Not Only Kimchi: History, Culture and Everyday Life of Korea

Historical Context and Significance

Andrei Lankov's "Not Only Kimchi: History, Culture and Everyday Life of Korea" has become a kind of bridge between East and West, opening up the complex and multifaceted world of the Korean Peninsula to readers. With meticulous precision and deep respect for detail, the author reveals historical twists and turns, cultural traditions, and the subtleties of daily life, allowing us to see Korea not through the lens of stereotypes, but through the living fabric of time and human destinies. This book has made an important contribution to understanding Korean identity, helping readers feel the breath of different eras, grasp the origins of the national character, and sense the rhythm of modern life in a country where ancient customs are interwoven with the dynamics of rapid change. Lankov's work has fostered a deeper and more respectful attitude toward Korean culture, broadened the horizons of intercultural dialogue, and sparked greater interest in the study of Asian societies as a whole.