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, 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 |
|
Tuesday, September 3, 2019 - 7:30pm to 9:00pm |
50 years of Chollipo Arboretum Foundation: Past and Future Perspectives | Yong-Shik Kim, Ph.D., FLS | Second floor Residents’ Lounge, Somerset Palace | 10,000 won for Non-members; 5,000 won for Student non-members (with student ID); free for members |
|
Tuesday, September 24, 2019 - 7:30pm to 9:00pm |
Reflections on Providing Humanitarian Aid in North Korea and other Authoritarian Settings | Ms. Christy Gavitt | Second floor Residents’ Lounge, Somerset Palace | 10,000won for non-members; 5,000 won for student non-members (with student ID card); free for members |
|
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 |
Upcoming Excursions/Visits
| Date | Destination(s) | Tour Leader | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cheongpyeong Lake Cruise Excursion |
Saturday, August 31, 2019 - 8:30am to 7:30pm |
Cheongpyeong lake | Ms. Sue J. Bae | W82,000 for members and W97,000 for non-members |
| Seochon: Ten Years of Change |
Sunday, September 1, 2019 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm |
Seochon neighborhood in Seoul | Dr. Robert J. Fouser | 20,000won for members; 25,000won for non-members |
| Walking the Old Gyeongui Line |
Saturday, September 21, 2019 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm |
Gyeongui Line Forest Park in Seoul | Dr. Robert Fouser | 20,000won for members; 25,000won for non-members (dinner/drinks not included) |
| Andong Gourmet Trip |
Saturday, October 26, 2019 - 9:00am to Sunday, October 27, 2019 - 6:30pm |
Andong in North Gyeongsang Province | Ms. Veronica Kang (Gastro Tour Seoul) | KRW370,000 for members; KRW430,000 for non-members |
