The Division of International Support for Korean Studies at the Center for International Affairs of the Academy of Korean Studies held the 96th Societas Koreana Meeting at the Korea Press Center on July 5, 2023. Professor Emeritus Wayne Patterson (St. Norbert College) spoke on William Nelson Lovatt, the first Commissioner of the Pusan Customs. The theme of the lecture was: "In the Service of His Korean Majesty: William Nelson Lovatt, the Pusan Customs, and Sino-Korean Relations." 

Drawing on William Nelson Lovatt's personal papers that had been released recently, Professor Patterson spoke on the life of Lovatt's as the first western family, operation of the early Korean customs service, the situation in Korea during the "opening port period," and the relationship with China at that time. The audience, which included South Korea-based foreign diplomats and foreign researchers, had a chance to learn what changes the foreign policies of China and South Korea have undergone during the times.

Participants were able to share various opinions in a Q&A session that followed the lecture. The lecture will be posted on the Societas Koreana's YouTube channel.