Development and Prospects of Korean Studies in Shandong Province from a Regional Studies Perspective

This study examines the crisis facing Korean universities due to declining birth rates and explores the development direction of Korean Studies, particularly focusing on China’s Shandong Province. The research addresses the phenomenon where regional universities are closing “in the order that cherry blossoms bloom,” starting from southern regions distant from the capital area, leading to severe regional hollowing-out effects and social problems. The historical development of Korean Studies is traced from its origins as “Joseon Studies” during the Japanese colonial period in the early 20th century, evolving through “National Studies” after liberation and “Korean Studies” following national division. The recent Korean Wave (Hallyu) has significantly increased global interest in Korean culture, revitalizing Korean Studies research worldwide. In China, Korean language departments rapidly expanded after the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992. However, since 2015, deteriorating Korea-China relations and the advancement of AI translation technology have led many departments to suspend new student recruitment. Shandong Province experienced approximately 60% reduction, from 31 to 22 programs. To address these challenges, this study proposes four development strategies for Korean Studies in Shandong Province: (1) cultivating interdisciplinary talent combining Korean language proficiency with expertise in politics, diplomacy, and international relations; (2) conducting Korean Studies research from an “other’s perspective” and establishing comprehensive databases; (3) developing creative and practical Korean Studies programs; and (4) expanding faculty research capabilities beyond traditional linguistics and literature. The study emphasizes leveraging the geographical proximity between the Shandong Peninsula and Korea for historical-cultural resource excavation and cultural content development. It concludes that Korean Studies must simultaneously pursue academic rigor and popular appeal, evolving in creative and practical directions that meet contemporary societal demands while maintaining scholarly integrity.