The United States has long played a crucial role in the geopolitics and economics of Korea. Formally initiated during the late nineteenth century, Korea-U.S. relations extended through the country’s national liberation in 1945, the founding of the Korean government, and the Korean War. Over the course of this period, the U.S. extend a profound influence on Korean politics, economic structure, society, and culture. Today, the U.S. remains one of the most important trading partners and allies of Korea.

For these reasons, we cannot overemphasize the importance of American studies in Korea today. The discipline of American studies was founded in the 1960s in the United States with a view to understanding the diverse aspects of American society and culture. In Korea, the program of American studies responds to the added challenge of studying the presence and influence of the U.S. in the context of Korean politics and history. The American Studies Institute of Seoul National University was founded in 1976 to meet the growing need for in-depth scholarly research on American society and its culture. The Institute promotes research projects, publishes scholarly papers and monographs, sponsors annual seminars and operates a research library. The Institute thus aims at providing scholarly support for work in American studies as well as contributing to the Korea-U.S. relations in general.

The Institute invites inquiries from all interested scholars who would like to be informed about its programs and activities. It also invites support from groups of individuals who would like to contribute to its projects and goals.