A Roundtable on Contemporary South Korean Politics Speakers: Jang Kyung-tae (Democratic Party of Korea), Kim Jaesub (People Power Party), Lee Jaeyoung (People Power Party). Chair: Dr John Nilsson-Wright Following President Yoon Suk-Yeol’s surprise announcement of martial law on December 3, 2024, South Korean politics has been plunged into a period of great political uncertainty and … [Read More]
Category: Language & Learning
The Postdevelopmental State: Dilemmas of economic democratization in contemporary South Korea
Dr Doucette will introduce his recently published book on the politics and political economy of contemporary South Korea – a book that is even more topical in the current political crisis the country is facing. This book is a major contribution to both Korean and East Asian Political Economy across a number of different disciplines. … [Read More]
Confucianism and disaster: Floods, lightning and cosmology in Eighteenth-Century Chosŏn Korea
This presentation explores Chosŏn-period (1392-1910) Confucian responses to disaster. This was a period in which Confucianism not only was the state ideology, but also guided interaction in local communities socially and economically dominated by local elites sharing the ideas of this ideology. The Confucian convictions of this elite dictated how they, as leaders of communities, … [Read More]
Who’s in town: Hyunjin Kim
Who’s in Town is a loose programme series that invites curators, writers, researchers, and arts practitioners passing by London to stop at Asymmetry for a casual conversation with our audience. Designed to foster open sharing among aspiring and seasoned practitioners alike, the format offers a unique opportunity to engage and exchange with exciting professionals of different … [Read More]
SOAS-OKCHF Workshop: Collecting Korea — Explorations of Korean Collections in the UK and their continued relevance
This workshop examines the history and significance of Korean objects held in UK institutions, and their role in shaping contemporary understandings of Korean cultural heritage. Beginning in the 1880s, institutions acquired a wide variety of items from the Korean peninsula, ranging in type from ceramics, paintings, and textiles, to books and plant specimens. The workshop … [Read More]
Between Popular and Canonical Texts: Curating Korean Literature in Cross-Cultural Contexts
KCCUK are delighted to announce a distinguished event on 16th January, featuring Dr. Grace Koh from SOAS University of London. This special evening offers an exceptional opportunity to explore the beauty of Korean literature and its profound significance in the UK, through an engaging dialogue with Dr. Grace Koh. In this seminar, Grace Koh will … [Read More]
Bestselling and Beloved: Korean Literary Treasures
The Korean Cultural Centre UK is pleased to present ‘Bestselling and Beloved,’ a special exhibition that delves into the heart of Korean literature, showcasing both its enduring classics and its dynamic contemporary scene, with a spotlight on Nobel Laureate Han Kang. Exploring beloved Korean literature and contemporary classics, the exhibition illuminates the broader contours of … [Read More]
North Korea: Human rights, security and beyond
Please join the Cambridge Centre for Geopolitics for a panel discussion involving representatives of the Republic of Korea’s Institute for National Unification (KINU), and leading UK Korea specialists. The discussion will consider the human rights’ situation in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the wider issue of how international law might be used … [Read More]
‘K-History Unlock’: King Sejong
The second topic in the K-History Unlock Series at the Korean Cultural Centre UK is King Sejong. Known as one of the most significant figures in Korean history, King Sejong is frequently featured in Korean dramas and films for his remarkable achievements during the Joseon Dynasty. Join us as we delve into the life and … [Read More]
Oh Gee x The Korean Pantry: kimchi workshop + dinner
Ever wanted to make your very own kimchi? Well look no further, as kimchi masters The Korean Pantry are coming to The Hoxton, Shoreditch to teach you how to do just that! Join us on Sunday 24th November (following National Kimchi Day on the 22nd) where founder Cindy will guide you through a hands-on class. … [Read More]
Anti-Feminist backlash: Gender and generational conflict in South Korea
Scholarship on Korean elections and voting behavior has emphasised the shift from traditional cleavages such as ideology and region to newer ones, including generation, class, and gender. One of the most common keywords used during South Korea’s 2022 presidential election was Idaenam (male in twenties), hinting at the social group more likely to prove determinant … [Read More]
Curator talk: a look at Mire Lee’s installation at Tate Modern
To mark the significant presence of Korean artists in major institutions across the UK in 2024, the Korean Cultural Centre UK hosts Alvin Li, curator of International Art at Tate and invites him to share his inspiration and thoughts on Mire Lee’s new installation for Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall. [Read More]
Meet the authors: Eun Hee-kyung and Lee Geum-yi
Two eminent novelists are making their way to England to meet Korean literature enthusiasts in London and Kingston: Eun Hee-kyung A renowned novelist representing Korea since the 1990s, Eun Hee-kyung is celebrated for her evocative depictions of everyday life and her insightful exploration of life’s subtle truths. Her works vividly portray the nuances of seemingly … [Read More]
Book talk: Return to the Dallergut Dream Department Store
Meet the author and the translator of the international bestseller ‘Dallergut Dream Department Store‘ returning with the English translated version of ‘Return to the Dallergut Dream Department Store’ this November. The author Miye Lee and the translator Sandy Joosun Lee will join us via video-link for a discussion about their captivating work. This is an … [Read More]
BAKS Speaker Tour – Prof. Suk-Young Kim
The British Association of Korean Studies (BAKS) is organising an upcoming lecture series this autumn with Professor Suk-Young Kim of University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA). Professor Kim will be giving a series of lectures that builds from her published works. Such books include the recently published, Millennial North Korea: Forbidden Media and Living … [Read More]
From Escape to Hope: Escape in Search of a United Korea
Spend an afternoon exploring the courageous journeys of North Koreans as they escape in search of one united Korea. “One Korea: Escape in Search of a United Korea” will take you through personal stories of struggle and hope, giving voice to the resilience of the North Korean people. The event features the screening of Dotori, … [Read More]