The Institute of International Affairs (IIA) at Seoul National University’s Graduate School of International Studies (GSIS) fosters transformative thinking and creative policy alternatives on diverse international issues and regional affairs. We strive to understand the structures and processes that drive global change in various issue-areas of international relations, analysing political-economic institutions and local-international nexus, and advancing and diversifying knowledge on power dynamics in our fields of study. Accordingly, our work aims to influence theories, analyses, and practices in international and area studies, both in Korea and worldwide.

 The IIA promotes intellectual breadth, depth, and vibrancy through seminars, conferences, workshops and academic journals, which keep us at the cutting edge of research and scholarship. We also aim to contribute to the development of policy solutions tailored to the current realities of the Korean Peninsula, and to promote Korea’s role as a leading middle power in international society. We collaborate externally with foreign scholars, policy think tanks, international institutions and local organizations to co-create and share knowledge and ideas for Korea and the world.

 In 2019, with the support of SK Telecom, the IIA underwent a reorganization that included strengthening its research team, financial restructuring, and the physical reconstruction of its facilities, establishing a stronger foundation for its future growth. The IIA continues to focus on researching various international issues, serving as a platform for academic exchange and policy development in the field of international and area studies. Our research spans a wide range of global issues, from security and global governance to migration and human rights, from poverty and inequality to technological innovation and digital transformation, from international commerce to climate change and energy. We also conduct area studies, including those on Northeast Asia (Japan and China), Southeast Asia, Europe, Latin America, and so forth.

 The IIA bears intellectual freedom as the lifeblood of an academic institution. In our pursuit and dissemination of knowledge through the IIA, we sustain open and critical inquiries, exchange creative ideas, and advocate freedom of speech and expression. We promote constructive debate and discussion in an atmosphere of recognizing and upholding mutual respect, tolerance, and rights to development of all members of international community. We sincerely ask for your continued interest and support for the IIA.