Britain's Oxford University plans to launch the Oxford Centre for Korean Studies as early as October to enhance research on Korean culture, language and history. The center, led by professors Jieun Kiaer, James Lewis and Chi Young-hae, will be announced at the official opening of the Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities on Saturday.
The Oxford Centre for Korean Studies, led by professors Jieun Kiaer, James Lewis and Chi Young-hae from the university's Korean studies program, received final approval from a faculty meeting last month.
The center will oversee Korea-related research and lectures while promoting studies on modern Korean politics, economy and literature. It follows the establishment of centers for Japanese studies in 1981 and Chinese studies in 2008.
Professor James Lewis of Korean history told Yonhap News Agency that "Europe as a whole will likely be inspired by the envisioned center's long-term research."
Another senior faculty meeting last month highlighted the importance of Korea as a research subject and students' interest in the country's soft power, particularly its popular culture. Professor Jieun Kiaer of Korean linguistics emphasized the value of English-language scholarship on Korean culture for its longevity, positioning the center as a hub for such work.
