[Revised and Expanded Edition] Faraway Neighbors 21: Russia 1 - Pre-Modern

A legendary educational comic that has transcended time and generations and reached 1,800 million readers.
The fifth revised and expanded edition, evolving even in the age of AI, is out! Emphasizing its "transcending time and generation," we present the revised and expanded edition of "Faraway Neighbors." More than 40 years have passed since its serialization in a children's newspaper in 1981. Early readers have become parents and pillars of our society, and the next generation has become a new generation of readers, truly transcending time and generation.
The early perspectives of the series were filled with admiration and envy for Europe, and focused on reflecting on our own shortcomings. However, our country has developed at a breakneck pace, becoming a remarkable nation on par with advanced nations. As our status has risen, our perspective on the world has also broadened and diversified. I, too, have come to view the world with a more objective and sober mind. I believe this has been reflected in the book through numerous revisions.
_From 'Publishing the Revised and Expanded Edition in 2024'

Beginning with six European countries in 1987, the series has expanded to include Japan (2000), Korea (2002), the United States (2004-2005), the Middle East (2007), China (2010-2011), Turkey (2018), Russia (2020), and India (2022). "Far-off Countries and Neighboring Countries," which has completed a world map, has returned with its fifth revised and expanded edition, "transcending time and generations." Over the past 40 years, with Professor Lee Won-bok's guidance, some 60 "far-off" countries have become "neighboring" countries. Korea has grown into a country that stands shoulder to shoulder with the advanced nations featured in the early parts of the series.
Through numerous revisions, "Faraway Neighbors" has strived to view the world through a more diverse and objective perspective, befitting Korea's rising status. Guided by the principle that "history is always rewritten," the series has published revised editions approximately every five years since its initial publication, continually revising and supplementing to keep pace with changing times. Thanks to its vivid portrayal of world history, the legendary educational comic's reputation endures, even as centuries and generations change.
The recently published "Beyond Era, Beyond Generations, Faraway Neighbors" is no exception, illuminating the significance of newly emerging historical and cultural aspects, reflecting the current global situation and international order. Most importantly, the author has painstakingly compiled "Highlights" for each country in the appendix, allowing for a clear and concise summary of key points by country and region.

From the well to the center of the world
What is the secret to the popularity of "Faraway Neighboring Countries," which has completed a world map of 60 countries over 40 years?

"Far Away Neighbors" began as a series on six European countries in the Boy's Korea Daily in 1981. The manuscript was compiled and published as a book (published by Koryowon) in 1987. At the time, international travel was limited, and the internet was a distant dream. With the introduction of "Far Away Neighbors," which blended information and entertainment, a global mindset began to sprout in Korea, preparing for the global era. "Far Away Neighbors" is a monumental work that expanded our once-fool-in-a-well mindset and perspective onto the global stage. Even today, over 40 years later, "Far Away Neighbors," a unique educational comic recommended by parents to their children and teachers to students, remains a pioneer and synonymous with educational comics across generations.
Why has "Faraway Neighbors" been so loved by readers for nearly half a century?
First, there's Professor Lee Won-bok, who ushered in the era of educational comics and continues to actively draw them today. While attending Gyeonggi High School, the author's interest in comics began when he worked part-time, copying foreign comics at a children's newspaper. This led him to study in architecture at Seoul National University and then to Germany. During his ten-year study abroad, he immersed himself in comics from around the world, publishing comics and posters for West German newspapers as a freelancer and even drawing the cover for the 150th anniversary issue of the prestigious German magazine Allgemeine Zeitung. Since returning to Korea in 1984, Professor Lee has continued to teach at universities and, beginning with "Faraway Neighbors," has tirelessly explored the world through comics, exploring topics ranging from history, culture, economics, and philosophy. It's no exaggeration to say that comics, once considered a derogatory term, have been recognized as a legitimate medium for knowledge and information. It's no wonder parents say that even if other comics are banned, "Faraway Neighbors" will still be read. Professor Lee Won-bok pioneered the genre of educational comics enjoyed by adults, and his work as a cultural interpreter in the global era continues to this day.
Second, it's because of its "informativeness" in unraveling the complex and rigid history, society, customs, economy, education, and religion of various countries in an easy-to-read comic format, while remaining faithful to its original purpose as a comic book. Professor Lee Won-bok's trademarks include his unique and ingenious compositions, unexpectedly humorous dialogue, and engaging commentary. Transforming into a liberal arts lecture format, it not only conveys knowledge and information but also adapts the content into a musical performance, incorporating classical music, reaching a wider audience and evolving. This would not have been possible without the wit and emotion of "Chunchalsasil." Could there be a more intelligent and accurate educational comic, or a more entertaining and vivid history book?

With the latest world situation updates and 'Highlights' summarizing only the key points.
A distant neighboring country that has become richer and newer

This revised and expanded edition features a postscript of "Highlights," summarizing each country's history, culture, and current situation. The "United Kingdom" section examines the British Empire's global impact and the post-Brexit reality of 2020, while the "US President" section includes a new chapter on Joe Biden. The "Russia" section examines why President Putin invaded Ukraine in February 2022 and how its aftermath is reshaping the global order. The "India and the Subcontinent" section examines India, a renowned IT powerhouse but with a widening gap between rich and poor, and challenges us to consider how we should address the various conflicts facing our own society.
In this age of "three-line summaries" and "short-form" reading, wouldn't it be strategic reading to first read the "highlights," which offer easy-to-understand, concise summaries of complex world history, before moving on to the main text? By rereading the text, which clearly organizes key information and knowledge from each country, you'll further enhance your "historical literacy," allowing you to grasp the past and present of the world at a glance!

Three-dimensional storytelling that sees both the trees and the forest together
A global must-read for Korea, a developed nation that sees East and West from a balanced perspective.

In the foreword to this revised and expanded edition, Professor Lee Won-bok emphasizes that now is the time to discuss and debate "a vision for the future as an advanced nation." To play a leading role on the global stage, we must open our eyes and ears to the history, culture, information, and knowledge of not only the developed West but also the entire world. Only then can we gain the insight and intuition to see the underlying complexities of facts and phenomena, enabling a deeper and broader perspective on history and the world. This is why the "Faraway Neighbors" series has written a balanced and integrated world history, moving beyond the biased information and historical bias centered on the West and the great powers, and presenting a three-dimensional storytelling that sees both the trees and the forest.
With that intention, Professor Lee Won-bok's scope has broadened, starting with Volume 16, "The Balkan Peninsula," of "Faraway Neighbors." The destination has expanded beyond a single country to encompass regions and topics. Those curious about Islamic culture and religion can gain historical knowledge and regional insights in Volume 18, "The Middle East," and Volume 20, "The Ottoman Empire and Turkey." Volume 17 offers the splendid stories of civilization and culture from the 11 Southeast Asian countries that have emerged as crucial cooperative partners for Korea. Volumes 17 and 18 will follow, with volumes on "Scandinavian Peninsula (Northern Europe)" and "Africa" ​​soon to meet readers! The veteran scholar's journey to piece together the puzzle of world history, a subject he never learned in school, continues.

Exports to Japan, China, Thailand, India, etc.
A pioneering educational comic that pioneered K-comics

Beginning with the "Japan" edition, the "Faraway Neighbors" series, which began exporting to the world, is a pioneering educational comic that pioneered the K-comic market. Popular in Japan, China, and Thailand, it is recognized as a representative educational book for the global era read by people around the world. The English-language editions of "Faraway Neighbors in English"—"Our Country," "America 1 - Americans," "America 2 - History," and "America 3 - Presidents—are consistently loved not only by Korean readers studying English but also by foreigners eager to learn about Korea. In 2018, the Korean Cultural Center India purchased and distributed copies of "Faraway Neighbors in English" locally, providing an opportunity to introduce Korea to Indian readers.