North Korea: A History

North Korea is perhaps the most intriguing, infamous and enigmatic nation of our modern world. Yet how many of us know its full history, and how it came to be? How can we understand such a strange, isolated state?

This new edition seeks to provide some answers to these questions. Starting with its origins in the colonial period, Michael J Seth masterfully traces how North Korea transformed itself from a Soviet-style socialist state to the ultra-nationalist, dynastic dictatorship of the 21st century. Born from 20th century Korea’s struggles to regain autonomy and achieve modernization, this book follows the story of how a single Korea with a shared ethnic and cultural heritage, evolved into radically different societies. From the birth of the DPRK, through economic collapse, famine and failed revolution, it illuminates North Korea’s journey with an engaging understanding of the political, ideological, economic and social forces at play.

This edition has been updated to examine recent developments in Korean history, up until 2025, and has analysed over sixty new publications from leading academics. It also incorporates the experiences of prominent North Korean women and analyses the everyday life of ordinary North Koreans, as well as the country’s leaders. Seth also uses his expertise to analyse and put more emphasis on Inter-Korean relations

Following the evolution of this uncommon nation, North Korea: A History uses the past to answer questions about the present, and above all shows North Korea as a society with a hard-working, long-suffering population who have made great sacrifices in the hopes for a better future.

North Korea: A History is also available in audiobook format from audiobook retailers.

Michael J. Seth is Professor of History at James Madison University, USA.