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AKSE Conference in Italy : a Memorable Experience

"I have now realized my young dreams.”These were the words of Johann Wolfgang Goethe as he landed in Rome during the winter of 1786. Although today’s Italy is a more complex society, it is still a fascinating country that is both romantic and fanciful. In Frascati, a small garden city on the outskirts of Rome, the 21st Conference of the Association for Korean Studies in Europe (AKSE) was held from April 10 to April 13. In ancient times, Frascati was known as a resort for Roman emperors. Nowadays it is famous for its white wine.

The AKSE was inaugurated in London in 1977 in order to facilitate international exchanges of Korean Studies scholars and students. The results of their research activities would then be propagated for the purpose of promoting Korean Studies across Europe. An AKSE conference was held annually until 1991; thereafter, it became a biennial event. Marking its 21st anniversary this year, the AKSE conference is the oldest and best-known conference on Korean Studies in Europe. This year’s conference was particularly significant as it was held in Italy for the first time.“The AKSE traveled through the Alps, peacefully armed with Korean Studies, in the manner that Hannibal Barca of Carthage marched through the mountains for the first time to conquer Rome,”said Professor Antonetta Bruno from the University of La Sapienza Roma.

More than 70 papers on Korean Studies Presented
Attended by some 140 scholars from a number of European countries, the conference was the largest in the history of the AKSE. Scholars attended from such countries as Russia, Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Kazakhstan, as well as Western European nations, including the U.K., France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands. Also taking part in the AKSE conference were Korean Studies scholars and students from Korea, the United States and Japan. The numerous papers presented during the conference were all of the highest academic quality.

The four-day event saw the participants divided into 15 groups, with more than 70 papers presented. The papers covered a wide range of topics, including all facets of Korean society: history, culture, language, politics, economy, religion, and the arts. Each group introduced as many as five papers with twenty minutes allotted for the presentation of each, followed by a ten-minute question and answer session.

Though time was short, most participants engaged in very lively and in-depth discussions. Even during intermissions, some participants were seen having heated exchanges on a variety of subjects. It would seem that the conference sparked a great deal of passion and enthusiasm for Korean Studies.

Importance of FoundationPrograms Verified
Among prominent participants at this year’s conference were Martina Deuchler, former professor at London University, Werner Sasse, professor at the University of Hamburg, and Boudewijn Walraven, professor at Leiden University in the Netherlands. These scholars have played a pivotal role in advancing Korean Studies in Europe. Papers were also presented by relatively young scholars who have just recently begun to teach, as well as M.A. and Ph.D candidates, confirming that there is a keen European interest in Korean Studies. In light of the fact that most of these young scholars and graduate students have received financial support from the Korea Foundation, it would seem that the Foundation has played a central role in expanding Korean Studies in Europe through a variety of fellowship programs.

More Care and Practical Support Needed
Although the four-day conference seemed brief, it definitely provided a valuable opportunity for its participants to learn more about their respective fields of study. They were also able to keep up with recent trends in Korean Studies in Europe and exchange professional and personal information.

Some of this year’s participants were self-funded, although they did not present papers. They held lively discussions on the future direction of Korean Studies during the conference sessions, indicating that the AKSE now plays a prominent role in Korean Studies circles in Europe. I personally spoke with many of this year’s participants. Based on my conversations with them, I feel that more efficient and practical support programs will be needed for more successful 22nd AKSE conference in 2005.

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