Join us as Dr. Todd A. Henry, Associate Professor in the Department of History and affiliate faculty member of Critical Gender Studies, Science Studies, and Film Studies at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), launches the Society’s new Current Directions in Korea Studies Series. Dr. Henry, a specialist of modern Korea, a social and cultural historian, and an expert in LGBTQ studies, is well-suited to launch our new series.… Read More

Join us as we explore the insights gained from educators who have advanced long-standing Korean language and Korean educational programming in their schools. Learn how the creative Korean programming our speakers developed evolved over time. Bruce Ballard, Professional Development Specialist at Bronx Charter School for Better Learning, shares his experience with elementary school programming. Jisun Kwon and Kleio Park, Korean language teachers at Francis Lewis High in Queens New York,… Read More

At the request of KLP advanced language skills students, the Society has launched a Debate Series. In November, the KLP hosted its second Korean debate that focused on Korean pop culture. Parasite, the Academy Award-winning movie for best director and best picture, was chosen as the topic with discussion focused on social inequalities and their consequences as well as why inequality matters in Korean society now. The debate, conducted entirely… Read More

In November 2020 the Society not only launched its 3rd Language Exchange Program, which matches native Korean and English speakers for conversation practice but added a new global element. This year, 33 students from Korea University and Ewha University were paired as conversation partners with the Society's Korean Language Program (KLP) students. This is the first time that we attempted to match students in Korea with KLP students in the… Read More

Photo credit: Ruth Hogben for ABT Trefoil or “three-leaved plant” is a stylized form found in artifacts and architecture across culture and time. Dr. Minjee Kim begins the story with her first encounter with a gold headdress ornament of the Balhae kingdom (698-926) and traces the migration of its trefoil form throughout the 4th-6th century across Asia. Then, she travels to France, where “fleur-de-lis” adorned French crowns, clothing, textiles, and… Read More

Many language programs and instructors have needed to quickly change from in-person to online instruction modes this year. If you are looking for ways to improve your delivery, join us to explore tools and best practices for virtual classroom set-up and management. Dr. Sang-Seok Yoon, Associate Professor of Instruction and Korean Language Coordinator at the University of Iowa’s Asian & Slavic Languages and Literatures Department, and Dr. Bumyong Choi, Senior… Read More

The term han is difficult if not impossible to translate into English – at least not in a word or two. Words such as “rage” or “deep sorrow” are not sufficient to capture the complex of emotions that it evokes. Yet it is something that Koreans can readily identify when they see it. This talk examines some historical examples of han taken from both literature and real-life events. They will… Read More

Kimchi and soju are staples of daily life in Korea and tend to represent the cuisine for foreigners. Though kimchi and soju are strongly associated with Korea, their history has remained elusive. This program delves into the origins of these foods by looking at the eating and drinking culture of the Joseon period. This gives us a fuller picture of the life of the peasantry during that time, helping us… Read More

Educators are invited to explore Korea’s rich premodern and dynamic contemporary history. Dr. Michael Pettid, Professor of Premodern Korean Studies at Binghamton University, chronicles core societal values, belief systems, and dynastic changes in premodern Korea. Dr. Charles K. Armstrong, Korea Foundation Professor of Korean Studies at Columbia University, outlines the 20th century events which have shaped contemporary Korea. The conference ends with a classroom activities workshop to help educators incorporate… Read More

Dr. Minjung Lee, visiting scholar at University of California Davis, outlines the evolution of traditional attire throughout Korean history, reveals her research methods, and shares tales about her career as a costume designer for KBS television dramas. Royal Threads: Historical Representations in Costume Design with Dr. Minjung Lee visiting scholar in the department of Textiles and Clothing at the University of California 6:00 PM | Registration 6:30 PM | Reception… Read More