Conference: Global Korean Literature at the Crossroads

Korean literary studies in North America, once a discipline held together by the dedication of a few scholars, is a burgeoning field today. The last few years saw the publication of an unprecedented number of scholarly monographs and translations. Major universities throughout the United States and Canada are increasing their course offerings in Korean literature. In light of these transformations, the inaugural meeting of the Korean Literature Association (formerly NAOKOL/ASK-LC), to be held at Duke University on  November 13-14, 2015, will reflect on where we are and where we are headed as a field.

The gathering brings together North American scholars working on a wide range of topics in Korean literature and culture including performance, art, and film. The purpose of the gathering is to nurture emerging scholarship, especially at the graduate level, and to create a venue for an open exchange among scholars, writers, translators, and publishers. Two contemporary writers from South Korea will be featured speakers. Events also include bilingual readings and brown-bag lunchtime discussions with authors and students.