A project supported by the Australia-Korea Foundation (AKF) is currently developing a first of its kind dedicated Korean studies program and centre, the Korean-Australian Studies Centre (KASC), at the University of South Australia (UniSA).
In 2015, the South Australian Government launched the North East Asia Engagement Strategy, with a particular focus on Korea. With trade between Australia and Korea increasing, there is a growing demand and need for a deeper understanding of Korean cultural and business practices in Australia. In spite of this, to date there has been insufficient supply of Korean-related university programs in Australia.
'Establishing a Korean-Australian Studies Centre (KASC) at UniSA's Business School is timely and will not only fill the current void, but will also provide a fantastic opportunity to introduce and promote Korean studies to students across the University and to wider members of society,' says Associate Professor of International Business at UniSA and Director of the King Sejong Institute Adelaide, You-il Lee.
The KASC will be a hub of promoting and developing Korean-Australian related studies in Australia. Objectives include making substantial progress towards establishing Korean Studies as an area of expertise at UniSA and positioning the Centre as a leader in Australia for the promotion and enhancement of Korean Studies and of Korea-Australia relations.
The Centre will also aim to educate and support specialists in Australia-Korea relations and strengthen socio-political, economic, educational and cultural relationships between Australia and Korea.
The Centre's active public engagements include a planned lecture series on Australia-Korea relations, as well as a special symposium and international conference (held in Adelaide and Seoul) on bilateral collaboration, innovation, higher education and political economy.
These public engagements will be carried out in conjunction with the UniSA King Sejong Institute Adelaide, focusing on Korean language and cultural promotion, and with the UniSA Australian Centre for Asian Business.
'These engagements will enhance networking among influential leaders from government, industry and academia both from Korea and Australia, as well as experts and young scholars in the field of Australian-Korean studies,' says You-il.
A workshop designed to promote and enhance the continued growth of Korean studies across Australia will be held at UniSA between March 27 and 28, 2017, and will bring together influential leaders from government, industry and academia both from Korea and Australia.
The Australia-Korea Foundation was established by the Australian Government in 1992 to promote bilateral relations between Korea and Australia.
Grant rounds are currently open for projects deepening connections between Australia and Korea.
