K-Academic Diffusion Research Center Hosts Colloquium and Campus Tour

for Next-Generation Korean Studies Scholars from the Philippines

On Monday, July 28, the K-Academic Diffusion Research Center at Inha Center for International Studies (ICIS) held a colloquium titled "Religious Identity and Culture Wars in South Korea” at the main conference room of the Jungseok Memorial Library.

This event was part of the 2025 Korea-Philippines Next-Generation Korean Studies Exchange, Cooperation, and Training Program (KONECT), and was held at the request of students and researchers from the UP Korea Research Center at the University of the Philippines. They visited Inha University to explore academic perspectives on various issues in Korean religion, politics, and socio-cultural dynamics.

At the colloquium, Dr. Lee Won-dong (Research Professor at Inha University) delivered the keynote presentation, while Professor Lee Jin-young (Director of the Institute of International Relations at Inha University) served as the moderator. Professor Bae Kyung Min (University of the Philippines) participated as a discussant, offering in-depth commentary from a political science perspective on Korea’s religious and cultural conflicts.

The event served to deepen the understanding of Korean Studies among emerging scholars overseas and laid a foundation for future international academic exchange and cooperation. Participants shared diverse perspectives on Korea's socio-cultural context and reflected on their roles and potential as agents of public diplomacy.

Following the colloquium, a campus tour of Inha University was conducted. Participants visited key landmarks such as the Jungseok Memorial Library, Inkyung Lake, Unam Lake, and the Heidegger Forest, where they were briefed on the university’s history and founding philosophy. They were particularly impressed by the identity of Inha’s and its historical mission to rebuild the nation through education after the Korean War and to connect with overseas Korean communities.

Participants shared their impressions, stating, “It was a meaningful experience to not only visit but also directly witness and learn about Inha’s historical background and identity,” and added, “It was truly inspiring for young international students pursuing Korean Studies.”

The K-Academic Diffusion Research Center at Inha University stated, “We will continue to collaborate with the scholars within the field of Korean Studies worldwide, leading the expansion of Korean Studies content and fostering substantial international academic exchange.”