Save the legacy of the Royal Asiatic Society Korea
The Royal Asiatic Society Korea (RAS Korea), founded in 1900 in Seoul, is the world’s first organization dedicated exclusively to Korean studies. As the oldest English-language academic institution focused on Korea, it has played a pivotal role in advancing knowledge of Korea's history, culture, religion, language, literature and arts. Through its esteemed academic journal, Transactions, which has published 98 volumes, RAS Korea has significantly shaped Western understanding of the country.
Founded to promote Korea as a distinct civilization, RAS Korea has fostered a vibrant intellectual community across diverse disciplines. The society has organized regular lectures, cultural events, a literature club and field excursions, allowing members from all walks of life and various countries, including Korea — to deepen their understanding of Korea's heritage and legacy. This diversity has enriched the exploration of Korea’s culture, ensuring RAS Korea remains a dynamic institution with a lasting impact. For over a century, RAS Korea has played a vital role in promoting K-culture.
In 2023, I had the honor of publishing my paper “Humanistic Egalitarianism in Donghak” in Transactions Vol. 97, which received international attention among scholars of Korean studies and East Asian religions. Another paper, titled “Choe Nam-ju: A Pioneer of Korean Archaeology and Silla Cultural Heritage,” highlights his lifelong dedication to the excavation, preservation and research of cultural relics from the ancient Silla Kingdom in its capital, Gyeongju, as well as its surrounding areas. It was published earlier this month in Vol. 98 and garnered interest from scholars worldwide, including Donald Baker, professor emeritus of Asian studies at the University of British Columbia, who plans to incorporate it into his lectures on early Korean history.
In 1900, Korea was largely unknown to the world. RAS Korea pioneered the scholarly study and understanding of the country. Today, as global interest in Korea soars, RAS Korea struggles to remain relevant amid the many Korean studies programs and tour operators that have emerged.
As a longtime member, I’ve seen firsthand the profound impact RAS Korea has had on scholars and the public. One cherished memory is meeting Carl Ferris Miller during a 1960s excursion in my hometown of Gyeongju, the ancient capital of Silla Kingdom in North Gyeongsang Province. My father, a pioneer of Korean archaeology, led the tour, and Miller, fluent in Korean, translated my father’s explanations of Silla cultural remains. Miller, naturalized as a Korean citizen in 1979, dedicated his life to Korea’s conservation, including the creation of the Cheollipo Arboretum in Taean, South Chungcheong Province. Inspired by his work, I wrote an article in this paper, “C. F. Miller — Nature's Friend,” published May 18, 2006.
It is deeply disheartening to learn that RAS Korea is facing a crisis due to severe financial difficulties, with the prospect of losing its office and library — key symbols of its rich history.
The organization houses an invaluable collection of rare books and resources, serving as a vital hub for scholars and anyone interested in Korea. Moreover, RAS Transactions, the world’s oldest journal on Korean studies, remains an essential source of knowledge.
However, serious concerns loom over the society’s future, including the continuation of the journal and the potential shutdown of the organization. RAS Korea urgently needs donations to survive, and this troubling situation has saddened many supporters of Korean studies worldwide.
I urge both government organizations and the private sector in Korea to recognize RAS Korea’s vital contributions and provide the support needed to preserve its legacy. Ensuring the survival of this institution is essential for safeguarding Korea’s heritage and fostering global understanding.
It is my fervent hope that RAS Korea will recover, revitalize its organization and continue to rise to the challenges it first embraced 124 years ago.
Choe Chong-dae (choecd@naver.com) is a guest columnist of The Korea Times. He is president of Dae-kwang International Co., and founding director of the Korean-Swedish Association.