Swiss scholar honored for promoting Korean studies abroad

By Kim Young-gyo
SEOUL, Dec. 10 (Yonhap) -- A Swiss scholar was honored Wednesday for promoting
Korean studies abroad, the awarding organization said.
Dr. Martina Deuchler, professor emerita of Korean Studies at the School of
Oriental and African Studies, University of London, is the first recipient of the
Korea Foundation Award, according to foundation officials.

The annual award was inaugurated this year to honor individuals that strive to
promote awareness of Korean culture in the international community.
Nominations were made by scholars and experts of Korean studies in South Korea as
well as abroad, and were reviewed by a selection committee in October.
"For this year's award, we have placed a priority on the scholars who have
contributed to laying a groundwork for the development of Korea-related studies
abroad," said Yim Sung-joon, head of the Korea Foundation, in a statement.
"Dr. Martina Deuchler's steadfast dedication to the advancement of Korean studies
can be readily seen in her numerous and noteworthy achievements. This includes
her being a founding member of the Association for Korean Studies in Europe,
serving as chairperson of the Korean Center at the University of London, and
receiving the Wiam Chang Chi-yon Memorial Award for Korean studies," he said.
The Korea Foundation was established in 1991 to broaden awareness and
understanding of Korea in the international community and to foster global
friendship. It is engaged in a wide range of academic, cultural, and
people-to-people exchanges to increase Korea's exposure globally.
ygkim@yna.co.kr
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