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, July 16, 2019 - 7:30pm to 9:00pm |
Imagining Korean Spaces: Authenticity through Visual Koreanness in Korean Popular Music Videos | Dr. CedarBough T. Saeji | Second floor Residents’ Lounge, Somerset Palace | 10,000 won for non-members and 5,000 won for student non-members (with Student ID); free for members |
|
Tuesday, July 23, 2019 - 7:30pm to 9:00pm |
Charles Lang Freer's Collecting of Korean Art in the Early 20th Century | Charlotte Horlyck | Second floor Residents’ Lounge, Somerset Palace | 10,000 won for non-members and 5,000 won for student non-members; free for members |
|
Tuesday, August 27, 2019 - 7:30pm to 9:00pm |
Vibrant Matters: Fish, Fishing and Community in North Korea and Neighbours | Dr. Robert Winstanley-Chesters | Second floor Residents’ Lounge, Somerset Palace | 10,000won for non-members and 5,000won for student non-members (with student ID card); free for members |
Upcoming Excursions/Visits
| Date | Destination(s) | Tour Leader | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 56th B&C Club: Korean Culinary Culture Exhibition Hall |
Tuesday, July 23, 2019 - 12:00pm to 1:00pm |
Korea Tourism Organization - Seoul Center | Mr. Jun YK Shin | Free |
| Korean Literature Club: "the Utility of Landscapes" (by Kim Ae-ran, translated by Brother Anthony) |
Wednesday, July 31, 2019 - 7:00pm to 9:00pm |
North Terrace Cafe Basement, near Jongno 3-ga and Anguk Station | Yonjoo Hong & Brother Anthony | Free |
| Dong Gang - Rafting tour |
Saturday, August 3, 2019 - 8:00am to 8:30pm |
Through Gangwon Province | Ms. Sue J. Bae | 98,000won for members and 118,000won for non-members |
