Koryŏsa: The History of Koryŏ, Annals of the Kings, 918–1095 (Book I and Book II)

Among the Korean dynasties, the Koryŏ dynasty (918-1392) on the Korean peninsula was the first to have contact with the Western world. It was from these interactions with Koryŏ that the current appellation of “Korea” was derived. The Koryŏsa, or the History of Koryŏ, is one of the most significant historical texts on the Koryŏ dynasty. As the principal surviving history, the Koryŏsa elucidates the politics, society, economy, culture, and key figures of this period. Although the Koryŏsa was compiled during the Chosŏn dynasty (1392-1910), much of the known information about Koryŏ is contained within this text, making it the primary resource for understanding 500 years of premodern Korean history, culture, and civilization. This translation is the first full-length, English-language translation of the introductory section of the The History of Koryŏ and the first ten volumes of the Annals of the Kings, ranging from the dynastic founder, T’aejo Wang Kŏn (r. 918-943) to the fourteenth monarch, Hŏnjong (r. 1095). The nearly two hundred years of Koryŏ history encompassed within these annals provide invaluable insight into the birth and development of Koryŏ state and society, as well as the rituals and practices of warfare, diplomacy, and international relations with neighboring territories, including the Khitan, Jurchen, and Song China. The wealth of information provides a comprehensive survey of Korea’s past, offering lessons from history that are relevant to understanding modern-day Korea. Made accessible for an English-language audience, this translation will interest researchers across East Asian history in various fields including religion, philosophy, and culture. Read more