The Royal Asiatic Society- Korea Branch has been enhancing an understanding of Korean arts, customs, history and social trends through lectures, cultural excursions and special publications since it's founding more than a century ago.  In that time, the RASKB and it's unusual cohort of members (including missionaries, diplomats and other expatriates) have witnessed every aspect of Korea's contemporary history, from occupation, colonization and fratricidal war to a modern era of democracy, development and international cultural influence.  On this episode of The Korea File RASKB vice-president Steven Shields joins host Andre Goulet to explore the fascinating history of one of the country's oldest institutions. Subscribe to The Korea File on iTunes and support the show at patreon.com/thekoreafile Find out more about upcoming RASKB lectures and events at raskb.com This conversation was recorded on April 21st, 2019.