Director Lee Jean Young -  Development of K-academic Diffusion activities in Sydney, Australia

From August 20 to 27, 2025, Lee Jean Young, Director of the Inha Center for International Studies (ICIS), and Yang Min-a, Co-Researcher of the K-Academic Diffusion Project, carried out K-Academic Diffusion and Touring K-Arts activities in Sydney, Australia. The purpose of this visit was to collaborate with the University of Sydney, a leading hub for Korean Studies in Australia, and to promote traditional Korean culture through local cultural and educational institutions, thereby broadening the scope of international academic exchange.

The delegation visited the Department of Korean Studies at the University of Sydney and held a meeting with Professor Ki-Sung Kwak, the Chair of Korean Studies. They introduced the objectives of the K-Academic Diffusion Project in detail, distributed promotional brochures, and discussed potential opportunities for academic and cultural cooperation. Given that the University of Sydney houses the oldest Korean Studies department in Australia, this visit was highly meaningful in strengthening the international standing of Korean Studies research and in establishing long-term partnerships.

In collaboration with the Korean Cultural Center in Sydney, lectures on traditional Korean dance and demonstrations of Ganggangsullae were conducted. The program was held three times for a diverse audience, including high school students from New South Wales. Participants were able to experience the essence of Korean traditional culture firsthand, going beyond simply watching a performance to actively engaging in the activities. These initiatives not only broadened understanding of Korean traditional arts but also inspired local students to take a greater interest in Korean Studies.