Looking for a Mr. Kim in Seoul: A Guide to Korean Expressions
"... All the funny expressions my Korean-speaking friends chuckle about, but seldom explain, are in here.  Now I can finally understand!" -- --Martha Vickery, Korean QuarterlyThe book "Looking for a Mr. Kim in Seoul" is a welcome addition to the growing list of English language books on Korean culture.  As a collection of Korean proverbs, it is an unique contribution to our understanding of Korean ethos and psyche.  There may be similar publications in Korean but this is the first in English that I have come across.   The selection and coverage of Korean "expressions" are comprehensive for a relatively small book.  I am impressed by the number and the variety of topics that the authors have collected.   The English translations are incisive and, above all, very readable.  The extended commentaries, including some etymological notes on obscure words, are readily understandable and enjoyable even for readers with little previous knowledge of Korean culture.  A job well done.   This book is helpful for students of Korean culture, history, language and ethnography, from the high school level on up.  It is an enjoyable introduction to aspects of Korean history and recent politics as well as various customs and rituals.  It will make an excellent supplementary reading for students in senior high schools and colleges studying non-Western culture and history.  Adult book club members may also enjoy and appreciate the wit and humor in the Korean sayings. --Dr. Han-Kyo Kim, Professor Emeritus of political science, University of Cincinnati