Advancing Korean Studies in Finland: Building Foundations and Expanding Horizons
The University of Turku’s Centre for East Asian Studies (CEAS) leads this project to establish and expand Korean Studies in Finland. It aims to provide solid education, enhance academic exchange, and engage students and the public in Korean culture and society.
The project offers three foundational courses accessible both on campus and online through the Asianet network, fostering wider participation across Finland and internationally. To enrich academic discourse, the project organises international conferences focusing on contemporary social and political issues in Korea. Additionally, a series of Korean literature workshops and Korean language writing competitions encourage creative engagement with Korean culture.
The project builds long-term academic networks across Finland and seeks to support the future establishment of a Korean Studies undergraduate programme at the University of Turku, as well as broader research cooperation in Europe.
This project is supported by the Academy of Korean Studies (AKS) Grant funded by the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Korea.
A core pillar of the project is the development and institutionalisation of Korean Studies education at the University of Turku.
The project introduces three foundational courses that address Korea’s contemporary history, politics, and economy from interdisciplinary perspectives. These courses are offered both on campus and through the Asianet network, ensuring broad accessibility for students across Finland and internationally.
Course offerings include:
- Korean Contemporary History and Society (BA level, 5 ECTS)
- Inter-Korean Relations (BA level, online via Asianet)
- The Korean Economy in a Global Context (Master’s level, online via Asianet)
In addition, the project develops new educational materials, including a Korean Studies textbook focusing on structural changes in contemporary Korean society through the lens of social movements, contributing to long-term curriculum development.
As part of the project, CEAS hosts the 9th Annual Conference of the Social Science Korean Studies Network in Europe (SoKEN), titled “Democratic Resilience and Social Movements in South Korea: Challenges and Future Prospects”, to be held at the University of Turku in April 2026.
In addition, CEAS is preparing an international conference on “Conspiracy Theories and Contemporary Korean Society: Politics, Media, and Everyday Discourse”, which will further explore the intersections of politics, media, and everyday discourse in contemporary Korea. Further details will be announced.
Beyond academic research and teaching, the project actively engages students and the wider public through cultural and participatory activities.
The project organises Korean literature workshops and Korean language writing competitions, encouraging students to explore Korean society and culture through creative and reflective practices. These activities enhance cultural understanding while strengthening language skills and critical thinking.
By integrating academic inquiry with cultural experience, the project broadens interest in Korean Studies and fosters meaningful engagement beyond the classroom.
Activities include:
- Korean literature workshops and writing competitions for students
- Literature book club, including discussions of contemporary Korean novels
- Film screening of My Name is Kim Bok-dong with director Q&A
- Upcoming book club session featuring contemporary Korean literature
