Peace Corps Volunteers and the Making of Korean Studies in the United States

This book explores how Peace Corps volunteers in South Korea, from 1966 to 1981, influenced Korean studies in the U.S. through their experiences, shaping academic perspectives and fostering lasting connections.

"Peace Corps Volunteers and the Making of Korean Studies in the United States" explores the profound impact that Peace Corps service had on the development of Korean studies in the U.S. Between 1966 and 1981, over two thousand volunteers traveled to South Korea to teach English and provide healthcare. A notable number of these individuals returned to academia, becoming key figures in the emergence of a new wave of scholars focused on Korea. This volume examines how their experiences in a nation still recovering from war shaped their academic pursuits and the field of Korean studies as a whole.

The contributors, former Peace Corps volunteers turned scholars, reflect on their time in South Korea during a period marked by military dictatorship. They discuss the challenges they faced, the cultural insights they gained, and the gender issues that arose during their service. Their narratives reveal how seemingly random assignments often sparked a deep and lasting passion for Korea, influencing their research interests and career trajectories.

Additionally, the book includes perspectives from scholars who did not serve in the Peace Corps but recognize its significant role in shaping Korean studies in the United States. An afterword by Kathleen Stephens, a former U.S. ambassador to South Korea and a Peace Corps volunteer herself, adds a personal touch to the narrative. Overall, this volume highlights the enduring connections formed through Peace Corps service and their lasting influence on the academic landscape of Korean studies.