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!
Upcoming Lectures
| Date | Title | Lecturer | Venue | Admission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Tuesday, February 11, 2020 - 7:30pm to 9:00pm |
'Punishing the traitor, producing the citizen': South Korean prison reform 1945-61 | James D. Hillmer | Second floor Residents’ Lounge, Somerset Palace | W10,000 for non-members; W5,000 student non-members (with student ID); free for members |
|
Tuesday, February 25, 2020 - 7:30pm to 9:00pm |
Finding common ground: Reconstructing contemporary Korean history with archival footage | Mr. Taewoong Lee | Second floor Residents’ Lounge, Somerset Palace | W10,000 for non-members; W5,000 student non-members (with student ID); free for members |
|
Tuesday, March 10, 2020 - 7:30pm to 9:00pm |
Movement Characteristics of Korean Traditional Dance and Martial Arts | Sanko Lewis | Second floor Residents’ Lounge, Somerset Palace | 10,000won for non-members and 5,000won for student non-members (with student ID); free for members |
|
Tuesday, May 12, 2020 - 7:30pm to 9:00pm |
Witnessing Gwangju | Paul Courtright | 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 - "The Nine Cloud Dream" by Kim Man-jung (translated by Heinz Insu Fenkl) |
Wednesday, February 12, 2020 - 7:00pm to 9:00pm |
B1, North Terrace Cafe | Yonjoo Hong & Brother Anthony | Free |
| RAS Museum Day with Nat'l Museum of Korean Contemporary History |
Wednesday, February 19, 2020 - 7:00pm to 8:45pm |
National Museum of Korean Contemporary History | Museum Guide & RASKB's Matt VanVolkenburg | Free |
| Colloquium - Two Homes |
Thursday, February 27, 2020 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm |
Korea University, Asiatic Research Institute, Rm #310 | Kim Deog-Young | Free |
