Joseon

I became conscious of Korea at the same time I noted a loss of confidence on the part of my father.


Near the beginning of the 'Korean War' I heard my father say that it was wrong for the people of the United States to be butting into anyone else's civil war.
Soon after that I heard him renege by saying that he just didn't understand and who was he to say.


I still don't know much about Koreans. While working on the docks I did discover that Koreans could work with Japanese without loving them.


Form early reading I seem to remember that they knew about riding horses very early in their history, but that they had raised bears even earlier.


I think that your history book will tell you that Korea is one of the oldest continuous civilization in the world.


The oldest evidence of pottery in Korea is dated just after the flood, about 8000 BC.




There were lots of people in Korea before the Gojoseon Kingdom was founded about 2500 BC, which is the time from which date the beginning of the Korean people on the Peninsula.


I think that pre-Buddhist Koreans had already successfully resisted Chinese and Mongolian invasions. Still, I imagine that Koreans carry some Chinese and Mongolian genes. Please correct me where I need correction and add your comments.


I think that Koreans are just now finding evidence of how very old the use of bronze is on te peninsula.
Before about 300 BC an iron culture began toward the south of the peninsula. The Koreans are very much their own people, but I do believe that they were influenced by very early contact with Han Chinese.

Goryeo

 I'm trying to get some feel for from whence Korea has come. It's not easy for me.


It seems that in early times there were important relationships between the people who would become the Koreans we know today and peoples of early Mongolia and Manchuria.


It seems, because I'm not at all certain, that these people found it necessary or expedient to resist advances of Certain Chinese people.


It further seems that after the 7th century of 'the common era' a people called the Goguryeo fought with people of certain Chinese dynasties (was one of them called Sui?)in 'wars' that were to become important to the people who came to be called Korean. It seems that much of this important history occurred near the boarders of China and what we now call North Korea.


To keep me confused it seems that beginning in the 5th century AD a people called the Silla gradually expanded their influence across the Korean Peninsula and so a time came called the Unified Silla period.


In 918 AD the Silla period was followed by the Goryeo. I wonder how that happened?


Goryeo is a short form of Gorguryeo which is the source for the English name Korea! Well, what is the Korean name for Korea? We don't know much do we?


Is it fair to say that Korea began in 918 AD when we don't even know what Korea is to Koreans? Are there Koreans who have ever heard the word Korean?

Find Out About Korea

One way I was told to find Out about Korea and Koreans was to get a Korean girlfriend. That way you may quickly find out about Korean mothers, fathers, brothers, grandfathers, aunts, dogs, language,customs, culture, religion, etc.

Getting to know something about basic Confucianism may be a calm and useful start for leaning about Korea.

Visiting South Korean cities like Seoul, Gyeongju, or Busan may be eyeopening. Also, in those cities it is not hard to to find helpful English speakers. In getting to know the beautiful Korean countryside, small towns and out of the way cities you may find tour operaters and guides helpful. Consider checking out a mountain and an island while there.

Checking out the two Koreas in Wikipedi is informative even for Koreans.

Travel books (I like to check out the cheaper used ones first) by outfits like Frommer, Moon, and Lonely Planet are often interesting and informative. You can find much at your local library and bookstores. Amazon.com is a great for books and videos. Take a look at The Two Koreas by Don Oberdorfer.

Maybe it is time for you to check out Korean restaurants in your area. Maybe there is a Korean shopping area not too far from you. Remember that there is no rule against striking-up a conversation with  Korean at these places. If a lady takes your eye, remember to find out a bit about her family relationships sooner rather than later.

As long as you are shopping check out the Hyundai and Kia dealerships. There are other Korean car companies you may find interesting; among them GM Daewou.