Welcome to the Royal Asiatic Society-Korea Branch
The Royal Asiatic Society Korea Branch (RAS-KB), after a dozen years of activity, was officially recognized by the London headquarters in 1900. As such, the RAS-KB is the oldest organization in Korea designed to introduce people to the beauty of this land in all its many aspects. It is also arguably the most active international cultural and social organization in Korea. The society offers both academic and 'low-brow' offerings for better understanding Korea with priorities placed on accurate insights and pleasurable means of learning.
The RAS-KB, a non-profit organization, aims to help people enhance their understanding of the arts, customs, history, social trends, and landscapes of Korea through lectures, cultural excursions, publications and special interest groups.
Our members are from all walks of life, all nationalities, all ages, all profession. Anyone with a sense of adventure and a bit of intellectual curiosity is welcome. Come and join us! Members receive a free copy of our Transactions and can use our library. Please also check out our weekly updated RAS Korea Facebook page!
- Please mark your calendar: February 2~10, 20191
We are working on a
- One-week tour "In the Footsteps of the Buddha" in northern India.
This excursion will experience northern India culture and scenery while visiting the early landmarks of Buddhism. Specific details will soon be forthcoming.
The one-month Special RAS Korea Book Sale of both popular and eclectic books in English on Korea begins Oct. 10th! Go to the "Special Book Sale!" hot link found under the "Upcoming Excursions/Visits" heading below.
Upcoming Lectures
| Date | Title | Lecturer | Venue | Admission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Thursday, October 25, 2018 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm |
Russian Public Diplomacy on the Korean Peninsula: Focusing on the Early Soviet Diplomacy Activities in Colonial Korea | Janna Ballod, Ph.D. | Korea University, Asiatic Research Institute, Rm #310 | Free |
|
Tuesday, October 30, 2018 - 7:30pm to 9:00pm |
Korea's Extreme Metal Underground | Ian Henderson | Second floor Residents’ Lounge, Somerset Palace | W10,000 (non-members), W5,000 (students with student ID), free for members |
|
Tuesday, November 13, 2018 - 7:30pm to 9:00pm |
North Korea's Diplomatic Relations with Britain (2000~2018) | David A. Tizzard | Second floor Residents’ Lounge, Somerset Palace | W10,000 non-members, W5,000 (students with ID); free for members |
|
Wednesday, November 28, 2018 - 7:30pm to 9:00pm |
The Amazing Story of Korea's Industrialization Development (WEDNESDAY) | Ahn Yongok, Ph.D. | Second floor Residents’ Lounge, Somerset Palace | W10,000 won (non-member); W5,000 for students; free for members |
Upcoming Excursions/Visits
| Date | Destination(s) | Tour Leader | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inner & South Seoraksan Autumn Foliage (Deadline Oct. 19!) |
Saturday, October 27, 2018 - 8:00am to 8:00pm |
Seoraksan, Gangwondo | Sue Bae | Members: W79,000; Non-members: W89,000 |
| Southern Seoul's City of Metal walking tour |
Saturday, November 10, 2018 - 2:00pm to 6:00pm |
Mullae-dong, Seoul | Ian Henderson and Jon Dunbar | W20,000 for members; W25,000 for non-members |
| The Country They Have All Dreamed Of |
Wednesday, November 21, 2018 - 6:45pm to 8:30pm |
Mueseum of Contempory History | Matt VanVolkenburg | Free |
| In the Footsteps of the Buddha, N. India (½ seats gone!) |
Saturday, February 2, 2019 - 12:45pm to Monday, February 11, 2019 - 6:00am |
Deli and Northern India | Tom Coyner | Variable |
