In this course we explore the origins of the Korean nation and the challenges it has faced over the centuries. In so doing, we cover the Buddhist and Confucianist roots of early Korean societies. Tracing the Korean nation's history, we learn of the competing kingdoms and the eventual success in uniting the people under one Emperor. This ushered in the Imperial period, which lasted until late in the 19th century. That was when Korea's tenuous position between its larger and more powerful neighbours (China and Japan) became acute. War between the two resulted in Japan taking control of the entire Korean peninsula. We visit a prison used during the Japanese occupation to gain a better understanding of Korea's precarious situation in the region.
The 20th century proved even more turbulent for Korea, with World War II, civil war, and the Cold War leading up to the division of the nation. After paying a visit to the Korean War Museum, we travel to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the border between North and South Korea. There we get a tour of the area from members of the United Nations Armastice Command. We consider the nature of an armistice and the ever-present risk of conflict. Returning to Seoul, we consider the role played by Korea's modern history in relation to its National Security Act. This law aimed to preserve South Korea's security, but at the cost of certain civil liberties.
Finally, we consider the current situation on the Korean peninsula. The modern democracy in South Korea was several decades in the making, and now the country is one of the most prosperous on the planet. But the situation in the north looms large. We examine the remaining obstacles to Korean unification, or even normalization of relations, during a visit to another border town. The past few years has brought the Korean situation to the forefront of international diplomacy, though a major breakthrough remains elusive. Having considered the topics in this course, where do you think things will head?
