School of Languages and Cultures

Korean Studies Centre

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Established in 2019, the Korean Studies Centre (KSC) operates within the School of Languages and Cultures at the University of Queensland (UQ). The Centre is dedicated to advancing scholarly research in Korean language, culture, history, and society. It also plays a pivotal role in developing sustainable partnerships with key stakeholders across the community, industry, and government sectors. Through these collaborations, the KSC contributes to a deeper, more nuanced understanding of Korea within the Australian context.

The KSC serves as a dynamic platform for interdisciplinary engagement, promoting Korean Studies both within academia and through public outreach. The Centre facilitates knowledge exchange through a wide array of academic and community-oriented activities, including an annual international conference and eight seminars each year. These events help cultivate dialogue on contemporary and historical issues related to Korea and its global diasporas.

In 2021, the KSC received a significant boost with a $1 million AUD grant from the Academy of Korean Studies, as part of its Core University Program for Korean Studies. This funding has enabled the Centre to expand its research agenda and invest in the development of future scholars, particularly Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students. The Centre's current research initiatives focus on:

  • The content and cultural narratives of textbooks from the Korean peninsula and Korean diasporic communities, with emphasis on nationalism, identity, and cultural representation;
  • Korean diasporic identity formation within the Australian socio-cultural landscape;
  • The evolving image of Korea and the Korean peninsula in global and regional discourses;
  • Historical depictions of Korea through archival documents, including letters and reports by Queensland and Australian missionaries from 1889 to 1945.

The Centre is co-directed by Honorary Associate Professor Jae-Hoon Jung and Associate Professor Isaac Lee, both affiliated with the School of Languages and Cultures. They emphasise the Centre’s commitment to fostering both academic excellence and community engagement. Through public lectures, cultural programming, and rigorous academic inquiry, the KSC continues to establish itself as a vital hub for Korean Studies in the Asia-Pacific region.

Contact us 

Get in touch to learn more about our research.

H.A. Prof. Jae-Hoon Jung

Co-director of Korean Studies Centre

+61 7 336 56431

A Prof. Isaac Lee

Co-director of Korean Studies Centre

+61 7 336 56431