Thumbs up for UCLan’s International Institute of Korean Studies from education ambassador

14 November 2017

Director of Korean Education Centre visits University

The University of Central Lancashire’s (UCLan) International Institute of Korean Studies (IKSU) has celebrated the appointment of a new director and exchange agreements with five universities in South Korea by welcoming the Director of Korean Education Centre to campus.

Mr Tae-il Kim visited UCLan to meet students from IKSU and speak to them about postgraduate degrees in South Korea.  He also met the Institute’s newly appointed Director Dr Niki Alsford, Reader in Asia Pacific Studies from the School of Language and Global Studies at UCLan, who took up the position in August.

Mr Tae-il Kim said: "I am very delighted about the successful undergraduate recruitment success of Korean studies at UCLan.  I believe UCLan to be one of the most important hubs of Korean studies in the UK and hope it continuously grows and expands new partnerships with Korean universities."

"I believe UCLan to be one of the most important hubs of Korean studies in the UK and hope it continuously grows and expands new partnerships with Korean universities."

IKSU is doing just that.  It is already collaborating with the University of Ljubljana in Slovenia in research, teaching and study exchange as well as with Busan University of Foreign Studies, Chonbuk National University, Chung Ang University, Dongguk University and Sungkyunkwan University in South Korea. In addition, Dr Alsford is also planning to establish sister institutes for Japan and Taiwan at the University.

He said: “The International Institute of Korean Studies is key to the expansion of Korean studies within the UK. Its student orientated approach and its ambition to connect to a wider community is an important part of its outreach strategy. With a number of key events being held over the academic year, it is an exciting time to be part of the Korean team here at UCLan.”

IKSU also recently organised a Hangawi Festival, a South Korean Autumn celebration.  Students and staff from the Institute worked together to bring traditional food, games and clothing to campus to share the event with the wider university community.

Mr Tae-il Kim with students and staff
Mr Tae-il Kim with students and staff