[KS] Info on the R.A.S.

[David A. Mason]

For the benefit of those new to our field:

The  ROYAL  ASIATIC  SOCIETY

For all those interested in deeper study or experience of this country, 
check out the Royal Asiatic Society (RAS) -- Korea Branch.  
"Royal" because the British monarchy chartered it, this branch in 1900 
(we're 100 years-old as of this June!).  By now, it's co-sponsored by 
the American & Brit embassies, although self-supporting.

The RAS is the primary association of those who study Korea in English.
Members are professors & scholars, long-time K-expats, ex-K-expats, 
and interested others.  Membership costs w25,000 per year and brings a 
semi-monthly announcement of activities & news, an invitation to their 
annual garden-party, their annual academic journal _Transactions_, and 
discounts of 10% or more on all books & tours.  I've been a member 11 
years now, and have always found it worthwhile, and sometimes even fun.

Their office in Chong-ro 5-ga offers the best collection of books in 
English on Korea that you'll find ANYWHERE.  Much better than Kyobo 
and at least 10% cheaper too (for members).

They offer tours every single weekend; several different ones each 
weekend in the good seasons.  Everything from half-day walking-tours 
of Seoul's lesser-known Choseon-dynasty remains to 3-day Kyeongju / 
Cheju / Sorak-san / Pusan holiday-adventures.  Sometimes there are 
expeditions to lesser-known places that foreigners here rarely see -- 
Ch'eong-hak-dong, Un-ju-sa, Chu-wang-san, Hwa-yang Valley, Ma-i-san, 
Pyo-chung-sa, the Tae-baek Cheon-dan, etc.  Always led by an expert 
who can explain the history & culture of the destination (usually 
some `volunteer' long-term-K-expat), and always at a low price.

Lecture-meetings are held twice a month, on the 2nd & 4th Wednesdays 
of each month (except July-Aug) at 7:30 - 8:30 pm, somewhere in 
downtown Seoul.  

Lectures (sometimes with films or slides or music) are given by 
scholar/professors or other experts, Korean or foreign.  Sometimes 
fascinating and sometimes boring, you never know.  Topics could be 
nearly ANYTHING within "Korean Studies", very loosely defined.  

Lecture-meetings are free and open to everyone including non-members. 
Some books are on sale there.  Tours are open to everyone too, but 
members get a discount as stated.

The next RAS meeting is Wed April 12th.

Contact the RAS:  Office manager Sue Bae speaks excellent English;
Tel: 02-763-9483   No internet, yet.

posted by  David Mason

Wonju City, Korea


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