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, March 26, 2019 - 7:30pm to 9:00pm |
The Next 30 Years: Baby Boomers vs. Millennial Generation | YongGu Suh, Ph.D. | Second floor Residents’ Lounge, Somerset Palace | W10,000 for non-members; W5,000 for student non-members; free for members |
|
Tuesday, April 16, 2019 - 7:30pm to 9:00pm |
Sex in the Kitchen: Gender and cooking media in contemporary Korea | Jennifer Flinn | Second floor Residents’ Lounge, Somerset Palace | W10,000 (non-member); W5,000 student (with student ID; free for members |
|
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 (non-member); W5,000 student (with student ID; free for members |
|
Tuesday, May 7, 2019 - 7:30am to 9:00pm |
From Shanghai through the Korean War, a personal journey | Young-ok Ahn, Ph.D. | Second floor Residents’ Lounge, Somerset Palace | W10,000 for non-members; W5,000 for student non-members; free for members |
Upcoming Excursions/Visits
| Date | Destination(s) | Tour Leader | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Life Outside the Gates of Yongsan Garrison |
Saturday, March 23, 2019 - 3:00pm to 5:30pm |
Samgakji, Seoul | Dr. Daniel Oh | W20,000 for members; W25,000 for non-members |
| Korean Literature Club: "The Plotters" by Un-su Kim |
Wednesday, March 27, 2019 - 7:00pm to 9:00pm |
North Terrace Cafe, near Anguk or Jongno-3ga station | Yonjoo Hong, Bro. Anthony | Free |
| Yonsei U. & Underwood Family Museum Walking Tour |
Saturday, April 6, 2019 - 1:00pm to 5:30pm |
Front gate of Yonsei Universi | Peter Underwood & Jeremy Seligson | W20,000 for members; W25,000 for non-members |
| Visit to a Traditional Residence in Namsan |
Sunday, April 14, 2019 - 2:30pm to 4:30pm |
Namsan Hanok Village | Sang-Oak Lee, Ph.D. | W20,000 for members; W25,000 for non-members |
| The Western Gold Mining Concessions in Korea (1883-1939) |
Thursday, April 18, 2019 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm |
Asiatic Research Institute, Korea University | Robert D. Neff | 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 |
