해외 한국학 연구의 새로운 시각과 연구 지평의 확대

Abstract

Korean studies overseas have grown based on their environment, social systems, and culture in each country, as a subject of Asian studies. Specifically, Korean studies overseas started from a part of regional studies. However, current Korean studies overseas tends to be seeking its own development, independent from regional Asian studies, closely interacting with domestic Korean studies. Recently, its broad expansion in research areas have diversified the research themes and interest topics in the field. Accordingly, Korean studies overseas need strategic approaches conducted in the basis of cultural differences and both academic and practical demands of each region. To this end, this paper classified Korean studies overseas into four regions applying its major characteristics; leading areas, developed areas, developing areas, and recently introduced areas. Furthermore, it is necessary to establish the strategic concept of ‘universal-comparative-intelligence’ of Korean studies according to the stage of development. In order to establish strategic approaches to Korean studies overseas in several countries or regions, Korean studies needs to Korean studies needs major shift from “unilateral spread and distribution of research results by domestic Korean studies centered on Korean language studies” to “presentation of academic Hallyu realizing the identity of Korean culture”. To this end, this paper makes specific proposals presented below. First, Korean studies overseas should develop in a continuous exchange with the achievements of neighboring studies such as humanities and East Asian studies for the new “academic Korean Wave.” Second, it is necessary to emphasize the importance of classical studies that have been neglected in Korean studies overseas. Second, this paper suggests that Korean studies should expand its research subjects to Korean classical studies written in Chinese letters even in the regions where they do not use Chinese characters. Through this convergence research with modern Korean studies and Korean classical studies, we can gain deeper understandings on Korean traditions, modern culture and even its future vision, extending our perspectives not only to humanities but also to social sciences. Lastly, The use of IT-based convergence research platforms will maximize the influence of traditional Korean studies and Korean studies overseas beyond their research methods. It is an important opportunity for its transition from ‘peripheral’ studies to ‘central’ studies in each overseas region. At the same time, it is hoped that Korean studies will become reflections and practical learning of current society.