are increasingly showing more interest in the culture and history shaped by our ancestors. It is about time for us, as Koreans, to properly introduce various aspects of our beautiful culture ? its look and taste, and value and meaning ? to this globalized world.

We have published this volume in both Korean and English with English readers in mind. We hope that by reading this book in both languages, readers will be able to better understand the stories within. In addition, Korean and English readers will have the opportunity to learn each other's expressions.

We hope that the fascinating history of Korea this book offers will reach you through the "Korean Wave."



Korean Culture & History Series Planning Committee Members



[Author's Preface]

I began writing this book after hanging a map of the area of Gojoseon and a historical map of Korea on the wall in front of my desk. When looking at these juxtaposed maps of Korea, I can feel the historical journey of the Korean people. It was a very long journey, during which people were constantly searching for a favorable place to live. When they reached a fertile land, they founded a country there, and then, if this country fell, they moved to a new place and founded another country. Although the countries disappeared, the people did not.

Gojoseon ruled a vast territory, extending from the Luan River in the west to Lake Khanka in the east. After Gojoseon declined, Buyeo replaced it, advancing its way through the Manchurian Plain. Goguryeo and Baekje each carried on the spirit of Gojoseon and Buyeo at different locations. Silla annexed Goguryeo and Baekje and cultivated a thousand-year culture, while Balhae regained the lost Manchurian territory and carried on the legacy of Goguryeo. Goryeo unified the ancient kingdoms and opened the medieval period. Joseon became the bridge to the modern age.

The area our people's footsteps reached was surprisingly vast, and I have tried to convey its immensity in this book. I hope that you, too, will have a map in front of you while you're reading this book.

I hope you will travel through time and space from Gojoseon to Tamna and feel the breath and spirit of the Korean people.

Gojoseon Wq Shall Widely Benefit the World and All Things in it

Buyeo A Stepping Stone among the Ancient Korean States

Goguryeo I Will Regain Our Ancient Territory of Damul

Baekje We Are the True Descendents of Buyeo

Shilla The Kingdom of Millenial Light

Gaya O Turtle, O Turtle, Give Us Suro

Goryeo The Kingdom that United the Divided Kingdoms

Balhae The Kingdom that Carried on the Spirit of Goguryeo

Joseon The Cuntry that Ruled its People with Virtue

Jeju The Country of a Unique Culture

Jung Gyoung Sook 저자 Jung Gyoung-Sook made her literary debut with her children's story, "My Daddy," which won the Bulgyo Sinmun [Buddhist News] Spring Literature Contest. Gyoung-Sook hopes that children grow up having fun, running and playing. She also hopes that adults live with enthusiasm and all living beings live in peace. She writes to make such a place possible in this world.