Welcome to the

Center of K-Academic expansion project (KAEP)

Greetings

Welcome to the K-Academic Expansion Project — a global hub for advancing Korean philosophy.

The K-Academic Expansion Project was launched on July 1, 2021, under the Institute of Korean Philosophy and Culture at Sungkyunkwan University, with support from the Ministry of Education and the Korean Studies Promotion Service at the Academy of Korean Studies. The project aims to promote greater communication and the global dissemination of Korean philosophy. Over the next five years, we will develop and share online content that bridges the past, present, and future of Korean philosophy—while also serving as a vital link between Korean and international academic communities.  

Korean Philosophy: Not Just the Past, but a "Living Tradition."

We understand Korean philosophy not as a relic of the past, but as a living tradition—one that continues to evolve through dynamic reinterpretation shaped by Korea’s identity at the crossroads of cultural boundaries. Our center seeks to move beyond conventional discourses that limit Korean philosophy to self-contained ideas, frame it merely as a refined branch of Chinese philosophy, or interpret it strictly within the lens of Western modernity. By exploring why Korean philosophy remains relevant today — and how it can offer meaningful responses to universal human questions — we aim to develop educational content that brings Korean philosophy into dialogue with the global philosophical community.
 

Development of Korean Philosophy Textbooks and Curricula

As global interest in Korean culture continues to grow and Korean Studies programs expand rapidly around the world, there is a rising demand for a deeper understanding of the philosophies and ideas that form the foundation of Korean culture. However, in the field of philosophy, there remains a shortage of qualified educators who can accurately and comprehensively teach Korean philosophical traditions. Furthermore, existing Korean Studies textbooks used abroad rarely incorporate recent domestic research, resulting in limited or outdated perspectives.
Due to this shortage, Korean philosophy is often taught within Chinese or Japanese frameworks, rather than acknowledged as an independent and distinctive intellectual tradition. To address this gap, it is more urgent than ever to develop textbooks and curricula on Korean philosophy that offer a balanced, well-informed, and globally accessible perspective.

Expanding to the World through Exchange and Communication

Our center is committed to building an integrated education and research model that fosters meaningful exchange between Korean philosophy scholars at home and abroad, creating new synergies through dialogue and collaboration. Over the next five years, we will produce and share educational content that not only captures the richness of Korean philosophy but also engages in active conversation with global philosophical communities. Rather than simply compiling colorful video lectures, our approach focuses on framing philosophical issues in context — drawing on existing research while encouraging new interpretations and insights. Through high-quality, accessible content tailored for global audiences, we aim to carry forward the legacy of Korean philosophy in both its traditional depth and modern relevance — ultimately bridging Korean and international academia. We welcome your interest, participation, and support as we take this journey forward. Thank you.

Director of the K-Academic expansion project PARK, SOJEONG