Textbooks Worldwide Acknowledge Goguryeo History as Korean History

The fact that Goguryeo history cannot be included in Chinese history only because China claims so unilaterally is proven in history textbooks in the international community. It appears that almost all nations, including the U.S. and Japan, describe clearly and objectively that Goguryeo history is a part of old Korean history.

Goguryeo History According to Developed Countries-

Various encyclopedias that American students often use, such as Britannica and Encyclopedia, state clearly that Goguryeo was a kingdom of the period of the Three States. The world history reference book, published by Barrons, which is the most popular book among high school students, claimed, “Goguryeo achieved the most victories in conflicts among three powers.” Britannica explained, “Korean history began from the three dynasties of Goguryeo, Baekje, and Shilla in 57 BC.”

The high school Japanese history textbook published by Yamagawa described Goguryeo as “a northern power, and Goguryeo among three nations on the Joseon peninsular began to carry on a southward advance policy with Pyongyang where old Nakrang forces stationed as a stronghold after defeating Nakrang forces and Daebang forces in 313.”

A major textbook used by French university students majoring in Oriental History titled “Korean History” written by Professor Andre Fabre stated, “Chinese documents on history describe that Goguryeo submitted to the Hyundo of China, but this is not true and it was impossible for China to control Goguryeo’s people, who inhabited a rugged, mountainous area.”

“The World History Map” published by an authoritative publishing house in Germany, the DTV, recorded, “Su was struck back by Goguryeo and Turkey, which made Dang rise instead of Su.”

In addition, it is confirmed that Mexican elementary school, middle school, and high school textbooks describe Chinese old and medieval history as having no concern with the Korean Peninsula, particularly with Goguryeo, almost without exception.

Other Nations’ Descriptions of Goguryeo History-

It appears that a good many nations not only do not deal with only ancient Korean history, but also ancient East Asian history. A world history textbook in Switzerland recorded mainly European history except in an introduction of four civilizations.

Middle school and high school textbooks in Russia do not deal with ancient Korean history and treat old Korea as if it were a subject of China when they mention it.

It appears that Middle Eastern textbooks are focusing on Arabic and Islamic history, and world history generally is not included in their curriculum. On the other hand, a society textbook of the Modern Arabic publishing house in Egypt introduced modern Korean history in detail while mentioning Asia’s new rising countries.

Young-Sik Kim spear@donga.com