KOREAN HISTORIANS' STUDY OF CENTRAL ASIAN HISTORY

Аннотация

This article explores how Korean historians have approached the study of Central Asian history, examining their methodologies, thematic focuses, and contributions to the broader historiographical landscape. Byreviewing scholarly literature, conducting acomparative analysis, andapplying qualitative research methods, this paper identifies key patterns in the historiography andevaluates theimpact ofKorean scholarship in international historical discourse. Keywords: Korean historians, Central Asian history, historiography, Silk Road, cultural exchange, nomadicempires, Korean academia, historical methodology, Eurasia, Mongol Empire, Buddhist transmission, trade routes, national identity, history of diplomacy, comparative history, Turkic peoples, historical narratives, historical sources, Korean scholarship, historical interpretation Introduction The study of Central Asian history has long intrigued scholars due to the region's rich cultural mosaic, strategic location, and its role as a historical crossroads of civilizations. Korean historians, influenced by both regional dynamics and national academic traditions, have increasingly contributed to this field, particularly since the late 20th century. This article investigates the trajectory and characteristics of Korean historical research focused on Central Asia. It seeks to illuminate how Korean scholars interpret the region's past, what themes they prioritize, and howtheirwork interacts with global historiographical trends. Given Korea's own historical interactions with Central Asia—especially during periods of Silk Road commerce and the Mongol Empire—there is both a scholarly and cultural impetus to explore this nexus. Additionally, the post-Cold War reconfiguration of international relations and Korea’s expanding diplomatic and economic ties with Central Asian countries have further stimulated academic interest. Scholars in Korea have recognized the strategic importance of Central Asia not only as a historical subject but also as a contemporary region with growing relevance inforeign policy, cultural diplomacy, and regional cooperation. This study is also timely in light of broader academic developments in global and trans regional history, which encourage a departure from nationally bound historical narratives. Korean historians, by embracing such frameworks, are increasingly integrating Central Asian studies into global discourses. The inclusion of Korean perspectives adds critical diversity to the historiography of the region, especially in terms of cultural affinity and regional connectivity. Korean scholars bring not only new questions but also unique archival resources and analytical frameworks that contribute to the pluralization of historical narratives. Through an IMRAD- structured analysis, this paper evaluates the existing literature, research methodologies, and the broader implications of Korean historiographical perspectives on Central Asia, contributing to an enriched understanding ofinterconnected histories across Eurasia. 94 Volume 4, issue 6, 2025 Given Korea's own historical interactions with Central Asia—especially during periods of Silk Road commerce and the Mongol Empire—there is both a scholarly and cultural impetus to explore this nexus. Additionally, the post-Cold War reconfiguration of international relations and Korea’s expanding diplomatic and economic ties with Central Asian countries have further stimulated academic interest. Scholars in Korea have recognized the strategic importance of Central Asia not only as a historical subject but also as a contemporary region with growing relevance inforeign policy, cultural diplomacy, and regional cooperation. This study is also timely in light of broader academic developments in global and trans regional history, which encourage a departure from nationally bound historical narratives. Korean historians, by embracing such frameworks, are increasingly integrating Central Asian studies into global discourses. Through an IMRAD-structured analysis, this paper evaluates the existing literature, research methodologies, and the broader implications of Korean historiographical perspectives on Central Asia, contributing to an enriched understanding of interconnected historiesacross Eurasia. Analysis of Literature on the Topic The scholarly exploration of Central Asian history by Korean historians is relatively recent but has grown substantially over the past few decades. Early Korean interest in Central Asia emerged during the Cold War period, largely through Soviet historiography and translations of Russian sources. With the collapse of the Soviet Union and the independence of Central Asian republics in the early 1990s, Korean scholars gained direct access to local archives and engaged in fieldwork, which significantly expanded the academicscope. One of the foundational figures in this area is Professor Kim Ho-dong, whose research on the Mongol Empire and Uyghur history is internationally recognize