About the Center

The Center for Korean Studies at Stony Brook University was established in 1989, building on Korean Studies courses that had been offered at Stony Brook since 1982—among the earliest in the United States. Since its founding, the Center has served as a vibrant academic and cultural hub dedicated to advancing education, research, and global understanding of Korea.

Its mission is to promote excellence in teaching and scholarship while fostering intercultural communication through the study of Korea’s language, culture, history, and philosophy. The Center is particularly committed to enhancing the visibility of premodern Korean studies, bringing a well-deserved academic balance to research and teaching in Korean Studies within North American academia. Through this commitment, the Center aims to bridge Korea’s premodern intellectual traditions with its modern and contemporary developments, cultivating a more comprehensive understanding of Korean civilization.

Looking ahead, the Center envisions itself as a national leader in Korean Studies. It continues to strengthen its academic programs, support innovative research, and expand community engagement through conferences, publications, and cultural events. By connecting campus and off-campus communities, the Center deepens intercultural dialogue and promotes a richer appreciation of Korea’s place in the global intellectual and cultural landscape.