1. 2026 Textbook Seminar for Educators of South Africa
The Center for International Affairs (CEFIA) at the Academy of Korean Studies (AKS) hosted the “Understanding Korea Cultural Program for Textbook Experts from South Africa” from September 13 to 19, 2026. The program brought together experts from South Africa’s Department of Basic Education and major textbook publishers—Maskew Miller Learning and Macmillan Education South Africa—to share insights into the curricula and textbook systems of both countries and to lay the groundwork for expanding Korea-related content in South African textbooks and for continued educational cooperation.
During a textbook seminar held as part of the program, South African experts and researchers from the Division of Understanding Korea Project exchanged information on the educational and textbook systems of both countries and discussed the current status of Korea-related content in South African textbooks, examples of improvements, and future plans to expand such content. In particular, representatives from South African publishing companies presented examples of textbook revisions that incorporated suggestions for improvement from the Korean side, while the Division of Understanding Korea Project proposed a variety of Korea-related content—such as the Korean War, economic development, and the Korean Wave—that could be integrated into existing curricula, based on the results of an analysis of 18 South African textbooks. Furthermore, through expert lectures such as “Understanding Contemporary Korean Society through Korean Culture” and “Understanding Contemporary Korea for Textbook Authors: Focusing on Historical Perspectives,” participants broadened their understanding of Korea’s history and contemporary society and culture.
South African textbook experts also visited the International Textbook Resource Center to examine textbooks from around the world and examples of Korea-related content included in them. They also experienced Korea’s past and present firsthand by touring major historical and cultural sites in Gyeongju and Seoul. In Gyeongju, they visited Seokguram Grotto, Cheonmachong Tomb, Cheomseongdae Observatory, and Bulguksa Temple to explore the history and cultural heritage of the Silla Kingdom; in Seoul, they toured Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, and Insadong, and participated in traditional cultural experiences. Taking this training program as an opportunity, the participants expressed a positive outlook on the potential for expanding Korea-related content in future textbooks and teacher’s guides. They also agreed to continue collaborating with the AKS in various areas, including the provision of Korea-related content and the review of textbook materials.
2. The 109th Societas Koreana Lecture Held
The Division of International Support for Korean Studies under the Center for International Affairs (CEFIA) of the Academy of Korean Studies (AKS) hosted the 109th Societas Koreana Lecture on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul. At this lecture, Sem Vermeersch, a professor at Seoul National University, delivered a presentation titled “Truth and Fiction of the Tribute System: The Case of Goryeo.”
Vermeersch examined the concept of the tribute system—traditionally understood through the lens of Goryeo’s foreign relations—and its actual historical manifestations. In particular, he reviewed how the concept of the tribute system, as established in Western academia, has been used to explain premodern international relations in East Asia, and reevaluated the existing view that Goryeo’s relations with Chinese dynasties were merely relationships of subordination.
He also shed light on the diplomatic and political strategies Goryeo adopted in its relations with neighboring states, such as the Song and Liao dynasties, explaining that tribute relations were not limited to a formal hierarchical order but functioned as a means of pursuing a balance of power, checks and balances, and diplomatic advantages among states. Through this analysis, he demonstrated that Goryeo’s foreign relations unfolded in a flexible and pragmatic manner within the complex international landscape of East Asia at the time.
This lecture served as a meaningful forum for critically examining existing interpretations of international relations during the Goryeo dynasty and reflecting on the influence that Western-centric historical concepts and perspectives have had on the understanding of Korean history. The lecture content is scheduled to be released at a later date on the Societas Koreana YouTube channel.
3. 2026 AKS Textbook Seminar for Educators of Croatia
The Academy of Korean Studies (AKS) is hosting an invitational training program for education and textbook specialists from Croatia to deepen their knowledge and understanding of Korea and to support improvements in Korea-related content in textbooks and other educational materials.
The program includes a textbook seminar on the curricula and textbook systems of Korea and Croatia, as well as the representation of Korea in Croatian textbooks. It also features lectures on Korea, visits to educational institutions, and field trips offering firsthand experiences of Korea’s cultural heritage and culture.
Through the program, AKS aims to enhance participants’ understanding of Korea’s education, history, and culture, strengthen cooperation between the two countries, and lay the groundwork for sustained educational exchange.
| Period | October 18 (Sun.) – October 24 (Sat.), 2026 |
|---|---|
| Participants | Education and textbook specialists from Croatia |
| Program | Textbook seminar, lectures on Korea, cultural heritage experiences & field trips |
| Contact | Division of Understanding Korea Project, Center for International Affairs, The Academy of Korean Studies (AKS) |
4. The 3rd Session of the 198th Overseas Korean Studies Colloquium in 2026
The Office of International Exchange at the Academy of Korean Studies (AKS) will host the 198th Overseas Korean Studies Colloquium via Zoom on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.
The Overseas Korean Studies Colloquium is operated as part of the AKS Fellowship for Korean Studies and serves as a forum for overseas researchers currently conducting Korean studies research in Korea to present their research findings and engage in academic exchange. At this colloquium, the 2026 fellowship recipients will present the results of their ongoing research. We look forward to the active participation of all interested parties.
<Overview of the 198th Overseas Korean Studies Colloquium>
| Date and Time | Thursday, October 29, 2026, 2:00–3:30 p.m. |
|---|---|
| Venue | Online via Zoom |
| Presentations |
※ A discussion and Q&A session will follow all presentations. |
| Registration |
※ Those wishing to participate should email their registration information to fellowship@aks.ac.kr. Registration deadline: Sunday, October 25, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. |
| Inquiries | Center for International Affairs, The Academy of Korean Studies (fellowship@aks.ac.kr) |