The Korean Cultural Centre UK is excited to present “K-History Unlock”, a lecture series exploring Korean history through the lens of popular K-dramas and films. As interest in Korean cinema grows, this event offers a deeper understanding of the historical context behind these works. Dr. Anders Karlsson, head of the SOAS Centre of Korean Studies, … [Read More]
Category: History
Jeju 4:3 Archives on Truth & Reconciliation
Brunswick Art Gallery is proud to welcome the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province and the Cultural Heritage Administration of the Republic of Korea to the gallery to host this important historical exhibition. Jeju is a beautiful island located in the southern part of Korea, renowned for its exceptional natural scenery, which has earned it three UNESCO … [Read More]
Knitted together: the Korean lives and legacies of Richard and Joan Rutt
Drawing on the objects and photographs of the main donors to the Korean collection at the Oriental Museum, Knitted Together details Richard and Joan Rutt’s 20 years living in South Korea in the immediate aftermath of the Korean War (1950 – 1953). Coinciding with the 70th anniversary of when Richard first arrived in Korea as … [Read More]
Voices of Freedom: Performances, Escapee Talks, Documentary & Director Q&A
You’re Invited to “Voices of Freedom”: An Evening of Reflection, Tribute, and Unity Join us for a profound journey through the stories of North Korean defectors and the forgotten POWs of the Korean War, hosted by the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council. This unique event weaves together inspiring lectures, a compelling documentary screening, and heartfelt performances … [Read More]
Honouring Our Fallen: British Servicemen in the Korean War
Hear from former diplomat Martin Uden as he remembers the soldiers who served in Korea and are now buried at the UN Memorial Cemetery in Busan. Over 1,100 British servicemen died while fighting alongside UN forces in the Korean War, resisting the invasion by North Korea and the subsequent involvement of China. Over 880 of … [Read More]
SOAS seminar: An Atomic Age Unleashed
This presentation explores the common culture of Cold War scientism and atomic developmentalism in early North and South Korea. While tens of thousands of Koreans were subject to the atomic attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, early peninsular analysis of the bombings rarely grappled with the existence of these individuals. The general exclusion of colonial subjects … [Read More]
12.12 The Day gets a well-deserved third week in London cinemas
In the past few years the UK has benefited from a number of theatrical releases of recent Korean box office movies. Sometimes, the UK release has occurred while the movie is still showing in cinemas back in Korea, indicating a certain amount of confidence on the part of the distributors to invest in a title … [Read More]
12.12 The Day (서울의 봄) Theatrical release
After the assassination of President Park, martial law has been declared. A coup d’état bursts out by Defense Security Commander Chun Doo-gwang and a private band of officers following him. Capital Defense Commander Lee Tae-shin, an obstinate soldier who believes the military should not take political actions, fights against Chun Doo-gwang to stop him. According … [Read More]
1883: A Journey Through the Archives
The KCCUK is pleased to present ‘1883: A Journey Through the Archives’ to commemorate the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and the United Kingdom. The exhibition features a wonderful array of materials that presents the encounters between Korea and the UK in the early period of diplomacy in 19th century Joseon. As Korea … [Read More]
Site of first Korean legation in London unveiled
At a brief ceremony on 30 October, Ambassador Yoon Yeocheol unveiled a plaque marking the location of the first Korean legation to London, together with Mr Ian McDermott, representing the owners of the building. The building is at 4 Trebovir Road [map], a side street by Earls Court Station in West London, and is now … [Read More]
The Ties Through Time: an exhibition celebrating 140 years of UK-Korea Relations
Experience a world of enduring diplomatic relations that have stood the test of time. ‘The Ties Through Time’ is a grand tribute to 140 years of remarkable cooperation, cultural exchange, and diplomacy between the United Kingdom and Korea. Our journey begins with the first encounter in 1797, followed by early diplomacy from 1883 to 1903 … [Read More]
Cairo Declaration and Korean service in British army commemorated in SOAS conference
Hands up, anyone who had actually heard of the Cairo Declaration before this SOAS conference designed to mark its 80th anniversary? I certainly hadn’t. Winston Churchill was in Cairo with a contingent of over 100 diplomatic and administrative staff, in late November 1943, where along with Chang Kai-shek and President Roosevelt they were starting to … [Read More]
Conference: The Korean Independence Movement and the United Kingdom
To commemorate the 140th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Korea and the United Kingdom and the 80th anniversary of the Cairo Declaration, SOAS University of London and the National Memorial of the Korean Provisional Government are jointly holding this international academic conference. Scholars from Korea and the UK will gather to engage … [Read More]
The Korean War: 70 Years On
Dr Grace Huxford reflects on the events and legacy of the Korean War 70 years since the conflict ended. On 27 July 1953, an armistice agreement was signed, bringing an end to the Korean War (1950-53). However, tensions on the Korean peninsula remained high and the legacies of the conflict continue to this day. In … [Read More]
Veterans of the Korean War – event at National Army Museum
Hear what it was like to serve in Korea from veterans of the conflict as they gather to mark the 70th anniversary of the signing of the armistice. The Korean War was one of the ‘hot wars’ of the Cold War era. Although largely forgotten today, its legacy continues to have a huge global impact. … [Read More]
Book talk: William Franklin Sands in Late Choson Korea – At the Deathbed of Empire, 1896-1904
William Franklin Sands was the highest-ranking foreign adviser in the Korean government in the twilight years of the Choson dynasty. His book, entitled Undiplomatic Memories, first published in 1930 and now nearly a century old, has been the seemingly definitive account of his life and career in Seoul. However, his Papers in the St. Charles Borromeo Seminary outside … [Read More]