As part of the K-History Unlock series, this two-part lecture explores one of the most tragic episodes in Korean history through the life and death of King Danjong of the Joseon Dynasty. While many audiences may be familiar with the atmosphere of royal court politics through the acclaimed Korean film The King’s Warden, this lecture offers a deeper … [Read More]
Category: Periods >
Royal Joseon Sogyokso and Popcho: The Philosophical Encumbrance of Sarim in the Kimyo Literati Purge (1519)
The early modern history of the Joseon dynasty (1392–1910) in East Asia is often depicted as an era of political conflict between the king, the Hun’gu faction, and the Sarim faction. The four major Sahwa (literati purges) reflect its seriousness through which Neo-Confucian scholars were sacrificed by the punishments of execution, exile, or dismissal. The … [Read More]
Korea – the Unforgotten War: History and Philately
On 11 November 2025, the Royal Philatelic Society London (RPSL) will host Korea – The Unforgotten War, a one-day celebration dedicated to the history and philately of the Korean peninsula from Liberation in 1945 to the Armistice in 1953. Organised in association with the Korea Stamp Society (KSS), this special event coincides with the 75th … [Read More]
KCC seminar: Princess Deokhye
In 2025, Korea marks the 80th anniversary of Gwangbokjeol, Korea’s National Liberation Day. To mark this important occasion, the Korean Cultural Centre UK is hosting a special lecture that explores the historical period surrounding Korea’s loss and recovery of sovereignty through the life of Princess Deokhye, the last princess of the Korean Empire. The lecture … [Read More]
1884 letter rediscovered in Cambridge giving insight into Kapsin coup
Earlier this month the Cambridge University Library blog uploaded an article telling the story of a letter recently rediscovered among the papers of Sir Harry Parkes by Jiyeon Wood, who is in charge of the Korean and Japanese collection at the library. According to Professor Kim Jong-Hak from Seoul National University: “[Prominent politician and leader … [Read More]
[Durham] The “Glorious Glosters”: Christianity, Chaplaincy and Captivity
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Join Durham’s Oriental Museum for an evening talk by Canon Professor Michael Snape FBA (Durham University), ‘The “Glorious Glosters”: Christianity, Chaplaincy and Captivity in Cold War Korea’ The Korean War (1950-53) is widely billed as a forgotten conflict, and yet it was the scene of the fiercest fighting experienced by the British Army since the … [Read More]
KCCUK International Women’s Day historical talks
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]
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]