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Representing Korean Buddhism: Toward a Transnational Understanding of the Field of Korean Buddhist Studies

Korea Journal / Korea Journal, (P)0023-3900; (E)2733-9343
2021, v.61 no.3, pp.153-180
https://doi.org/10.25024/kj.2021.61.3.153
Sem VERMEERSCH (Seoul National University)
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Abstract

At first glance, it seems that the relation between the study of Korean Buddhism within Korea and outside it can be characterized by the metaphor of osmosis: while Korean research freely travels to other academic communities that cite, critique, or otherwise engage it, Western scholarship on Korean Buddhism rarely receives any mention in Korean scholarship. Differing research agendas, linguistic barriers, and cultural assumptions can be identified as stumbling blocks, together with incompatible terminology. However, looking at the bigger picture, it is unmistakable that research agendas are growing increasingly closer. This article will attempt to briefly chart the intertwined histories of academic research on Korean Buddhism in Korea and in the West, identify the hurdles to meaningful exchange in both directions, and formulate some strategies for closing the gaps that separate academic communities.

keywords
At first glance, it seems that the relation between the study of Korean Buddhism within Korea and outside it can be characterized by the metaphor of osmosis: while Korean research freely travels to other academic communities that cite, critique, or otherwise engage it, Western scholarship on Korean Buddhism rarely receives any mention in Korean scholarship. Differing research agendas, linguistic barriers, and cultural assumptions can be identified as stumbling blocks, together with incompatible
Submission Date
2021-01-07
Revised Date
2021-04-19
Accepted Date
2021-04-19

Korea Journal