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, October 22, 2019 - 7:30pm to 9:00pm |
Buddhism that Protects the Nation: The Hoguk Bulgyo Tradition | Prof. David A. Mason | 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, November 12, 2019 - 7:30pm to 9:00pm |
Jejueo, Korea's endangered language | Moira Saltzman | Second floor Residents’ Lounge, Somerset Palace | 10,000won for non-members and 5,000won for student non-members (with student ID); free for members |
Upcoming Excursions/Visits
| Date | Destination(s) | Tour Leader | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pimatgol: 'The Pompei[sic] of Seoul' |
Saturday, October 19, 2019 - 3:00pm to 5:00pm |
in Seoul | Mr. Jon Dunbar | 20,000won for members; 25,000won for non-members |
| 'The Armageddon North of Seoul' - Battlefield Tour: Imjin River |
Saturday, October 26, 2019 - 8:00am to 6:00pm |
Imjin river area | Mr. Andrew Salmon | 55,000won for Members and 66,000 for Non-members |
| Spooky Seoul |
Sunday, October 27, 2019 - 4:00pm to 7:00pm |
Yonsei East Gate area - Dongnimmun - Seodaemun Prison - Gyeonghui Palace - Gwanghwamun/Cheonggyecheon area | Ms. Jennifer Flinn | 23,000won for members; 28,000won for non-members |
| Defining Korean Modernity's Literary Space - a reading of Pak Taewon's A Day of in the Life of Kubo the Novelist (소설가 구보씨의 일일) |
Thursday, October 31, 2019 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm |
Korea University, Asiatic Research Institute, Rm #310 | Simon Kim | Free |
| [Special Event] RAS Open House |
Saturday, November 2, 2019 - 10:00am to 5:00pm |
RAS Korea Branch Office | Council Members | Free |
| Excursion to SUWON - Country Palace and (Fortress) City Walls |
Sunday, November 3, 2019 - 9:00am to 6:00pm |
Suwon, Gyeonggi Province | Mr. Peter Bartholomew | 43,000won for members; 51,000won for non-members |
| Ganghwa Island Shinmiyangyo Excursion |
Saturday, November 9, 2019 - 8:45am to 7:00pm |
Ganghwa-do | Dr. Thomas Duvernay | 55,000won for members and 66,000won for non-members |
