A Long Journey in Search of the Roots of the Korean People

 

Ancient Chinese texts frequently contain the term Dongyi (東夷). From the perspective of the Chinese Central Plain, Dong (東) means “east,” while Yi (夷) was a term used to refer, often disparagingly, to peoples living beyond the Central Plain. In particular, it was used to denote the peoples of the Korean Peninsula and neighboring regions.

 

Presented in the form of lectures, this book compares and analyzes the ancient histories of Korea and China, covering subjects ranging from the legendary founders of China, ancient myths, Dangun Wanggeom, the I Ching (Book of Changes), the rise and fall of various Chinese states, the Spring and Autumn and Warring States Period, the Five Hegemons of the Spring and Autumn Period, and Confucius, to Dangun Joseon. Through these discussions, it highlights the distinctiveness of Korea’s ancient history and shows how deep-rooted and remarkable the history of the Korean people is. By encouraging readers to reflect properly on the past, this book serves as a stepping stone toward building a new future.

[목 차]

Our True Ancient Tales: The Hidden Stories of Korea’s Earliest History [PART I]

 

1. Introduction

2. The Founding Fathers of China

3. Chiyou and the Yellow Emperor (Huangdi)

4. Yao of Tang, Shun of Yu, Yu of Xia, Tang of Shang

5. Xia Dynasty, Shang Dynasty, Zhou Dynasty

6. Confucius

7. Dangun Wanggeom

8. The Hetu and the Luoshu

9. Mago, the “Help Maiden”

10. The I Ching, or Zhouyi

11. Hongshan Culture

 

 

Our True Ancient Tales: The Hidden Stories of Korea’s Earliest History [PART II]

 

1. The Claims of Xi Jinping

2. Chinese Mythology

3. The First Discovery of Fire

4. Origins of the Three Sovereigns (Sanhuang)

5. The Lineage of the Five Emperors (Wudi)

6. Sage King Yu : Founder of the Xia Dynasty

7. King Tang : Founder of the Shang Dynasty

8. King Wu of Zhou: Founder of the Zhou Dynasty

9. The Tyrant, King You of Zhou

10. The Spring and Autumn and Warring States Period

11. Duke Huan of Qi (齊僖公) & “The True Friendship

of Guan Zhong and Bao Shuya (管鮑之交, Guan Bao Zhi Jiao)”

12. Duke Wen of Jin (晉獻公) & “Flesh-Cutting Loyalty (割股奉君, Ge Gu Feng Jun)”

 

 

Our True Ancient Tales: The Hidden Stories of Korea’s Earliest History [PART III]

 

1. The Five Hegemons of the Spring and Autumn Period (Chunqiu Wuba)

2. The Stele of Cang Jie the Sage’s Bird-Track Script

3. Nokdomun

4. Bo Yi and Shu Qi

5. King Zhuang of Chu (楚莊王) & “Restrained Power Awaiting the Right Moment (不飛不鳴, Bu Fei Bu Ming)”

6. Duke Mu of Qin (秦穆公) & “Grand Minister of the Five Ramskins (五羖大夫, Wu Gu Dafu)”

7. Duke Xiang of Song (宋襄公) & “The Misplaced Benevolence of Duke Xiang of Song (宋襄之仁, Song Xiang Zhi Ren)”

8. Wu Zixu (伍子胥) & “Time Is Short, the Road Is Long (日暮途遠, Ri Mu Tu Yuan)”

9. The Seven Warring States

10. The Disciples of Guiguzi

11. The Strategy of Vertical and Horizontal Alliances

12. The Unification of the Central Plains by Qin(秦)

13. The Fall of Dangun Joseon and What Followed

The Hanminjok (한민족)’s “Ancient Tales” to Be Remembered for the Era of Great Korea

- Hong joon-pyo, The 8th popularly elected Mayor of Daegu Metropolitan City

 

A Historical Guide to a Balanced View of History and the Awakening of the National Spirit (민족혼)

- Kang eun-hee, The 2nd & 3rd popularly elected Governor of the Daegu Metropolitan Office of Education

 

Ancient Tales Embodying the Pride of the Hanminjok (한민족) and the Spirit of Our Future

- Synn il-hi, President of Keimyung University

 

A Long Journey to the Roots of the Hanminjok (한민족), the Ethnic Korean People

- Lee jae-ha, The 24th Chairman of the Daegu Chamber of Commerce and Industry