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 professions, 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!
Members are also invited to our annual Garden Party (June 9 at UK Ambassador's Residence).
Upcoming Lectures
| Date | Title | Lecturer | Venue | Admission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Tuesday, May 29, 2018 - 7:30pm to 9:00pm |
LesBiTrans Migrant Life in South Korea | Chelle Jones | Second floor Residents’ Lounge, Somerset Palace (across from Japanese Embassy) | 10,000 won for non-members and 5,000 won for students (with student ID); free for members |
|
Tuesday, June 5, 2018 - 7:30pm to 9:00pm |
The Green Hills, Reconsidered: Korea's Environmental History in World-Historical Perspective | John S. Lee Ph.D. | Second floor Residents’ Lounge, Somerset Palace | 10,000 won for non-members and 5,000 won for students (with student ID); free for members |
|
Tuesday, June 26, 2018 - 7:30pm to 9:00pm |
Techniques Used in Royal Portraiture During the Late Joseon Dynasty | Doo Hee Chung | Second floor Residents’ Lounge, Somerset Palace | 10,000 won for non-members and 5,000 won for students (with student ID); free for members |
|
Tuesday, July 3, 2018 - 7:30pm to 9:00pm |
Myanmar and North Korea: Divergent Paths | Andray Abrahamian, Ph.D. | Second floor Residents’ Lounge, Somerset Palace | 10,000 won for non-members and 5,000 won for students (with student ID); free for members |
Upcoming Excursions/Visits
| Date | Destination(s) | Tour Leader | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Color and Pageantry in Seoul’s Temples on Buddha's Birthday (SOLD OUT) |
Tuesday, May 22, 2018 - 1:00pm to 8:45pm |
Various Seoul Temples | Jeremy Seligson | W40,000 for members / W49,000 for non-members |
| Hanok History and Preservation Walking Tour (Confirmed) |
Sunday, May 27, 2018 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm |
Bukchon District | Robert Fouser | W20,000 for members and W25,000 for non-members |
| RAS-KB Goes to the Ball Game! (Confirmed) |
Sunday, June 10, 2018 - 1:30pm to 10:00pm |
Jamsil Stadium, Seoul | Patrick Bourgo | W20,000 members; W25,000 non-members plus price of baseball ticket |
