KSU will host lectures, art exhibits, cultural performances and an international conference
on digital games to mark the “Year of Korea.” KSU launched the “Year of” series ––
an annual, year-long, curriculum-based study of a particular country or area of the
world –– 26 years ago. The “Year of Turkey” concluded this summer.
The university is working together with more than 10 partners, including civic and
service organizations, governmental agencies and academic institutions in the U.S.
and Korea to offer a variety of academic programs focusing on Korea throughout the
year.
“We are very excited to join our partners in facilitating an enlightening and comprehensive
study of Korea,” said KSU President Daniel S. Papp. “It is a diverse land with an
intriguing history, rich cultural traditions and impressive technological developments.
Kennesaw State University's campus community and our guests who will attend the year's
events will certainly help gain greater understanding of North Korea and South Korea."
Papp has traveled to South Korea twice since 2008 to meet with government officials
and top administrators at Hanyang University in Seoul’s Seongdong-gu district and
Woosong University in Daejeon.
Closer to campus, a multidisciplinary team of KSU administrators, faculty and students
has worked for more than a year with the Korean American Association of Greater Atlanta
and other groups to plan cultural exhibitions and performances, lectures, conferences,
academic courses, study-abroad and faculty exchange programs. A two-day, digital game
conference featuring the latest gaming technology –– South Korea is a recognized global
leader in the field –– has been added to this year’s calendar of events.
With some 70 million people, Korea is situated in eastern Asia, bordering China and
Russia, and separated from Japan by the Korea Strait. Once referred to as the “hermit
kingdom” for its fierce independence and isolationism, in the 20th century it has experienced occupation by Japan, political encroachment by Russia,
France and the U.S., civil war and ideological differences that resulted in its separation
into two sovereign states — North and South Korea — and alliances with China and the
West, respectively.
“Korea is very compelling to study because of its unique history and vital place in
today’s world,” said Dan Paracka, director of international services and programs
at KSU and chair of the “Year of Korea” planning committee. “As it has been noted,
the Cold War started in Korea and still has not ended.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOU T THE YEAR OF KOREA AND FOR INFORMATION ABOUT UPCOMING EVENTS,
VISIT THE WEB SITE AT: http://www.kennesaw.edu/yearofkorea/
