President Korea Foundation op bezoek
On Friday morning, 18 October, Rector Magnificus Hester Bijl and Professor Remco Breuker welcomed Korea Foundation President Gheewan Kim.
They held a constructive discussion about the Korea Foundation's support for Korea Studies. The Korea Foundation's focus is broad. Kim indicated that the foundation also supports research in technical subjects, public-private partnerships, and the arts. The Korea Foundation has supported multiple forums for Korea Studies, including, for instance, a forum held in Poland for Korea Studies partners in Eastern Europe.
Kim noted that Leiden is the largest and most important hub for Korea Studies in Europe. Breuker responded by commenting that the situation for humanities does not look very favourable, despite the social relevance that the humanities offer.
Forum
Following the meeting, Bijl and Kim opened the forum on Korea Studies that was held that day. At the forum, European and Korean experts discussed the European strengthening of Korea Studies and the formation of a consortium for university libraries with Korea Studies. The forum was organised with support from the Korea Foundation, Leiden Korea Studies, and the University Library.