AKS hosted the World Congress of Korean Studies, one of the largest meetings of Korean studies experts from around the world, on Thursday, October 10, 2020. The first Congress was held in 2002, and this year marks the tenth meeting. Korean studies researchers from around the world met to present cutting edge research results.

The meeting was originally planned to be held at the Free University of Berlin in Germany from August 31 – September 2. However, due to the worldwide spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting was held in Korea. There were concerns that the Congress wouldn’t be as big an event as previous years; but thanks to the enthusiasm of the participants, the Congress included more than 120 research articles and 30 panels on topics ranging from humanities, social studies, culture, and art.

In order to prevent the spread of coronavirus, the conference was held simultaneously off- and online using a videoconferencing platform for the first time. While some of the presenters from AKS presented their research in person, many of the presenters presented online from the places they live, be it Asia, Europe, America, or Oceana. In addition to the presenters, more than 320 audience members registered for the event and attended through the online videoconferencing platform in real time.

Despite unexpected limitations due to the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, the participants showed the same passion for Korean studies research by showing interest in other researchers’ presentations and making plans for further research and cooperation. The 11th World Congress of Korean Studies is planned for the end of 2022. We are excited for this upcoming return of a large gathering of worldwide Korean studies scholars.