UWA will establish the first Korea Research Centre in the State, providing a dedicated hub for Korean studies and research.

UWA was one of only two universities outside Korea to be awarded the five-year, $1.1 million Korean Studies Core Program grant by the Academy of Korean Studies.

The establishment of the Korea Research Centre is being supported by UWA and the Academy of Korean Studies.

The Centre will support education programs for Korean Studies and promote Korea-focused research and engagement with industry. 

Since the signing of the Korea-Australia Free trade Agreement in 2014, South Korea has emerged as Western Australia’s fourth largest export market.

A team of Korea researchers led by Associate Professor Jo Elfving-Hwang from UWA’s School of Social Sciences will support the Centre’s establishment.

Associate Professor Elfving-Hwang said the Centre will promote collaboration between researchers engaged in Korea-related research in WA as well as connect them with stakeholders in the WA business community, State government and not-for-profit organisations with Australia-Korea interests.

“We are very excited to set up a dedicated Korea Research Centre, which we hope will inspire those with an interest in the field and attract them to collaborate with our institution” Professor Elfving-Hwang said. 

UWA Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Education Dean of Research Professor Benjamin Smith said UWA was the only university in Western Australia to offer a Korean Studies undergraduate major and PhD program.

“The University is perfectly positioned to become the hub for Korean Studies in Western Australia and empower the next generation of Korean studies scholars,” Professor Smith said.