KSRI Mission - Vanguard Doc Fest

Korean Studies Research Institute (KSRI)

(an independent research initiative in Southern California)

“Applied Korean Studies:
Story, Community, and Global Impact”

Objective:

The objective of the Korean Studies Research Institute is to develop a nationally distinctive Korean Studies program that integrates history, civic engagement, media production, oral history, and community engagement into a unified, production-based educational experience. The program aims to help students understand the past while using today’s resources, technology, and interdisciplinary learning to create meaningful cultural content and prepare future generations for global leadership and professional opportunities.

Mission:

The mission of the Korean Studies Research Institute is to redefine Korean Studies through an innovative, applied, and production-based educational model that connects history, culture, policy, media, and community engagement, in alignment with Vanguard University’s mission to pursue knowledge, cultivate character, deepen faith, and equip students for a Spirit-empowered life of Christ-centered leadership. Through collaboration with professionals, organizations, and community partners such as CARE Projects and platforms including Vanguard Doc Fest, the institute seeks to transform students into active creators, researchers, and storytellers who produce meaningful content that celebrates life, culture, history, and human connection.

Vision:

The vision of the Korean Studies Research Institute is to become a globally recognized model for interdisciplinary Korean Studies education by combining academic scholarship, creative media production, cultural preservation, and global community engagement. The institute envisions empowering future generations of students to become globally connected leaders, thoughtful researchers, and impactful storytellers who preserve and share Korean cultural narratives through innovative learning, professional collaboration, and public engagement.