By Honorary Reporter Ishani Ghosh from India
Photos = Sandip Mishra's Twitter Account, Wikimedia Commons

Sandip Mishra said he initially grew interested in Korea due to Korean politics and North Korea's nuclear crisis.

Sandip Mishra, an associate professor at the School of International Studies of Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, India, is a specialist in Korean politics, foreign policy and human rights as well as international relations in East Asia.

In this interview, he describes his journey in Korean studies. The interview was conducted on October 15th by email.

What inspired you to study Korea?
I initially grew interested in Korean politics through the North Korean nuclear issue and wrote my dissertation on this topic. My interest gradually expanded to Korean politics, foreign policy and human rights and international relations in East Asia in general. 

How was learning Korean at Yonsei and Sogang universities in Seoul?
Yonsei's Korean-language course emphasized grammar and Sogang's stressed communication. Both experiences were complementary and I benefited immensely from them. 

The professor learned Korean at Yonsei (left) and Sogang (right) universities in Seoul.

What do you hope to express in your columns carried by media in both Korea and India?

Incidentally I also wrote a monthly column for Korea.net for two to three years from 2007-08. Through my columns, I try to articulate an Indian perspective on issues related to Korea. My distance from Korea also helps me look at things in a more detached way.

Has interest in Korean studies grown at your university?
Over the last five years, more students have shown interest in Korean studies and the quantity and quality of scholarships in the field appear promising.

How have you fostered India-Korea relations in academia?
As an academic, I've tried to bring out similarities and differences in various domains of both countries through my research and writing. In-depth research on them will help policymakers in both countries to expand areas of cooperation and learn from each other.

What advice do you have for Indian students pursuing Korean studies?
The goal must be to know Korea and learn from it. If students like the journey of Korean studies, the final destination will automatically be great. So my suggestion is to enjoy the journey without being too bothered about the outcome.

kalhong617@korea.net

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.