About WAHS
Learn about our history, mission, and global impact in Hallyu studies
Our Story
The World Association for Hallyu Studies (WAHS) is an international academic organization comprising scholars and practitioners engaged in the study and promotion of Hallyu across diverse disciplines.
Recognizing Hallyu's emergence as both a significant cultural phenomenon and a vital area of scholarly inquiry, WAHS seeks to integrate theoretical perspectives with practical applications to advance comprehensive understanding of Korean popular culture and its global impact.
Following its inaugural general meeting in January 2013, WAHS was officially incorporated with the approval of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in March of the same year. Since 2021, the Association has established 36 overseas branches in 26 countries, thereby cultivating a global network that fosters transnational collaboration, research exchange, and cross-cultural communication through the study of Hallyu.
Legal Status
WAHS was registered as a legal donation organization on June 30, 2016, and is incorporated under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Korea. This official recognition underscores our commitment to academic excellence and transparent governance.
Our Mission
We are dedicated to fostering scholarly research and academic discourse on Korean popular culture and its global influence. Through our world congresses, academic publications, and international network, we bring together researchers from diverse fields to advance understanding of the Korean Wave phenomenon.
Our Vision
To be the leading global platform for Hallyu studies, connecting scholars worldwide and promoting rigorous academic research that contributes to our understanding of Korean culture's international impact and significance in the 21st century.