Korean culture is enriched with traditions, customs, a deep-rooted history, and modern principles that have been taught to generations over centuries. Many books that teach about these historical and cultural values are very important to learn from, for both younger generations and foreigners.

These in-depth books teach about customs, mannerisms, history, food, and beliefs of the Korean people. Because these books are written by non-Koreans who researched and wrote about the Korean culture, foreigners will find them easy to read and have an unbiased perspective about Korea as a whole.

Korea – Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture by James Hoare, PhD

Korea – Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture by James Hoare is a detailed culture book that teaches the historical background of Korea, and how they fit in with relevance to other cultures, such as China. This book is from a foreigner’s point of view, and the way he describes social interactions among Koreans is unique and from a fresh perspective.

Hoare explains the mannerisms in which Koreans introduce each other, and how they ask about their name, age, hobbies, etc. Koreans seem to get close to each other very fast, based on shared hobbies and interests. They are very respectful toward elders, and are polite to foreigners.

The book also explores the ways that South Koreans use the transportation system such as buses, taxis, and subways, as well as how they enjoy their vacation time with their friends and families. Hoare investigates the lifestyle of Koreans, such as how Koreans eat and drink, the way one should behave in Korea, and basic etiquette that are useful to learn.

Korea – Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture will help tourists and travelers learn basic rules and etiquette before going to Korea, and know about the society and customs. Hoare’s teachings will help many people communicate better with Koreans and help them adapt to the Korean society.

The Korean Mind: Understanding Contemporary Korean Culture by Boye Lafayette De Mente

In The Korean Mind: Understanding Contemporary Korean Culture, writer De Mente explores the various cultural themes that are necessary to understanding the Korean culture and its people. For example, he talks about the ways in which Koreans live in a patriarchal society, where men take economic responsibility for their families.

The author explains important topics as they adhere to the Korean principles, such as “Cho Guk” meaning the mother country, “Chon Jung” meaning honor. He explains the economic and historical background of Korea, and investigates the deep-rooted personalities of Koreans.

South Korea 101: The Culture, Etiquette, Rules and Customs by Mancho Soto

South Korea 101: The Culture, Etiquette, Rules and Customs is an amusing book that teaches people about Korean culture and lifestyle. Ranging from topics such as drinking etiquette and types of foods in Korea to important landmarks, the book engages foreign readers in various important topics.

The book is a guidebook to rules and etiquette when traveling to Korea, as it talks about the etiquette to pour alcohol the correct way, dating in Korea, how to eat spicy food, and how to behave toward elders and friends.

The book also teaches about the ways to avoid car accidents in Korea as a pedestrian. Because the cities are always busy and there is a lot of traffic, Soto helps people learn about transportation and walking the correct way on streets.

The book is very important for foreigners and people who want to learn about Korea because Soto helps them understand the personalities of Koreans. Soto shares important insights about the Korean economy that she has learned in the country herself.

All About Korea: Stories, Songs, Crafts, and Games for Kids (All About…countries) by Ann Martin Bowler

Ann Martin Bowler writes about Korean history, Korean folktales, Korean games, arts and crafts, traditional clothing, food, and holidays in her exciting book All About Korea: Stories, Songs, Crafts, and Games for Kids. The book is targeted for children who want to learn about Korean culture and traditions.

Bowler explores the historical background of Korea, and how Korea evolved in modern times. There are many fun activities and puzzles that the book offers, and will help foreigners learn about Korean history. Folktales are very important in South Korea because there are many stories that often have an important moral at the end. Bowler talks about these folktales and how they are important to Korean society.

Bowler also talks about the traditional clothing called “hanbok” that Koreans have worn since ancient times and still wear even today on special days and holidays. The book is very comprehensive and thorough about Korean heritage, as it even has a section on the Korean national anthem.

The Birth of Korean Cool: How One Nation Is Conquering the World Through Pop Culture by Euny Hong

Euny Hong explores the remarkable ways that pop culture rose to fame internationally over the years. She also explains how Korea was still a developing country in 1985, and Korean pop culture was still well-known only in Korea.

She iterates that Hallyu, K-pop, and Korean cinema rose to fame because of the unique films that Korean directors made. Americans started to enjoy films and music by Korean artists, and many have gone international. Psy and his viral hit song “Gangnam Style” helped Hallyu become well-known all over the world.

The book gives thorough insight on how Hallyu changed Korean history and culture, and how K-pop started to rule as a power symbol. She also talks about how she grew up fitting into society surrounded by these Korean values.

She also talks about the ways in which Korean technology became advanced over the years, and how the brand Samsung has dominated the world’s smartphone market. Hong explains her perspective about Korea and how they rose to fame on digital TV, and the historical context behind this innovation.