Exploring the Political and Social Roles of Women in Joseon Korea: KCCUK presents an International Women’s Day Special “K-History Unlock”, a lecture series on women’s roles and influence in Joseon Korea. 1. Governance from Behind the Bamboo Curtain: Joseon’s Queen Dowager Regencies Date: Wednesday, 5th March 2025 | Time: 6:30 PM Speaker: Lucy Waugh (PhD … [Read More]
Category: Periods >
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]
Documentary screening: K-Family Affairs
The recent political history of South Korea is interwoven with the family life of filmmaker Arum Nam, whose parents are part of the proud 386 generation, which played a significant role in achieving democratisation. Eager to pass on a better world to their children, Arum’s father became a public servant, and her mother a feminist … [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]
‘K-History Unlock’: The Throne (Sado)
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]
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]