The Institute of Russian Studies at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies was established in 1972 as Korea’s first research institute dedicated to the Socialist Bloc, under the name “Institute for the Study of the USSR and Eastern Europe.” Since then, it has laid the groundwork for Soviet and Eastern European studies in Korea. In response to significant changes in the global political landscape—including the establishment of diplomatic relations between Korea and Russia in 1990 and the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991—the institute was renamed the “Institute of Russian Studies” in 1993. It has since expanded and deepened its research, not only on Russia but also on Central Asia and Eastern Europe.

A major turning point in the institute’s development came when it was selected for the Humanities Korea (HK) program by the National Research Foundation of Korea. From 2009 to 2019, the institute successfully carried out a decade-long project titled “Korean Reinterpretation of the Russian Humanities Space.”Since 2019, it has continued its work seamlessly through the HK+ program under the theme “Reinterpreting Russia’s Humanistic Space: Russia in the World, the World in Russia.”

Today, Russia is gradually reclaiming the influence it held before the dissolution of the Soviet Union and reasserting itself as a global power. Despite worsening relations with the West due to the war in Ukraine, Russia has hosted BRICS summits to reduce its international isolation and expand its political, economic, and military influence among Global South nations. Additionally, Russia is actively developing resources, opening Arctic sea routes, and establishing new military and scientific facilities in the Arctic—a region increasingly regarded as a critical frontier for the future of humanity. These actions are also impacting Northeast Asia and prompting shifts in the regional dynamics around the Korean Peninsula. In this context, research and policy engagement regarding Russia and the broader concept of the “Russian World” (Russkiy Mir, Русский мир) have become crucial to shaping South Korea’s future. The Institute of Russian Studies remains committed to pursuing these research goals with dedication and rigor.

The progress we have made thus far was only possible thanks to the steadfast support and encouragement of many individuals. I extend my deepest gratitude to the senior professors who founded the institute and laid its foundation, to the alumni of the Department of Russian at our Seoul Campus and the Department of Russian Studies at our Global Campus, and to scholars from Russia-related research institutes both in Korea and abroad. Above all, I would like to thank our current full-time researchers for their hard work and dedication.

Moving forward, the Institute of Russian Studies aims to become a dynamic center for independent and creative research. With your continued support, we will take bold steps toward a brighter future.

Thank you

Wooik Choi
Director
Institute of Russian Studies
Hankuk University of Foreign Studies