RAS KOREA Garden party event returns to UK ambassador's residence
RAS Korea holds its annual Garden Party at the U.K. ambassador's residence in central Seoul, June 9, 2018. Korea Times photo by Jon Dunbar
By Steven L. Shields
We've waited more than four long years. The COVID-19 pandemic changed life's regular patterns and traditions. With the remaining restrictions lifted, Royal Asiatic Society (RAS) Korea is back with our annual Founders' Day garden party. This year's gathering will be held on Sept. 16 at the British ambassador's residence in central Seoul's Jeong-dong.
We had an open-house event in 2022, which was well-attended and a joyous post-pandemic restrictions reunion, but we missed having the special surroundings of the ambassador's garden. RAS Korea has alternated between the American and British ambassadors' residences for many years. Once about 25 years ago, the Netherlands ambassador hosted the annual event in the garden of his residence, at the time in Itaewon. At our last garden party in 2019, then-U.S. Ambassador Harry Harris generously hosted our Society and its members and friends. We're delighted this year that His Majesty's Ambassador to Korea H. E. Colin Crooks is graciously hosting us at his residence.
RAS Korea President Emeritus Brother Anthony poses in front of the U.S. ambassador's residence in central Seoul at the last official RAS Korea Garden Party, June 1, 2019. Korea Times photo by Jon Dunbar
Over the last 60 years, RAS Korea has been honored to share our annual Founders' Day celebration dozens of times at either of the two residences. We've counted every British ambassador since the 1970s as our honorary president, due to RAS Korea's long history as a branch of the London-based Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
The Founders' Day celebration of the RAS has long been a much-anticipated social event for members. While tables are usually filled with food and plenty of libations donated by several generous sponsors, most of our members and their guests enjoy the camaraderie. The garden party is the one event during the year for which the agenda is short. A few welcoming remarks by the RAS president and the host and the presentation of the annual high school essay contest awards are all that people need to be still for. Otherwise, folks roam the lovely setting of the ambassador's garden and enjoy renewing acquaintances and making new friends.
While the garden party is exclusively for members and their guests, membership is open to all interested in all things Korea, whether they reside in Korea or overseas. The annual fee (or, if one chooses, life membership) grants the member free access to the 20 or more lectures sponsored throughout the year, with attendance either in person or online. All members receive the Society's annual “Transactions,” a journal we have published since 1900. Members enjoy discounts on books for sale at the RAS Korea office in Seoul and can attend cultural excursions at a reduced price.
Reservations to attend the 123rd RAS Korea Founders' Day at the British ambassador's residence are still open. If you are a member, you should have already received an invitation with a link to register. If you didn't receive your invitation, please get in touch with the RAS Korea office. If you are not a member, the RAS Korea office staff will process your membership application and fee and get you signed up for the garden party. Don't delay. Join us now!
Rev. Steven L. Shields is president of the Royal Asiatic Society Korea and a columnist for The Korea Times. Visit www.raskb.com or email
for more information.