Welcome to the Royal Asiatic Society-Korea Branch
The Royal Asiatic Society Korea Branch (RAS-KB), after ten 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!
Starting from Dec. 11, we have two volunteers serving our office to handle book sales, assist Library visitors, etc. Please look at the bottom of this page for exact office hours. In any case, we strongly advise to call ahead to the RAS Korea to confirm someone is in the office on the day of your intended visit.
Upcoming Lectures
| Date | Title | Lecturer | Venue | Admission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Tuesday, April 23, 2019 - 7:30pm to 9:00pm |
An American Gold Miner in 19th Century Korea | Robert D. Neff | Second floor Residents’ Lounge, Somerset Palace | W10,000 for non-members; W5,000 student non-members (with student ID); free for members |
|
Tuesday, May 14, 2019 - 7:30pm to 9:00pm |
From Shanghai to North Korea and the Korean War - Story of my Generation | Young-ok Ahn, Ph.D. | Second floor Residents’ Lounge, Somerset Palace | W10,000 for non-members; W5,000 student non-members (with student ID); free for members |
|
Tuesday, May 28, 2019 - 7:30pm to 9:00pm |
Moving toward Korean as a "Cultural Experience Language" | Dr. Robert Fouser | Second floor Residents’ Lounge, Somerset Palace | W10,000 for non-members; W5,000 student non-members (with student ID); free for members |
Upcoming Excursions/Visits
| Date | Destination(s) | Tour Leader | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Korean Literature Club: "At Dusk" by Hwang Sok-yong (translated by Sora Kim-Russell) |
Wednesday, April 24, 2019 - 7:00pm to 9:00pm |
Literature Translation Institute of Korea (한국문학번역원) | Yonjoo Hong & Brother Anthony | Free |
| Changsin-dong Walking Tour |
Sunday, April 28, 2019 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm |
Changsin-dong area, near Hansung U. | Robert Fouser, Ph.D. | W20,000 for members; W25,000 for non-members |
| Gilsangsa Temple and the Korean Stone Art Museum: Seoul's hidden healing spots |
Saturday, May 11, 2019 - 11:30am to 4:00pm |
Gilsangsa temple & the Korean Stone Art Museum | Mr. Song-Hyon Jang | W25,000 for members; W30,000 for non-members (including the museum admittance fee) |
| Color and Pageantry in Seoul's Temples on Buddha's Birthday |
Sunday, May 12, 2019 - 1:00pm to 9:00pm |
Temples in Seoul area | Jeremy Seligson | W40,000 for members; W49,000 for non-members |
| 54th RAS B&C Club: Donuimun Museum Village |
Tuesday, May 21, 2019 - 12:00pm to 1:00pm |
Donuimun Museum Village | Jon Dunbar | Free |
