Korean Overseas Information Service

This book was published in 1987, presumably just in time for the Seoul Summer Olympic Games in 1988 and is clearly designed to give a wide sweeping review of culture and the arts in Korea. ( I recall seeing some similar, though live, production at the Brisbane Expo in 1988...promoting Korean culture). And, in fact, the Koreans have a lot that they can be very proud of....including some incredible woodblocks produced around 750 AD to print the buddhist sutras.
Obviously, this art guide is now a little dated but it still gives a great overview...embracing literature, dance, ceramics, painting, craft, sculpture, music film-making etc. I've visited Seoul relatively recently and was impressed with the level of their culture and, having spent a lot of time in Japan, I have come to realise just how much the Japanese culture is an outgrowth of Korean culture and how much is owed to imports from both China and Korea.
Overall, a nice overview, though now a little dated and I will be donating to Charity. But 3 .5 stars from me,… (mer)