The Island of World Peace: The Jeju Massacre and State Building in South Korea

This book explores the history of the Jeju massacre (1947-1954) through the lens of state building in South Korea, focusing on the reintegration of Jeju Islanders into the state and the reconciliation of 4.3 historical conflicts. It offers an empirical example of state-building processes at the local level and contributes to various fields, including the Korean War, state violence, conflict resolution studies, gender studies, and Asian and Korean studies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 210 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2023
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

This captivating book delves into the harrowing history of the Jeju Massacre (1947-1954), the deadliest civilian massacre in modern South Korean history. Through the lens of state building in South Korea, it explores the tragic events that unfolded on Jeju Island during the early Cold War era. Sociologist Gwisook Gwon, based in Jeju, examines the massacre in the context of the birth of anti-communist South Korea and the subsequent reintegration of Jeju Islanders into the state. Gwon also sheds light on the experiences of Jeju soldiers during the Korean War (1950-1953) and the contributions of Jeju women in the economic recovery and modernization of the island between the 1950s and 1970s.

This unique study in South Korean history delves into the lingering legacies of the massacre, examining the ongoing reconciliation of the 4.3 historical conflicts and the transformation of Jeju into an "Island of World Peace." The book offers a fresh and original perspective on state-building processes at the local level, spanning from the establishment of the state to its democratization. It contributes to various fields, including the Korean War, state violence, conflict resolution studies, gender studies, and Asian and Korean studies.

By examining the Jeju Massacre through the lens of state building, this book provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics of South Korean history and the ongoing struggles for justice and reconciliation. It serves as a reminder of the importance of remembering and addressing historical atrocities to promote a more peaceful and harmonious society.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538145692