Oxford University launches a center for Korean studies
- Doyoung Lim
- Apr 28
- 1 min read
Apr 28, 2026
Doyoung Lim
Oxford University has newly announced a plan to launch Korean studies as early as October to boost research into Korean culture, history, and language, Jieun Kiaer, James Lewis, and Chi Young-hae, professors leading this project, said. The University of Oxford is planning on announcing the establishment of the Oxford Center for Korean Studies during the official public opening, starting this Sunday, at Oxford’s Stephen A. Schwarzman Center for the Humanities.
The center will supervise every Korea-related research and lecture and promote further research in modern Korean politics, economics, and culture. The establishment of the center for Korean studies is considered significant, following Japanese and Chinese centers in 1981 and 2008, respectively. Lewis, one of the professors of Korean history, said that Europe as a whole is willing to participate in long-term research led by the Korean center.
The senior faculty meeting last month decided on the need for a Korean studies center, emphasizing the importance of Korea as a subject of research and student interest in Korean culture, especially in its popular culture. According to Kiaer, a professor of Korean linguistics, noted the importance of Korean as an important language that can serve as a hub for language learning and research.
Oxford’s initiative also reflects the growing global influence of South Korea, often called the “Korean wave,” which includes the worldwide popularity of K-pop, K-drama, and other K-cultures. The new center is expected to collaborate with many institutions in Korea and support student exchange programs and research programs.
