Since its establishment in 1988 within the East Asian Institute (now the Weatherhead East Asian Institute), the Center for Korean Research has played a leading role in the study of Korea within Columbia University and the New York City area. By sponsoring public lectures, conferences, workshops, visiting scholars, and individual research, the CKR has helped to make Korea an increasingly important focus of attention within the East Asian studies programs at Columbia, as well as within the disciplinary departments and professional schools.  

The mission of the CKR is:

- ŸTo encourage and promote research, teaching, study, and public outreach about Korea in the social sciences and the humanities at Columbia University across disciplines, schools and programs

 

- To bring together scholars and students from Columbia and other institutions of higher learning, public officials, community and business leaders, and members of the general public in order to conduct research and hold discussions on matters of key concern in Korean affairs

 

- To raise the level of awareness and knowledge of Korean culture, history, politics, society and economy within the Columbia University community, the New York metropolitan area, the United States, and abroad