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Reference Book Errors and Comments

 

Title: The New Encyclopedia Britannica
Publisher: Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc.
ISBN Number: 0-85229-591-X
Book Year: 1994

 
 

TOTAL POINTS
93.2
 
 
Word Count (40)
Accuracy (40) Visuals (15) Bibliography (5)
65,000
Portrayal: 10  Total: 54 Works Cited: 55
  Care of facts: 9 Maps: 9  
  Up-to-date: 10 Pict./Illust.: 37  
  Romanization: 10 Chart/Graph: 8  
POINTS: 40 
39 
10.5
3.7
 

Factual Errors or Inconsistencies
 

Page
Errors Correction
865 (v6)
Kimchi - stored in earthenware jars to ferment for approximately one month This is an explanation for traditional kimjang kimch'i, not common kimch'i.
809 (v12)
Paekdusan is 2700 meters high. It is 2744 meters high.
166 (v17)
Unified Silla period is from 668 to 635. Unified Silla period is from 668 to 935.
701 (v17)
Korean artists were generally inferior to the Chinese and Japanese in technical perfection and precision. This point can be argued.
702 (v17)
The only existing paintings of the Three Kingdoms period are from Koguryo and Paekche tombs. Chönmado from the Chönmach'ong Tomb in Kyöngju is in many ways more important, yet omitted. 
703 (v17)
• The seated Maitreya in the former Toksu (Töksu) Palace Museum (now an annex of the National Museum of Korea, Seoul) 
 
 

• Two stone pagodas in Pulguksa; one is located behind the entrance gate and the other in front of the main hall

• The former National Museum of Korea is a building in Kyöngbok Palace. The present National Museum is an annex of Kyöngbok Palace. Töksu Palace is located in a different area and the National Museum was/is not there. 
• Both are located in front of the main hall (one on the right and the other on the left) and behind the entrance gate (one on the right from the entrance gate, and the other on the left)
860 (v21)
Korea ruled by Japan since 1895. Korea ruled by Japan since 1910.
494 (v22)
South Korea uses Taehan ("Great Han") as its official name. or the Great Han Republic
496 (v22)
• The Yi dynasty, with 26 monarchs, ruled until the Japanese annexation of Korea in 1910. • There were 27 monarchs during the Yi dynasty, although the last was a Japanese puppet, 1907-1910.
508 (v22)
Text mentions Buddhism as primarily for women, Confucianism as primarily for men, Christianity is relatively new. Shamanism gets scant mention, and Ch'angga-Hakhoe gets far too much coverage. 
509 (v22)
• In rural areas, agricultural products are still hauled by oxcart and by human labor. 
• About half of high school graduates go to college. 
• Shamanism, Buddhism, and Confucianism constitute the most important background of modern Korean culture.
• Oxen have mostly been replaced by modern farm machinery. 
• About 30% of high school graduates go to college 
• Christianity also influences Korean culture.

 

731 (v22)
Korean alphabet " " sounds o as law Text should read "low"
1074 (v29)
Korean alphabet, invented in 1447 Korean alphabet was invented in 1446.
958 (v6)
The population of North Korea is listed at 22,937,000 in the 1991 and 1992 editions. In 1993 and 1994, the population is listed at 22,227,000. The population of North Korea did not decrease by 700,000 in one year.
961 (v6)
748 (v22)
• 62 million people speak the Korean language. 
• Korean is spoken by more than 55,000,000 people. 
Problem with consistency. Also, Korean is spoken by approximately 70 million people, when Koreans living abroad are included in the count. 
822 (v9)
Population of Pyongyang (P'yöngyang) is given from 1980 statistics. Information it too outdated for such a recent edition. 
 

Maps
 

Page
Topic
958 (v6)
Small map of North Korea in relation to South Korea, Japan, China, Mongolia, and the USSR
959 (v6)
Small map of South Korea in relation to North Korea, Japan, China, Mongolia, and the USSR
51 (v16)
General ethnic composition of China (shows where Koreans are living)
495 (v22)
Korea during the Three Kingdoms period (c. AD 400)
502 (v22)
North and South Korea, with major cities, rivers, and provinces highlighted -- Index included
504 (v22)
Population density of North Korea
508 (v22)
Population density of South Korea
224 (v27)
Central Seoul and its metropolitan area.
302 (v22)
Japanese expansion in the late 19th and 20th centuries.
 

Pictures or Illustrations
 

Page
Topic
7 (v3)
Korean celadon vase with inlaid decoration (mishima), 13th century, Koryo (Koryö) dynasty
959 (v6)
Statue of Kim Il Sung at the Museum of the Revolution in P'yongyang (P'yöngyang), North Korea
960 (v6)
Flooded paddy field in the region south of Seoul, South Korea
961 (v6)
• Gilt bronze bodhisattva, Paekche Kingdom 
• Celadon vase in the form of a muskmelon, Koryo (Koryö) period, early 12th century
822 (v9)
The skyline of P'yongyang (P'yöngyang), North Korea
133 (v13)
Korean bottle with a celadon glaze and mishima, Koryo (Koryö) dynasty, 13th century
503 (v17)
Painting by Sin Yun-bok (1758- ?) of Korean women wearing traditional clothing
701 (v17)
Bronze belt hook, Early Iron age
704 (v17)
• Stela at the tomb of Kong Muryol, 661, Silla period 
• Bronze bell of King Sondok, Unified Silla period
705 (v17)
Sarira casket of the Kamunsa, Unified Silla period
706 (v17)
Wooden mask of a court servant, late Koryo period
707 (v17)
"Dogs," vertical scroll by Yi Am (1499- ?), early Yi dynasty. Ink and colour on silk
708 (v17)
Punch'ong ware wine bottle in "rice-bale" shape, 15th century, Yi dynasty
Plate 9
Korean art of the Later Three Kingdoms period (300-668) 
• Silla gold crown from Kyongju (Kyöngju), 4th-6th centuries 
• Silla clay vessel in the shape of a mounted horseman, 5th-6th century 
• Silla gilt bronze Maitreya, 6th-7th century 
• Hunting scene from "Tomb of the Dancing Figures," Koguryo (Koguryö) wall painting on plaster, 5th-6th century
Plate 10
Korean art of the Unified Silla period (668-935) 
• Pulguk-sa (temple) in Kyongju (Kyöngju), North Kyongsang (Kyöngsang) Province, South Korea 
• Pagoda of the Pulguk-sa (temple) in the North Kyongsang (Kyöngsang) Province, South Korea 
• Glazed cinerary urn. 
• Seated granite Sakyamuni of the Sokkuram (Sökkuram) Cave Temple, Kyöngju, South Korea
Plate 11
Korean art of the Koryo (Koryö) period (935-1392) 
• Celadon water dropper in the form of a duck, 12th century 
• Lacquer box inlaid with mother-of-pearl, 12th century 
• Bronze incense burner with silver inlay,1177 
• Inlaid celadon vase, c. 13th century 
• Kyongch'onsa (Kyöngch'önsa) pagoda, Seoul, 14th century
Plate 12
Korean art of the Yi period (1392-1910) 
• Throne hall of Kyongbok (Kyöngbok) Palace, Seoul, 1897 
• Blue and white ware jar, 17th-18th century 
• "Landscape," vertical scroll ink painting by Chong Son (1676-1759) 
• "Immortals," album-leaf by Kim Hong-do (b. 1745?). Ink on paper.
709 (v17)
"A Group of Horses," detail of a four-fold painted screen by Kim Ki-ch'ang (1913- ). Colour on paper
745 (v17)
Music illustration
503 (v22)
Crater lake at the summit of Mount Paektu, northern Yanggang province, North Korea
510 (v22)
Royal tombs of the Silla and Unified Silla kingdoms (1st century BC - 10th century AD) at Kyongju (Kyöngju), South Korea
225 (v27)
Downtown Seoul seen from the Toksu (Töksu) palace
 

Charts or Graphs
 

Page
Topic
464 (v3)
Chronological list of New Independent Nations Since 1943 -- North and South Korea represented for 1948
160 (v8)
Mining -- North Korean production of Cement (1992) and Coal (1989)
543 (v8)
Principal National Parks of the world -- Nine parks in South Korea and one in North Korea cited
148 (v12)
United Nations membership (North and South Korea since 1991)
894 (v17)
Table 2: Real Gross Domestic Product per Employed Person -- Korea represented
731 (v22)
Table 51: The Korean Alphabet (Han'gul)
818 (v28)
Table 2: Railway Systems of Selected Countries -- South Korea represented
Plate 6 (v4)
National Flags -- North and South Korea represented
 

Comments

Britannica is clearly the standard. The total number of words, accuracy, and authorship by named authorities make them the leader of the field. Strict use of the standard romanization was unique among the encyclopedias. There were some errors, or cases of lack of care with facts, but they were minor given the volume written about Korea. One other title had more bibliographic references and one other had more visuals, which resulted in less than a perfect score (93 out of 100 points). It is really an exceptional encyclopedia.

 
 
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Title: Asia and the Pacific
Publisher: Facts on File
ISBN Number: 0-8160-1826-x (Vol I); 0-8160-1827-8 (Vol 2); 0-8160-1622-4
Book Year: 1991

 
 

TOTAL POINTS
72
 
 
Word Count (40)
Accuracy (40) Visuals (15) Bibliography (5)
38,300
Portrayal: 10 Total: 35 Works Cited: 61
  Care of facts: 10 Maps: 2  
  Up-to-date: 9 Pict./Illust.: 0  
  Romanization: 8 Chart/Graph: 33  
POINTS: 23.6
37
6.8
5
 

Factual Errors or Inconsistencies
 

Page
Errors Correction
146
Romanization of juch'e Either juche or cluch'e
162
Spelling of Sonyou Should be Sönyön
163
Romanization of Geoje Köje
594
Romanization of sadaechuuei sadaejuöi
 

Maps
 

Page
Topic
142
Map of North Korea
154
Map of South Korea
 

Pictures or Illustrations
 

Page
Topic
768
North Korea's national emblem
784
South Korea's national emblem
 

Charts or Graphs
 

Page
Topic
390
Area and Population: South and North Korea included
391
GNP Per Capita: South Korea included
392
Economically Active Population Proportion in Agriculture, 1987; North and South Korea
393
Urbanization: South Korea included
394
Land Use, 1986: South and North Korea represented
395
Agriculture: Production Indexes-Per Person: North and South Korea represented
396
Food: Production Indexes-Per Person: North and South Korea represented
397
Indexes of Manufacturing Production: South Korea represented
397
Distribution of Manufacturing Value Added, 1985: South Korea represented
398
Indexes of Mining Production: South Korea included
399
Exchange Rates and Currencies: South and North Korea represented
400
Exports (Millions of U.S. Dollars)
401
Exports (Millions of U.S. Dollars)
402
Ratio of Exports and Import to GDP (Percent), 1986
403
Central Government Expenditure by Function, 1985 (As % of Total Expenditure)
404
Distribution of Gross Domestic Product (Percent), 1986
405
Distribution of Gross Domestic Product (Percent), 1986
406
Prices: General Indexes (1980=100)
407
Debt-Service Ratios
408
Energy Production, 1985
409
Crude Petroleum: Imports and Exports, 1985
410
Telephones, Television Receivers and Radio Receivers
411
Motor Vehicles in Use (Thousands)
412
Railways
413
Health Services
414
Food Supply: Calories Per Person Per Day
415
Literacy Rate, 1985
416
Education: Number of Institutions by Type
417
Education: Number of Students by Level (Thousands)
418
Education: Pupil/Teacher Ratios
1338
The Flying Geese Hypothesis
1339
Stages of Industrial Growth in Asia-Pacific Countires
1342
Changes in Income Distribution
 

Comments

From pages 389 to 418, numerous charts and tables are very good, but many are disappointingly out-of-date for a 1991 publication: some 1980, none newer than 1987.

 
 

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Title: The Encyclopedia Americana, International Edition
Publisher: Grollier Incorporated
ISBN Number: 0 - 7172 - 0125 - 2
Book Year: 1994
 
 

TOTAL POINTS
66.4
 
 
Word Count (40)
Accuracy (40) Visuals (15) Bibliography (5)
32,500
Portrayal: 10 Total: 33 Works Cited: 25
  Care of facts: 9 Maps: 2  
  Up-to-date: 10 Pict./Illust.: 25  
  Romanization: 9 Chart/Graph: 6  
POINTS: 20
38 
6.7
1.7
 

Factual Errors or Inconsistencies
 

Page
Errors Correction
621 (v1)
Korean alphabet is connected to Indian  Korean alphabet is not connected to Indian
455 (v2)
Hangang (Han'gang) is the largest river Han'gang is the second largest in South Korea after Naktonggang
607 (v4)
Pondoksa Pongdoksa
360 (v6)
Hallasan is 2773 meters high Hallasan is 1950 meters high
393 (v9)
• Tsurumagi 
• Old clothes: colored for maidens and white for matrons
• Turumagi 
• Color of clothes doesn't have to do with maidens and matrons
89 (v10)
612 (v16)
Unified Silla 668 - 892 AD 668 - 935 AD
292 (v14)
Chusok (Ch'usök) falls in the middle of August at the end of the harvest Ch'usök falls in late September of early October at the end of the harvest
543 (v16)
Population of Seoul: 8 million Over 11 million
546 (v16)
• Korean, 40-letter alphabet 
• 20% of Korean population is Christian 
• Korean, 24-letter alphabet 
• 30% is Christian
547 (v16)
• Korea's usual beverage is rice tea

• Brass bowls are typical 
 

• Traditional attire is worn daily mainly by country women

• Korea's usual beverage is barley tea or corn tea 
• Brass bowls used to be typical, now stainless steel or ceramic is commonly used. 
• People rarely wear traditional attire (only for special occasions)
550 (v16)
• About 100 A.D., the kingdom of Koguryo emerged  • 100 A.D. is technically correct, but Koreans recognize 37 B.C. as the traditional date that Koguryö emerged.
562 (v16)
Republic of Korea was established in 1948. Three years later DPRK was established. DPRK was established in the same year (1948); ROK--August, DPRK -- Sept.
458 (v21)
By Feb, 20, 1963, Korea had normalized its diplomatic relations with Japan Korea had normalized its diplomatic relations with Japan by 1965.
360 (v6)
543 (v16) 
546 (v16) 
612 
401 (v26)
• Population of Cheju in 1970. 
• Population of Korea in 1980. 
• Population of major cities in 1980. 
• Population of Kyongju (Kyöngju) in 1975. 
• Use of data from 1969-1979.
All of the statistics and data are too old to be used in such a recent edition. Updated information would be more appropriate. 
 

Maps
 

Page
Topic
544 (v16)
Map of North and South Korea with major cities and rivers cited
562 (v16)
Battle lines at various stages of the Korean War
 

Pictures or Illustrations
 

Page
Topic
393 (v9)
Painting of Korean men in horsehair hats and traditional coats, c. 1800
362 (v11)
North and South Korea's flags (Flags of Asia)
543 (v16)
Picture of downtown Seoul and Nam-San tower
545 (v16)
• Dragon Head Rock on Cheju Island 
• Peaks, ravines, and foliage of Sörak mountain
546 (v16)
• Crowds in P'yöngyang, capital of North Korea, hail the Communist ideal of chuch 
• Picture of a Korean family, showing the importance of the father--son relationship
547 (v16)
Korean men gather at a traditional ceremony to honor the dead
548 (v16)
Women performing the traditional Circle Dance 
549 (v16)
The colossal Buddha at Pöpchu Temple
550 (v16)
Masterpieces of Korean Art: 
• Fifth century crown of gold and jade with pendants 
• 12th century celadon vase inlaid with crane decorations
552 (v16)
13th century woodblocks used to print the Buddhist canon (Tripitaka Koreana) in a temple near Taegu
558 (v16)
• South Korean agricultural machinery 
• Color television sets for export and domestic markets
559 (v16)
South Korea's Ulsan oil refinery, completed in 1964
560 (v16)
Hyundai cars await loading onto a freighter for shipment to foreign markets
561 (v16)
U.S. Marines fighting for control of Seoul in late September, 1950
562 (v16)
General Douglas MacArthur, planner of the Inchon (Inch'ön) landing
563 (v16)
GI's on Heartbreak Ridge in late 1951
564 (v16)
U.S. Marines near the Yalu River prepare to fight Chinese troops
565 (v16)
Chinese POWs surrendering 
612 (v16)
The pagoda at Kyongju's (Kyöngju) Punhwangsa temple, built in 634 A.D.
25 (v23)
Pusan, the country's second largest city and most important seaport
562 (v24)
The Kyöngbok Palace complex in Seoul, at the foot of Mt. Pugak
 

Charts or Graphs
 

Page
Topic
460 (v11)
National flowers -- Korean Rose of Sharon represented
291 (v14)
Selected list of National holidays -- North and South Korea represented
831 (v21)
Consumption of refined petroleum products, 1980 -- South Korea represented
401 (v26)
Countries that have more than 1 million telephones -- South Korea represented
218
Insignia of Rank, Armed Forces of South Korea 
604
National Decorations, Medals, and Orders -- Korea represented
 

Comments

The text gives a very accurate and well detailed account of the Korean War. South Korean President Kim Young Sam is not mentioned until the 1994 edition, despite being elected in 1992, and inaugurated in 1993. Former president Roh Tae Woo is mentioned several times in the 1994 edition.

 This encyclopedia ranked second in points, with a gap between number one, but clearly ahead of three, four, and five. One of the factors in the high rating was the collection of authors by name at the end of each article. It had half the words of the number one title, but scored near-maximum on our accuracy scale. It attempted to follow the standard romanization but fell short in some articles where the author did not maintain consistency.

 
 

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Title: Collier's Encyclopedia
Publisher: P. F. Collier, Inc.
ISBN Number:
Book Year: 1993
 
 

TOTAL POINTS
57.1
 
 
Word Count (40)
Accuracy (40) Visuals (15) Bibliography (5)
39,000
Portrayal: 8 Total: 21 Works Cited: none
  Care of facts: 8 Maps: 5  
  Up-to-date: 6  Pict./Illust.: 12  
  Romanization: 7 Chart/Graph: 4  
POINTS: 24
29
4.1
0
 

Factual Errors or Inconsistencies
 

Page
Errors Correction
144
Reforestation; Korea's hills are beginning to become green again. For many years, the hills in Korea have been green due to reforestation.
145
Population of South Korea of 1989: 44 million. 42 million in 1989.
145
Currency unit of South Korea: 
1 Won=100 Hwan 
Hwan is not used any more.
145
Chii-san Chiri-san
145
Much of the mountain and hill areas are covered only with scrub oak and small pines, and branches are broken off these for firewood while the hill slopes are raked clean for brush.  Very much outdated information
147
Population of North and South Korea: 66 million. 64 million
147
Population density of South Korea: 302 per sq km. 427 per sq km
149
South Korea is divided into 9 provinces and 2 cities, Seoul and Pusan. 6 independently-administered cities: Seoul, Pusan, Inch'ön, Taegu, Taejon, Kwangju. (these cities are not subordinate to provinces)
149
South Korea has observer status at the UN. A member nation since 1991.
150
North Korea has observer status at the UN. A member nation since 1991.
150
North and South Korea remain economically complementary to each other. In theory, they are complementary , but they do not trade with one another.
154
KAL is owned by the state. KAL is a private company.
154
Steady increase in international indebtedness, which in 1983 stood at about $40 billion --  Outdated information
159
Women's position in Korea is described as very inferior and insecure: 
• women's jobs are usually low-paid waitress, maids, clerks, industrial laborer
In modern Korea, it is not this bad.
159
In South Korea secondary school stresses vocational or technical training. This sounds more like North Korea. In the South, there are college prep schools and vo-tech also.
160
Chomsungdae is located near Kyongju (Kyöngju). It is located in Kyöngju.
160
Chosan Ilbo Chosun Ilbo
160
Popular school sports: baseball, gymnastics as is Japanese judo. Taekwöndo is more popular than Japanese judo. 
Soccer is probably the most popular.
160
Customs and holidays: western plumbing is rare, mulberry paper, wooden frames, outside toilet, and a few apartments. Very outdated information.
161
Does not count Apr. 8 as a national holiday. April 8, on the lunar calendar is an unofficial national holiday.
161
Women's divorce is a social opprobrium. In modern Korea, is it not this bad.
167
Five-year plan goes only till 1981. Currently in its seventh five-year plan (91-96), Korea continues to implement these economic plans.
168
Chun Doo Wan Chun Doo Hwan
168
Inflation rate from 1986 to 1989: average of 3%.  Over 10% for the three year period.
 

Maps
 

Page
Topic
145
Small, blank map of Asia with North and South Korea highlighted
146
Detailed map of North and South Korea with major cities and railroads highlighted
152
South Korea - Economy: major agriculture, fishing, mining, industry, cargo port, and power locations highlighted
156
North Korea - Economy: major agriculture, fishing, mining, industry, cargo port, and power locations highlighted
169
Major Military Actions of the Korean War -- Troop movements and dates cited
 

Pictures or Illustrations
 

Page
Topic
144
Buildings and people on Pyongyang's (P'yöngyang's) main avenue in North Korea
145
People at the Tongdaemun (East Gate) Market in Seoul, South Korea
147
Ryugyung (Ryugyöng) Hotel in Pyongyang (P'yöngyang) - 105 stories high
151
Workers assembling telecommunications equipment at a Goldstar factory in Anyang, South Korea
153
Hyundai shipyard factory in Ulsan, South Korea
155
Modern city of Pusan, South Korea
157
Plant workers examine plans at the Taen Heavy Machine Complex in Pyongyang (P'yöngyang)
158
Traditional and modern styles of dress are worn by patrons of a restaurant in Suwon, South Korea
160
Computer education at a middle school in the North Korean capital of Pyongyang (P'yöngyang)
164
Bulguk-Sa (Pulguksa) Buddhist Temple at Kyongju (Kyöngju), South Korea, built in A.D. 540 
167
The wooden pagoda adjoining Popju-sa (Pöpchusa) temple at Mt. Songni, South Korea
171
Soldiers constructing a bunker on "Heartbreak Ridge," central Korea, October 1952.
 

Charts or Graphs
 

Page
Topic
144
General information on North Korea
145
General information on South Korea
154
Output of Major Commodities -- North and South Korean output of seven general commodities in 1961 and 1976
172
U.S. Casualties, Korean War
 

Comments

Collier's suffered most in the accuracy scale. Most of the material was out of date, which led to a negative portrayal in several areas.

 
 

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Title: Academic American Encyclopedia (Grolier)
Publisher: Grolier Incorporate
ISBN Number: 0-7172
Book Year: 1993
 
 

TOTAL POINTS
56.7
 
 
Word Count (40)
Accuracy (40) Visuals (15) Bibliography (5)
15,500
Portrayal: 9 Total: 37 Works Cited: 74
  Care of facts: 9 Maps: 11  
  Up-to-date: 9 Pict./Illust.: 22  
  Romanization: 8 Chart/Graph: 4  
POINTS: 9.5
35
7.2
5
 

Factual Errors or Inconsistencies
 

Page
Errors Correction
98 (v5)
Korean war started on June 26, 1950 June 25, 1950; June 26 is date claimed by the U.S.
5 (v12)
Kaesong (Kaesöng), called Songdor Kaesöng was called Songdo.
113 (v12)
More than 75% of all children attend secondary school. Most of elementary school graduates go to the secondary school.
7 (v19)
Taejon [ty-juhn] Taejon [taejuhn]
27 (v10) 
5 (v12)
• Population of Hamhumg from 1981 statistics. 
• Population of Kaesung (Kaesöng) from 1981 statistics. 
Information is too outdated for such a recent edition.
 

 Maps
 

Page
Topic
233 (v2)
Map of Asia -- Korea represented
244 (v2)
Asian languages
254 (v2)
Political boundaries of Eastern and Southern Asia in 750 A.D.
255 (v2)
Asia in 1294 A.D.
363 (v4)
China and Asia -- Korea represented
361 (v11)
Japan -- Korean peninsula included
112 (v12)
North and South Korea in relation to Asia, beginning of the "Korea" section
113 (v12)
Map of North and South Korea with major cities highlighted
120 (v12)
Korean War -- battle sites and troop movements during the following periods: 
• June - November 1950 
• November 1950 - July 1953
355 (v12)
World Languages (Korea is classified under "Japanese and Korean")
 

Pictures or Illustrations
 

Page
Topic
207 (v1)
Air force uniform throughout wars -- Korean War represented
182 (v2)
The United States Army uniform throughout wars -- Korean War represented
112 (v12)
• North Korean flag 
• South Korean flag
113 (v12)
Downtown Seoul, the capital and largest city of Korea
115 (v12)
• View of Korean terrain, mountains and rice fields 
• A Confucian ceremony enacted at the Chong Myo Royal Shrine in Seoul
117 (v12)
• Painted lacquer basket from Lo-lang, evidence of Chinese influence on Korean culture 
• Pottery vessel of a warrior on a horse from the Shilla Dynasty (Three Kingdoms period)
118 (v12)
• 12th century porcelain water bowl with a peony design from the Koryo Period 
• Polychrome wall paintings in a Koguryo dynasty tomb 
• Ink monochrome landscape painted by Chong Son (1676-1759)
119 (v12)
United Nations troops and tanks moving through the streets of Seoul in 1950
193 (v16)
Rhee, Syngman, the first President of South Korea in 1948
282 (v14)
Diagram of the pressurized water reactor at the Ko-Ri power station, near Pusan
283 (v14)
A water flow chart of the Ko-Ri power plant
323 (v17)
Sino-Japanese War
45 6(v19)
United Nations troops were sent to South Korea in 1950
177 (v13)
Students performing at a tae kwon do (Taekwöndo) exhibition
469 (v15)
Japanese Kakiemon porcelain jar shows the influence of Chinese and Korean pottery techniques
114 (v12)
• Pyongyang (P'yöngyang), capital of North Korea 
• Workers assemble a Hyundai automobile at a factory in Ulsan, South Korea
 

Charts or Graphs
 

Page
Topic
113 (v12)
Annual climate chart for the cities of Wönsan and Pusan
119 (v12)
Table of Selected Korean Universities
112 (v12)
• General Facts on North Korea 
• General Facts on South Korea
 

Comments

1992 and 1993 books are almost identical.

* The following encyclopedias were found to be exactly like the Academic American text:

Lexicon Universal Encyclopedia (1988). Lexicon Publications, Inc. New York, N.Y.
Grolier International Encyclopedia (1992). Grolier Incorporated. Danbury, Conneticut

 
 

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Title: The World Book Encyclopedia
Publisher: World Book, Inc.
ISBN Number: 0 - 7166 - 0094 - 3
Book Year: 1994
 
 

TOTAL POINTS
55.6
 
 
Word Count (40)
Accuracy (40) Visuals (15) Bibliography (5)
19,000
Portrayal: 9 Total: 52 Works Cited: 12
  Care of facts: 8 Maps: 15  
  Up-to-date: 8 Pict./Illust.: 22  
  Romanization: 8 Chart/Graph: 15  
POINTS: 11.7
33 
10.1
.8
 

Factual Errors or Inconsistencies
 

Page
Errors Correction
764 (C)
17 nations contributed men to the U.N. force that fought in the Korean War 16 nations contributed men to the U.N. force and this book also mentions that 16 U.N. countries sent armed forces to Korea in page 342 (I).
370 (K)
Housing styles: North Koreans live in apartment buildings, South Koreans live in traditional-style houses A lot of South Koreans live in apartment buildings. 
371 (K)
• Many people in rural areas and some in the cities still wear traditional styles. 
• Most traditional clothing is made of cotton material.

• Full skirt that extends below the knees.

• People rarely wear traditional dress. 

• Most traditional clothing is made of silk (South Korea) and maybe North Koreans' clothing is made of cotton. 
• The full skirt came down to the ankles in South Korea and to the knees in North Korea.

373 (K)
Total area of Korea is 85,052 sq. miles or 220,284 sq. km. 85,563 sq. miles or 221, 607 sq. km.
376 (K)
• Koguryo (Koguryö) formed during the A.D. 100's, Paekche and Silla during the late 200's. 
 

• South Korea is known as Taehan.

• Koguryö formed in 37 B.C., Paekche in 18 B.C., Silla in 57 B.C. (Traditional dates) Text is correct, but perhaps one should comment on the accepted dates. 
• South Korea is known as Taehanmin'guk.
 

Maps
 

Page Topic
808 (A)
Foreign influence in Asia -- 1914.
809 (A)
When the countries of Asia become independent -- North and South Korea represented for the year 1948.
38 (H)
The Han Empire about A.D. 100.
367 (K)
Small map of North and South Korea in relation to Russia, Mongolia, China, and Japan.
369 (K)
Korea political map -- all major cities and towns highlighted.
372 (K)
Korea terrain map showing various land regions in Korea.
380 (K)
Four stages of the Korean War: 
• North Korea invasion (June to September 1950). 
• UN forces move north (September to October 1950). 
• Chinese offensive (November 1950 to January 1951). 
• UN advance and armistice (January 1951 to July 1953).
383 (K)
Korean War armistice line, established July 27, 1953.
67 (L)
Language families -- Japanese and Korean highlighted as one family.
304 (S)
• Location of Seoul 
• Seoul metro area 
• Details of metro area
 

Pictures or Illustrations
 

Page
Topic
186 (A)
Jet planes faced one another in combat for the first time during the Korean War (1950-53).
789 (A)
A fish market in Pusan, South Korea.
203( F)
Flags of Asia and the Pacific -- North and South Korea represented.
366 (K)
• Pyongyang (P'yöngyang), North Korea's most modern city. 
• Seoul, the cultural, economic, and educational center of South Korea.
367 (K)
Symbols of North Korea and South Korea -- National flags and coats of arms.
370 K)
Housing styles of North and South Korea.
371 (K)
• Traditional Korean music, performed by members of the National Classical Music Institute. 
• Buddhism has a strong influence on Korean culture -- Monks at a temple in South Korea.
373 (K)
• The Southwestern Plain covers almost the entire western coast of South Korea. 
• The Northern Mountains region extends across almost all of central North Korea.
374 (K)
Manufacturing in South Korea -- workers in a Seoul garment factory.
378 (K)
Talks between North and South Korea in 1991 -- representatives of the two Koreas shake hands after signing a peace accord.
379 (K)
Korean War: American troops observing Communist artillery movements.
381 (K)
General Douglas Macarthur, leader of the Inchon (Inch'ön) landing.
382 (K)
Chinese and North Korean negotiators for the armistice.
919 (P)
Pyongyang (P'yöngyang), the capital and largest city of North Korea.
305( S)
Children's Park, north of the Han River in Seoul, South Korea.
306 (S)
A bustling shopping district in Seoul, South Korea.
307 (S)
Seoul's South Gate dates from the city's founding in the late 1300's.
730 (A)
Picture of several styles of U.S. Army uniforms throughout history -- Korean War uniform represented.
238 (S)
Bronze Buddhist triad, excavated from Anap-chi Kyöngju, South Korea. 
 

Charts or Graphs
 

Page
Topic
184 (A)
Famous air battles -- (1950-53): Korean air campaign.
368 (K)
Korea map index
376 (K)
Important dates in Korea -- 12 dates from 108 B.C. to 1991.
381 (K)
Highlights of the Korean War -- Several important dates from 1950-53.
384 (K)
Military casualties in the Korean War -- Totals for the United Nations and Communist forces.
67 (L)
Language families -- Japanese and Korean listed as one family, 4% of all language groups. 
426 (S)
Leading merchant fleets of the world -- South Korea listed 14th.
834 (S)
A measure of standard of living -- South Korea list 9th ($3000) of 20 countries represented.
472 (T)
Highlights of Truman's Administration -- 1950, the United States sends forces to South Korea.
25 (W)
Wars involving the United Stated -- Korean War (1950-53): military deaths and war costs listed.
449 (W)
Important dates -- 1950: North Korean Communist troops invade South Korea, starting the Korean War.
513 (K)
Reading and Study Guide on the Korean War -- Topics for study, Books to read, Others sources of information.
367 (K)
Facts in brief -- General information on North and South Korea, beginning of "Korea" section.
304( S)
Facts in brief -- Five general information categories on Seoul, South Korea.
378, 384 (K)
Study aids (List of references, outline, and questions).
 

Comments

World Book received modest ratings on each scale of our evaluation. It was not the best in any category, but it was not the worst on any scale either.

 
 

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Title: Compton's Encyclopedia and Fact-Index
Publisher: Compton's Learning Company
ISBN Number: AG5 - C73
Book Year: 1994
 
 

TOTAL POINTS
52
 
 
Word Count (40)
Accuracy (40) Visuals (15) Bibliography (5)
20,500
Portrayal: 6 Total: 77 Works Cited: 7
  Care of facts: 6 Maps: 14  
  Up-to-date: 6 Pict./Illust.: 40  
  Romanization: 6 Chart/Graph: 23  
POINTS: 12.6
24
15
.5
 

Factual Errors or Inconsistencies
 

Page
Error Correction
269 (v12)
Two Koreas still suffer from dependence on foreign aid South Korea doesn't, and neither does North Korea since the fall of the Soviet Union
270 (v12)
Monetary unit of South Korea: 1 Won=100 Chun South Korea doesn't use Chun [chön] any more
272 (v12)
Everyday expressions in Korea: varies widely between extremely informal and extremely polite. 
My name is Jones = Jones io 
I am very glad to see you = Tcham pankap so
My name is Jones = Che irumun Jones imnida. 
 

I am very glad to see you = Ch'am pan'gapsumnida. 

272 (v12)
Men usually marry at the age of 21 Men usually marry at late 20's
272, 273 (v12)
Hangab Hwan'gap
273 (v12)
Most Koreans do not belong to an organized religion A lot of Koreans belong to an organized religion
273 (v12)
6 million Christians in Korea Over 10 million Christians
274 (v12)
2/5 of Koreans work in agriculture, fishing, forestry 10% in 1989
276 (v12)
Mild winter - double cropping on most fields Severely cold winter - double cropping on some fields in southern areas
282 (v12)
There are no earthquakes There are some very light earthquakes
293 (v12)
Kyongju (Kyöngju) Temple Pulguk Temple
177 (v21)
More than 9 million people in Seoul More than 11 million
178 (v21)
Picture of national museum It used to be, but is no longer 
4 (v23)
Taegu is the only large city away from the coast Taejon and Kwangju have over one million people and are located away from the coast. 
 

Maps
 

Page
Topic
Not written (2)
World map
167 (v2)
Small map showing the location of Kaesong (Kaesöng), North Korea
272 (v12)
Where the Korean People Live -- general population density map
279 (v12)
Korea showing the locations of Seoul, Songnisan, Kyongju (Kyöngju), Cheju
282 (v12)
Topography of Korea
283 (v12)
Weather on the Korean Peninsula 
• Average Yearly Precipitation 
• Average Temperature in August 
• Average Temperature in January 
290-291 (v12)
North and South Korea, with major cities and rivers highlighted -- Index included
297 (v12)
United States and United Nations Forces in the Korean War, 1950-53 -- Major troop advancements and dates cited
374 (v20)
The Russo-Japanese War (1904-5)
176( (v21)
Small map showing the location of Seoul, South Korea
297 (v25)
World map -- Index included
270 (v12)
North and South Korea highlighted on a global map of the Eastern Hemisphere
 

Pictures or Illustrations
 

Page
Topic
689 (v2)
Workers at a steel foundry in Songnim, North Korea
707 (v2)
A Korean-owned neighborhood grocery store in New York City
166 (v8)
Flags of the world
269 (v12)
The ancient South Gate in Seoul, South Korea 
273 (v12)
• Farming village in lowland South Korea 
• Lira elementary school, one of South Korea's finest private educational institutions
274 (v12)
• Korean National Anthem 
• Old Capitol Building in Seoul, South Korea
277 (v12)
South Korean fishermen clean a day's catch
278 (v12)
A steel mill in North Korea, the emphasis of economic expansion
279 (v12)
A Tour of Korea: 
• Kyongbok (Kyöngbok) Palace, now a public park in Seoul, South Korea 
• Popju (Pöpchu) Temple, at the foot of Mt. Songni, South Korea 
• Bulguksa (Pulguksa) Temple, at Kyongju (Kyöngju), South Korea, was built about AD 540 
• Chomsongdae (Chömsöngdae), an early astronomical observatory, in Kyongju (Kyöngju), South Korea 
• Chonjeyon (Ch'önjeyön) waterfall on Cheju Island
280 (v12)
Yi Dynasty porcelain jar with designs in underglaze iron
281 (v12)
Kang Gang Su Wol Lae (Circle Dance), one of Korea's many traditional folk dances
285 (v12)
• Statue of Yi Sunsin towers over Seoul's Sejong Avenue 
• Painting of the Sino-Japanese War, fought by China and Japan over control of Korea
286 (v12)
North-South talks on reuniting families that had been separated by the division of Korea
288( (v12)
Notable Events in Korea's history: 
• 1592-98: Adm. Yi Sunshin uses ironclad "turtle ships" to battle Japanese invaders 
• 1919: Mass arrests and executions put down Samil Independence Movement against Japan 
• 1950-53: A bombed out street during the Korean War 
• 1963: Park Chung Hee is elected president of South Korea; assassinated in 1979
292 (v12)
A mask play, used by the lower classes of the Yi Dynasty to make fun of the upper classes
293 (v12)
• A Buddhist scroll, the oldest known Korean printed text 
• Kyongju (Kyöngju) temple (Pulkuksa)
294 (v12)
A woman teaches another woman how to read during a literacy campaign after World War II
295 (v12)
Korean War: The battleship USS Wisconsin firing 16-inch projectiles at onshore Communist positions
296 (v12)
Korean War: Members of the first Marine brigade to reach Korea advance during the defense of the Pusan perimeter
297 (v12)
Korean War: Marines of the first assault wave scramble over the seawall at the port of Inchon (Inch'ön).
298 (v12)
Korean War: Soldiers of the North Korean army advance toward the front
300 (v12)
Korean War: 
• Helicopters were used to move troops and evacuate the wounded for the first time in Korea 
• A lonely sentinel watches a sector of the demilitarized zone (DMZ)
151 (v14)
A traditional Confucian wedding ceremony in Seoul, South Korea
668 (v19)
Pusan, at the southeastern tip of the Korean peninsula
177 (v21)
Namdaemun, or South Gate, one of five remaining gates through Seoul's original city wall
178 (v21)
The National Museum, opened in 1972, stands in a corner of the Kyongbok (Kyöngbok) Palace grounds
645 (v22)
Drawing from "The Scholar of Kosei," a Korean folktale 
299 (v23)
President Truman and General MacArthur, prior to the General being relieved of command in Korea
 

Charts or Graphs
 

Page
Topic
695 (v2)
Political Units of Asia -- North and South Korea represented
270 (v12)
Facts About Korea -- General Information
271 (v12)
• Age and Sex of Korea's population 
• Population Growth of Korea -- North and South Korea listed together until 1955 
275 (v12)
Government Organization of the Republic of Korea (Executive Branch)
276 (v12)
• Land Use -- percentage 
• Gross National Product of South Korea (Billions of Dollars) 
• Employment in South Korea (Thousands of Persons)
277 (v12)
• South Korean Spending Patterns 
• Principal Products of Korea -- North and South Korea represented
278 (v12)
Foreign Trade of Korea -- Leading Areas and Commodities for South Korea, Leading Areas for North Korea
280 (v12)
Korean Alphabet (Han'gul)
283 (v12)
Climate in Seoul -- Average Temperature and Precipitation during a year
289 (v12)
Korea Fact Summary 
• Area and Population of Korea compared to the U.S. (1978 population estimates) 
• Population Density of North and South Korea compared to the U.S. and other nations 
• Ten year increase (1967-77) of South Korea's Gross National Product (GNP) compared to that of six other nations 
• Output Percentages of several products from North and South Korea
296 (v12)
The Human Cost of the Korean War -- Total losses for the United Nations and Communist forces
299 (v12)
Chronology of the Korean War -- 1950-53
84 (v24)
Members of the United Nations -- North and South Korea represented (1991)
272 (v12)
Everyday Expressions in Korean
288 (v12)
The Korean People Build Their Nation -- 20 dates of importance in Korean history from 2nd century B.C. to 1979
13 (v25)
Important Wars and Battles -- Korean War cited (1950-53)
 

Comments

The reviewers also looked at 1991, 92, &93 editions. There were several inconsistencies in population estimates from year to year. Some later years showed a smaller population  than earlier years. Also, GNP figures for the 1994 edition were from 1976-77, very much out-of-date when the GNP changes at close to 10% each year.

 
 

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Title: Encyclopedia of the Third World
Publisher: Facts on File, Ltd.
ISBN Number: 0-948894
Book Year: 1978
 

 
 

TOTAL POINTS
51.8
 
 
Word Count (40)
Accuracy (40) Visuals (15) Bibliography (5)
29,000
Portrayal: 7 Total: 27 Works Cited: 25
  Care of facts: 8 Maps: 2  
  Up-to-date: 6 Pict./Illust.: 2  
  Romanization: 6 Chart/Graph: 23  
POINTS: 17.8
27
5.3
1.7
 

Factual Errors or Inconsistencies
 

Page
Errors Correction
780
Academic year runs from September through June in North Korea March through February
785
• Chusok (Ch'usök): Sep 27th

• Date of independence: August 15, 1948

• Mountain Chii 

• Date changes each year, according to the lunar calendar.
• August 15, 1945 -- August 15, 1948 was the date of the founding of the ROK. 
• Chiri
787
Christianity introduced in the late 16th century 18th century in Korea --> 16th in Japan
790
Administrator of Seoul, Pusan: Mayor
Administrator of cities over 50,000 population: Sijang
All of them are called mayor
sijang means mayor -- nothing more or less
792
Coins in Korea: 1, 5, 19, 50, 100 Coins in Korea: 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500
Notes: 1000, 5000, 10000
797
Academic year runs from September through June in South Korea March through December
 

Maps
 

Page Topic
768
North Korea in relation to China and South Korea
784
South Korea in relation to North Korea
 

Pictures or Illustrations
 

Page Topic
768
North Korea's national emblem
784
South Korea's national emblem
 

Charts or Graphs
 

Page Topic
773
Organization of North Korean government
776
North Korea: Principal economic indicators 
778
North Korea: Principal crop production
779
North Korea: Principal mineral production in 1975
782
North Korea: Principal health indicators
787
South Korea: Religious membership in 1975
788
South Korea: State Council in 1977
789
Organization of South Korean government
790
South Korea: Hierarchy of territorial units of local government
791
South Korea: Principal economic indicators
792
South Korea: 
• Balance of payments in 1975 
• Gross domestic product by economic activity in 1975 
• National budget in 1976
793
South Korea: Principal crop production in 1975
797
South Korea: Educational enrollment in 1975
798
Major universities of South Korea in 1977
799
South Korea: Principal health indicators
783
Chronology: North Korea from 1945-77
801
Chronology: South Korea from 1948-78
769
"Basic Fact Sheet" for North Korea
772
The North Korean Central People's Committee (1977)
772
State Administration Council (1977)
785
"Basic Fact Sheet" for South Korea
 

Comments

This text was older, and may not be published any longer, but we decided to evaluate it anyway; we hope it is still published and we hope to find a recent edition.
Its points on the accuracy scale were the lowest, in large measure because it was so out-of-date. There were errors and sloppiness of romanization as well.

 
 

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