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

Interesting Facts

• The book reveals a fascinating paradox: a country that spent centuries in the shadow of great neighbors has managed to preserve a unique cultural identity, where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modernity.
• The author skillfully guides readers through the labyrinths of Korean daily life, offering a behind-the-scenes look at family customs, rituals, and celebrations that remain unknown to most foreigners.
• Special attention is given to how historical upheavals—wars, the division of the country, rapid economic development—have shaped the national character and worldview of Koreans.
• The book vividly describes little-known aspects of Korean cuisine, where beyond the familiar kimchi lies a whole world of flavors, aromas, and symbolic meanings.
• Readers learn about the subtleties of the Korean language, in which even addressing someone reflects a complex system of social relationships and hierarchies.
• The author shares rare observations on how collectivism and individual aspirations coexist in Korean society, manifesting in the most unexpected everyday details.
• The book brings to life portraits of ordinary people, their joys and anxieties, and the remarkable ability of Koreans to find harmony between past and future.