The early history of Korea : the historical development of the Peninsula up the the introduction of Buddhism in the Fourth Century A.D.

Abstract

Korean studies in Western universities have long been hampered by the absence of an adequate general history of Korea in any Western language. The earliest period of Korean history, up to the introduction of Buddhism late in the fourth century a.d., remains the worst served of any. This short history is intended as an attempt to remedy the situation. It is based mostly upon studies already carried out by Korean and Japanese scholars, and aims at making some of the results of their research available to Western students, particularly students of Chinese and Japanese history. Dr Gardiner writes about the background and history of Korea before the Han conquest in 108 b.c.; the structure and development of the Chinese colonies in Korea from 108 b.c. to the end of the third century a.d. ; the early history of Kogury{u014F} later one of the 'Three Kingdoms' of Korea; and finally about the conditions which produced so many changes in Korea in the fourth century A.D., including the beginning of Japanese intervention and the coming of Buddhism.