Official Poster of the Seminar on 'The Current State of Korean Studies in France'

On July 5th, the Kyujanggak Institute for Korean Studies (hereafter Kyujanggak) International Center for Korean Studies (ICKS) hosted a seminar titled ‘The Current State of Korean Studies in France.’ Conducted in Korean via a virtual platform (ZOOM), the seminar offered insights and critical reflections on the global trends in Korean Studies that Kyujanggak has been keenly observing. Over two hours, presentations on the topic of Korean Studies in France were given by speakers Damien Peladan (Université Bordeaux Montaigne), Pierre-Emmanuel Roux (Université Paris Cité), Wang-Le Min-sook (Université Jean Moulin Lyon III), and Kim Hyegyeong (Aix-Marseille Université). Despite being a virtual event, it garnered significant interest, with around 50 participants in attendance.

Seminar on 'The Current State of Korean Studies in France' (ZOOM Screenshot)

France Emerges as a Promising Hub for Korean Studies

Opening the seminar, Damien Peladan explained the differences in degree concepts and academic processes between French and Korean universities, detailing the distinctions across various departments and stages. All presenters agreed on the rapid growth and development of Korean Studies in France over the past 15 years. The study of Korean Studies began later in the 20th century compared to the earlier fascination with Japanese and Chinese studies in the 19th century. Despite this, Korean Studies is now gaining significant scholarly value and popularity. In his presentation titled "A Brief History of Korean Studies in France" ("Bref historique des études coréennes en France"), Pierre-Emmanuel Roux (Université Paris Cité) captivated the audience by highlighting how Paris, the capital of France, has become a central hub and even a mecca for Korean Studies, nurturing many scholars in the field.

Pierre-Emmanuel Roux's Presentation (ZOOM Screenshot)

This seminar was a special academic forum hosted by the Kyujanggak International Center for Korean Studies(ICKS), and held in Korean, which added to its significance despite the participation of numerous international professors. It highlighted how Korean Studies are being pursued in France, encouraging reflection on the importance of such interdisciplinary research efforts. Assistant Park Jae-hee from Kyujanggak remarked, “This event provided a valuable opportunity to review how Korean Studies are being researched in France and to broaden our understanding of the specific areas of Korean Studies that are being emphasized. I hope this event will serve as a bridge for researchers from French universities to connect with Kyujanggak and the ICKS.” The ICKS, established in November 2007, has been inviting numerous Korean Studies scholars from around the world and supporting academic events and research associated with Kyujanggak. Director Seong Sang-hwan of the ICKS (Department of German Language Education) remarked, “We welcome researchers with diverse backgrounds and perspectives who come here to challenge themselves with new interdisciplinary research.” He also expressed hope that, including this event, the ICKS will see more active interdisciplinary research.

Kyujanggak: Beyond Seoul National University's Ancient Documents Archives to the Roots of Korean Studies

Exterior of Kyujanggak Institute for Korean Studies (provided by Kyujanggak)

Kyujanggak carries on the spirit of the "Kyujanggak," a royal library and research institution founded in 1776 by King Jeongjo, the 22nd ruler of the Joseon Dynasty. It is dedicated to preserving and researching foundational materials for Korean Studies. Additionally, in February 2006, Kyujanggak merged with the Institute for Korean Culture to establish a research institution focused on the flourishing and advancement of Korean Studies, as well as the scientific preservation and management of its collections. Director Jung Geung-sik of Kyujanggak (School of Law) stated, “With interest and support for Kyujanggak, we have achieved vast accomplishments in preservation and management of artifacts and the production of knowledge.” He also emphasized, “We are committed to preserving and managing our collection scientifically and securely so that everyone can benefit from it.”

Kyujanggak operates as a comprehensive academic institution, engaging in events, research, education, and publications to ensure that historical materials are rediscovered and their value reassessed. In the first half of 2024, it held a special exhibition titled “Our Records, Humanity’s Memory – Special Exhibition of Kyujanggak UNESCO World Heritage”. The exhibition featured six UNESCO World Heritage documents held by Kyujanggak, highlighting their historical significance and value as world heritage.

Cover of the Summer 2024 Issue of the Kyujanggak Newsletter ‘Sagye’ (Four Seasons)

Kyujanggak Institute for Korean Studies Official Website

Kyujanggak is working on publishing its own newsletter and developing a database of research outcomes to provide more information to the public and enhance material accessibility. As part of the digitalization efforts since 2000, Kyujanggak’s website, original text search service, historical and cultural content, and ICKS website, all of which allow users to search the collection of materials. Currently, active educational activities include summer schools for graduate students from domestic and international universities, the Friday Citizen Lecture Series in collaboration with Seoul National University and Gwanak-gu Office, as well as Chinese character workshops. Regular academic journals and the Kyujanggak Korean Studies series continue to be published consistently.

In the second half of 2024, the “Special Exhibition of Emeritus Professor Kim Yun-sik” will be held. Curator Park Sung-il from Kyujanggak explained, “The exhibition aims to showcase the major research achievements and working processes of the late Emeritus Professor Kim Yun-sik, a towering figure in Korean literary criticism, to inspire future scholars.” Kyujanggak’s future endeavors promise to present historical research that reimagines the past—not as a buried history but as ‘our heritage,’ reborn with new meanings for the present and future.

- Kyujanggak Institute for Korean Studies Official Website: https://kyu.snu.ac.kr/

Written by Student Reporter Jin-young Kim (Department of Composition),
young716@snu.ac.kr
Translated by Chaewon Kim(Department of English Language and Literature)