October 2014 Non-fiction Berkeley Books

A Geek in Korea: Discovering Asia's New Kingdom of Cool Daniel Tudor


Paperback | Nov 2014 | Tuttle Publishing | 9780804843843 | 160pp | 254x190mm | GEN | AUD$29.99

A Geek in Korea reinvents the culture guide for the Internet age. Packed with articles and photographs, it covers all the touchstones of Korean culture — from Buddhism and Confucianism to chapters on the traditional arts and disciplines like Taekwondo. There are chapters on cultural code words and norms; personal relationships; business and technology; and symbols and practices that are peculiarly Korean. 

A number of chapters are devoted to Korean pop culture, with attention to the stars, idols, and urban subcultures associated with them. For visitors to Korea, the author includes a mini-guide to his favourite neighbourhoods in Seoul and other places of outstanding interest. Spotlighting the originality and creativity of the Koreans, debunking myths about them, and answering nagging questions like why they're so obsessed with education and success — Tudor has created the perfect book for the growing ranks of Koreaphiles in this inspired, insightful, and highly informative guide.