Kimchi and soju are staples of daily life in Korea and tend to represent the cuisine for foreigners. Though kimchi and soju are strongly associated with Korea, their history has remained elusive. This program delves into the origins of these foods by looking at the eating and drinking culture of the Joseon period. This gives us a fuller picture of the life of the peasantry during that time, helping us… Read More

Educators are invited to explore Korea’s rich premodern and dynamic contemporary history. Dr. Michael Pettid, Professor of Premodern Korean Studies at Binghamton University, chronicles core societal values, belief systems, and dynastic changes in premodern Korea. Dr. Charles K. Armstrong, Korea Foundation Professor of Korean Studies at Columbia University, outlines the 20th century events which have shaped contemporary Korea. The conference ends with a classroom activities workshop to help educators incorporate… Read More

Dr. Minjung Lee, visiting scholar at University of California Davis, outlines the evolution of traditional attire throughout Korean history, reveals her research methods, and shares tales about her career as a costume designer for KBS television dramas. Royal Threads: Historical Representations in Costume Design with Dr. Minjung Lee visiting scholar in the department of Textiles and Clothing at the University of California 6:00 PM | Registration 6:30 PM | Reception… Read More

Dr. Laurel Kendall, Chair of the Division of Anthropology and Curator of Asian Ethnographic Collections at the American Museum of Natural History, Adjunct Professor of Anthropology at Columbia University, and president–elect of the Association for Asian Studies, explores the divine nature of Korean shaman paintings in her new book, God Pictures in Korean Contexts: The Ownership and Meaning of Shaman Paintings, co-authored by Jongsung Yang, Director of the Museum of… Read More

Michael D. Shin, lecturer in Korean Studies at the University of Cambridge, and editor of the new historical atlas, Korean History in Mapsfrom Prehistory to the Twenty-First Century, discusses Korea’s history through maps, from early Choson to the present. Korean History in Maps provides overviews of the political, cultural, economic, and social systems for each period of Korean history, along with chronologies and lists of monarchs. With numerous images of… Read More

Advertising in South Korea is often referred to as a “flower of capitalism.” Rather than calling attention to the inherent links between commercial advertising and capitalism, this clichéd metaphor presents advertising as a wholesome, creative medium of public good and positive contribution to society. South Korean’s consume advertising as a product of popular culture and celebrate it for the humanist societal ideals it often promotes, instead of viewing it as… Read More

Dr. Young Yang Chungworld-renowned authority on textile history and embroidery, is founder of the Chung Young Yang Embroidery Museum Sookmyung Women’s University in Seoul, Korea. Her numerous publications are considered invaluable references, and she has taught and exhibited work throughout the world--from Korea and Japan to Tehran and Cairo, as well as venues in Europe and the Americas. The conversational format of this discussion will unfold the fascinating trajectory of… Read More