We are now accepting applications for the annual Pacific Graduate Conference for Korean Studies at USC (PaCKS). This conference aims to foster a multidisciplinary community of local and regional graduate students whose research projects significantly engage Korean society and culture across the periods. It offers a platform for emerging scholars to present their work-in-progress, receive feedback from faculty and peers, and participate in interdisciplinary discussions within a supportive environment.

We welcome applicants from the humanities and social sciences who are conducting research related to Korea, East Asia, or Asian diasporas. Submissions that situate Korea within broader comparative or theoretical frameworks are especially encouraged. Previous panels at the conference included a wide range of subjects such as gender issues in contemporary media, Sinitic influences in premodern Korea, South Korean immigration policy, and more.

Each panel will be moderated by a faculty discussant who will comment on and contribute  to student presentations. To apply, please submit your CV and a 250-word abstract with a list of 3–5 keywords to the Google Form by March 16, 2026. If you are applying as a panel, please include both a panel abstract as well as individual abstracts for each panelist. Preference will be given to those who can present in person. Selected applicants will be notified by April 13, 2026. Full papers should be submitted by September 11, 2026 and presentation materials by September 25. The conference will take place on October 2-3, 2026.

For inquiries, contact the organizing committee at uscpacks@gmail.com.

Fall 2026 Conference Organizing Committee

  • Jiwoong Choi (East Asian Languages and Cultures)
  • Caitlyn Chung (EALC)
  • Seungjin Han (POIR)
  • Xiangyi Hou (EALC)
  • Fiona Xu (EALC)

2025 Conference Program

The Fall 2025 Graduate Conference in Korean Studies took place on October 24-25, 2025 on the USC campus. Over two days, junior scholars presented their papers on topics related to women artists, portrayal of Korean identities in the media, history literature, Buddhism, modernization, rhetoric in premodern Korea, and translation and multilingual texts. The panelists comprised of graduate students at USC and beyond. Through their participation, a number of programs from across the country and even across the Pacific were represented, including Duke University, Ewha Womens University, George Washington University, Ohio State University, Seoul National University, UC Davis, UC Irvine, UCLA, and Yale University. Click here for the full program

Fall 2025 Conference Organizing Committee

  • Jiwoong Choi (East Asian Languages and Cultures)
  • Caitlyn Chung (EALC)
  • Jaewuk Kim (EALC)
  • Ray Kyooyoung Ra (SCA)
  • Tian Jing Teh (EALC)
  • Fiona Xu (EALC)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can a paper I submit here be submitted elsewhere for presentation or publication?
A: Papers used for this conference do not have any restrictions in publishing or use before or after the conference.

Q: Is there any financial support for travel?
A: There is no funding for travel or accommodations.

Q: Is a PowerPoint required for the presentation?
A: No, you are not required to use PowerPoint.

Q: What is the panel format?
A: Each presenter gets 7-10 minutes, followed by discussant feedback and audience Q&A with time remaining after all presentations. More detailed guidelines will be sent out to accepted presenters and discussants.

Q: My paper is not just on Korea – can I still apply?
A: Papers with Korea in comparative contexts are eligible to apply, as well as papers on non-Korea Asian and Diaspora topics.

Q: Can Masters students apply?
A: Preference will be given to Ph.D. students but Masters students are welcome to apply.

Q: Will this year’s conference be virtual or have a virtual option?
A: Currently, we do not have plans to host the conference online or to include a virtual option.